𝗨𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗗: Crews Remove Trees for Pier Bridge Utility Work

On Thursday, January 22, 2026, crews with Shimmick Construction Company continued early-phase work associated with the Pier Bridge Replacement Project, carrying out tree removal, trench excavation, and ongoing utility investigations near the Santa Monica Pier.

As part of site preparation beneath the pier bridge, crews removed three black willow trees. The trees were cleared to accommodate upcoming utility and infrastructure work tied to the bridge replacement footprint and temporary construction facilities.

Crews also excavated a utility trench to install a new water line that will serve the on-site construction office. A tracked excavator was used to cut the trench alignment, with soil and debris staged nearby as installation work progressed. The trenching activity was contained within fenced construction zones to maintain separation from public access areas.

Utility investigation work continued along Moomat Ahiko Way, where crews remained engaged in potholing operations to locate and verify underground utilities. A Ditch Witch vacuum excavator was deployed to non-destructively remove soil and expose subsurface infrastructure, allowing crews to document utility depth and placement ahead of future excavation and relocation. The vacuum system was supported by a service truck positioned adjacent to the work zone.

These activities build on work observed earlier in the week, including the removal of sections of the existing wooden pier decking and the staging of new materials in preparation for reconstruction.

The Pier Bridge Replacement Project is a multi-year effort to replace the 86-year-old bridge connecting Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier. Originally constructed in 1939, the 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 roughly $35 million project is being completed in advance of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games and is funded primarily through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with additional support from local transportation funds. Construction is expected to continue through late 2027, with city officials indicating that pier businesses, parking, and public access are expected to remain open through phased construction and temporary access routes.

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

✅Correction:
An earlier version of this report incorrectly identified the removed trees as peppermint gum trees. The trees removed beneath the Santa Monica Pier bridge were black willow trees. The article has been updated to reflect this clarification.

#SantaMonicaPier #PierBridgeReplacement #PublicWorks #InfrastructureUpdate #utilitywork
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