SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Monday, March 30, 2026 — Construction activity continued Monday at the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project, with crews working through a state holiday as multiple operations progressed across the site.

On the south side of the pier, crews with Malcolm Drilling were observed continuing column installation for the temporary pedestrian bridge. Using a large drill rig, workers advanced steel casings into the ground as part of the deep foundation system that will support the temporary structure.

Nearby, additional crews began preparing the pier deck adjacent to the carousel building. Workers removed sections of wooden decking, exposing underlying beams and utilities in preparation for upcoming drilling operations tied to the pedestrian bridge foundations.

At the same time, construction teams assembled modular steel bridge sections delivered last week. Using a JLG telehandler, crews lifted and positioned truss components while workers secured connections from ladders and elevated positions. The prefabricated sections are expected to form the structural backbone of the temporary pedestrian bridge once installation is complete.

Along the vehicle access route, crews installed chain-link fencing atop K-rail barriers, creating a defined and protected corridor for construction operations and future traffic flow. Additional signage was also placed throughout the pier and surrounding areas, directing visitors to businesses and attractions and emphasizing that the pier remains open during construction.

The coordinated work reflects continued progress on the multi-phase project, which aims to maintain public access while replacing the aging pier bridge with a modernized structure built to current safety and seismic standards.

The Pier Bridge Replacement Project is a multi-year infrastructure effort to replace the 86-year-old bridge that connects Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the pier. Originally constructed in 1939, the existing bridge no longer meets modern seismic, safety, and accessibility standards. The replacement structure is designed to improve pedestrian and vehicle circulation, enhance emergency access, and provide a projected service life of approximately 75 years.

The project is being completed in advance of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, with city officials emphasizing the importance of long-term durability and operational resilience. Funding for the roughly $35 million project includes federal support through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, along with local transportation funds.

Construction is expected to continue through late 2027. City officials have stated that pier businesses, parking, and visitor access are expected to remain open throughout the project, with temporary pedestrian routes and vehicle ramps used to maintain access during each construction phase.

Santa Monica Closeup continues to document infrastructure projects and public works activity across Santa Monica and the Westside as construction milestones unfold.

#SantaMonica #SantaMonicaPier #PierBridgeProject #ConstructionUpdate #BridgeConstruction #Infrastructure #PublicWorks
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