Every week, Santa Monica Next republishes a story from City Manager Oliver Chi’s Weekly Update.
The Pier Bridge Replacement Project reached a visible milestone this week. On Friday, June 5, the Engineering and Street Services Division completed construction of a new temporary pedestrian bridge that will serve as the primary public entrance to the Pier for the remainder of construction.
The new route sits about 30 feet south of the original entrance, adjacent to The Lobster Restaurant, and importantly, the Pier remains fully open and accessible, with every restaurant, shop, and attraction operating as usual throughout the project!
The temporary bridge is designed to make a strong visual impression. Visitors crossing it will find colorful, eye-catching artwork, clear wayfinding and directional elements, and spotlights highlighting local Pier businesses. While not ideal, the City is working to try and turn a construction detour into a visually enhanced arrival experience that will carry through to the project’s completion in late 2027.
With the temporary bridge now constructed, crews will close the existing Ocean Avenue entrance and begin preparing the current bridge for demolition, anticipated to begin in mid-June. In the meantime, the Pier remains reachable through several additional access points, including:
- Ocean Front Walk
- The protected walkway along the temporary vehicle ramp in Beach Parking Lot 1 North
- The stairs near Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Vehicles will continue to reach the Pier via the temporary ramp in Beach Parking Lot 1 North. Note that bikes, skateboards, and other small vehicles are not permitted on the temporary pedestrian bridge, a riders should use Seaside Terrace to access the Pier instead. Detour and wayfinding signage has been installed throughout the construction zone, and additional signage enhancements are being assessed by staff to try and better guide everyone safely during the construction work.
The Pier Bridge, built in 1939, is the only vehicular link between Ocean Avenue and one of California’s most beloved destinations. After more than eight decades of service, the structure no longer meet modern seismic or safety standards, and the new bridge will be a seismically sound structure with a wider, 15-foot sidewalk for pedestrians and cyclists… all while preserving the historic character and scenic views that make the crossing iconic. The roughly $35 million project broke ground in December 2025 and is on track for completion in late 2027.
We recognize that the project creates hardships accessing the Pier, and we’re grateful for everyone’s continued patience and support as this important project moves forward. For additional information and updates, please visit the Pier Bridge Replacement Project website here.
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