𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗗𝗘𝗘𝗣: Crews Investigate Underground Utilities Beneath Pier Ahead of Bridge Replacement

On Thursday, December 18, 2025, crews from Spectrum were observed working beneath the Santa Monica Pier as part of ongoing utility investigations tied to the Pier Bridge Replacement Project. The work focused on inspecting underground communication cables in preparation for upcoming heavy construction associated with the multi-year infrastructure upgrade.

At the same time, crews from Shimmick Construction Company, Inc. were seen using a Ditch Witch vacuum excavator to carefully dig exploratory holes beneath the pier deck. The process allows crews to safely expose underground utilities—including fiber lines, electrical conduits, and piping—without damaging existing infrastructure. The investigations are intended to identify any utilities that may need to be relocated or protected ahead of major demolition and bridge construction phases.

The activity is part of the project’s early utility relocation stage, a critical step before large-scale structural work can begin. Recent weeks have seen increasing construction presence at the pier, including curb demolition in the pier parking lot, conversion of portions of public parking into equipment staging areas, and removal of wood doors and siding beneath the pier.

The Pier Bridge Replacement Project will replace the 86-year-old bridge connecting Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue to the Santa Monica Pier. Originally built in 1939, the bridge will be replaced with a modern, seismically upgraded structure designed to meet current safety standards, improve pedestrian circulation, expand accessibility, and provide a projected 75-year service life. The project is timed to ensure readiness ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.

Construction is expected to continue through the end of 2027. Throughout the project, pier restaurants, shops, parking, and visitor access are expected to remain open. Temporary pedestrian bridges and vehicle ramps will maintain access for visitors, emergency vehicles, deliveries, and pier operations during construction.

As part of the overall effort, 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 ongoing coordination with utility providers, pier tenants, and community stakeholders will continue throughout the construction process.

Santa Monica Closeup documents infrastructure projects and civic improvements across the city as they unfold.

#SantaMonicaPier #PierBridgeProject #UtilityWork #Infrastructure #PublicWorks #SantaMonica #PierConstruction

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