𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗬 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗧: Machinery Moves Into Position for Pier Bridge Replacement

On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup documented crews from Shimmick Construction Company, Inc. working on new potholes along the south side of the Santa Monica Pier in front of the Heal the Bay Aquarium. The work is part of early preparation for the installation of a temporary pedestrian bridge tied to the Pier Bridge Replacement Project.

Crews were observed drilling small test holes into the pavement — a process known as potholing — to confirm the exact location of underground utilities and to assess soil conditions beneath the pier. The contractor also relocated the large trash compactor that had been positioned under the pier, moving it into the nearby parking lot staging area to clear space for upcoming work and equipment.

According to the project schedule, potholing is expected to begin in earnest on Monday, January 5, 2026, and continue for approximately four weeks. The work will take place along the south side of the pier between Ocean Front Walk and Moomat Ahiko Way. Officials have stated that no road or walkway closures are required for this phase and that business access and visitor activity on the pier will not be impacted.

Potholing consists of drilling small, targeted holes into pavement to visually confirm the presence, depth, and alignment of underground infrastructure such as water lines, electrical conduits, and communication cables. This allows construction teams to accurately plan utility protection or relocation and avoid conflicts during later excavation and bridge construction phases.

The Pier Bridge Replacement Project will replace the 86-year-old bridge connecting Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier, a structure originally built in 1939. The new bridge is designed to meet modern seismic and safety standards, improve pedestrian circulation, expand accessibility, and provide a projected 75-year service life. The project is being completed in advance of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

Construction is expected to continue through the end of 2027, with pier restaurants, shops, parking, and visitor access remaining open throughout the duration of the project. Temporary pedestrian bridges and vehicle ramps are planned to maintain access for the public, emergency services, deliveries, and pier operations during construction.

As part of the project, the historic blue Santa Monica Pier sign is scheduled to be removed in early 2026, restored off-site, and reinstalled near the end of construction at an elevated height for improved visibility and clearance.

Shimmick Construction Company, Inc., a nationally recognized infrastructure contractor, is leading the $35 million project. Approximately 75 percent of the funding is provided through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with the remaining costs covered by local transportation funds. City officials have stated that continued outreach with pier businesses and community stakeholders will remain a priority as construction progresses.

Santa Monica Closeup documents public infrastructure projects and civic improvements as they unfold.

#SantaMonicaPier #Potholing #Infrastructure #PublicWorks #SantaMonica #ShimmickConstruction
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