$35 million upgrade of Santa Monica Pier Bridge to begin late 2025

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Construction to replace the 86-year-old Santa Monica Pier Bridge is set to begin late this year, following City Council approval of the construction contract on Tuesday. The 24-month project is expected to be completed by December 2027.

The council awarded a $35-million contract to Shimmick Construction Company, Inc. for construction services not to exceed $35,579,292. Also, RFP SP2060-CM was awarded to Bureau Veritas North America, Inc. for construction management and inspection services. The council also authorized a first modification to Dokken Engineering’s contract for $218,623, bringing its total to $4,377,023 for additional bridge engineering support. The city will fund 75% of the project, more than $30 million, through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with the remainder from local transportation funds.

Built in 1939, the Pier Bridge is structurally and seismically deficient, with a sufficiency rating of 8.2 out of 100. The new bridge will be 447 feet long and 39 feet wide, seismically upgraded, and designed for a 75-year service life. Sidewalks will be relocated to the south side and widened to 15 feet, while the vehicle and bicycle lane on the north side will be 20 feet wide. The adjacent pier deck will also be improved, and walkways in front of businesses realigned.

The historic blue Pier sign will be temporarily removed, restored, and reinstalled approximately 10 feet north of its current location, elevated to provide a 17-foot clearance. A temporary half-scale replica of the sign will be installed near Pacific Park to maintain the Pier’s iconic appearance during construction.

The project is timed to ensure the bridge and Pier remain fully operational and compliant with modern standards well ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. City officials emphasized that extensive engineering and environmental review, including a recirculated Final EIR/EA certified in 2023, has guided the project’s design.