Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project

Published on December 10, 2025

A New Chapter for the Santa Monica Pier: What to Expect During the Pier Bridge Restoration

Exciting things are happening at the Santa Monica Pier! Construction is officially underway on a long-anticipated project to replace and upgrade the historic 86-year-old Santa Monica Pier Bridge.

This important restoration marks a major investment in the future of the Pier — and best of all, Pacific Park and Pier businesses will continue operating as normal throughout construction.

What’s Happening Now

Construction crews have begun mobilizing equipment and preparing the site, with early work focused on potholing and utility work, as well as widening and strengthening portions of the Pier in advance of bridge construction.

Parking & Access During Construction

To support the work, approximately half of the parking spaces at Beach Parking Lot 1 North will be used as a staging area for construction equipment. To make navigating the area easy, new wayfinding signage will guide guests to alternate parking options conveniently located near the Pier.

Temporary access improvements will also be put in place to keep the Pier easy to reach:

• A temporary pedestrian bridge will connect visitors from Ocean Avenue to the Pier

• A temporary vehicle ramp will maintain access for emergency vehicles, deliveries, and public parking

• Clear wayfinding and signage will guide visitors throughout the construction period

Why This Project Matters

Built in 1939, the Pier Bridge connects Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier, one of the city’s most iconic destinations. The project will construct a new bridge that is seismically upgraded, more accessible and designed to serve residents, visitors and businesses for decades to come.

The new bridge will:

• Meet modern seismic and safety standards

• Offer a 75-year service life

• Feature wider sidewalks to improve pedestrian comfort and safety

• Improve circulation with realigned walkways along the Pier deck

This long-term investment also prepares the Pier to welcome the world ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Project Timeline at a Glance

Here’s what to expect over the course of construction:

• January–June 2026: Temporary pedestrian and vehicle ramps installed

• January 2026: Pier sign removed for rehabilitation

• May–August 2026: Bridge demolition phase

• August 2026–December 2027: New bridge construction

• July 2027: Pier sign reinstalled

• December 2027: Project completion

Pacific Park Is Open and Ready for Fun

Throughout the project, Pacific Park will remain open and operating as usual, with rides, games, food, and seaside fun ready for guests every day. Please confirm our operating hours prior to visiting.

We look forward to seeing you soon!