𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘: Crews Prepare New Gateway to Santa Monica Pier

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Tuesday, June 2, 2026 — Construction crews with Shimmick Construction Company continued making visible progress on the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project Tuesday, advancing multiple phases of work as preparations continue for the upcoming demolition of the historic 1939 bridge. On the pier deck adjacent to the temporary pedestrian bridge construction area, crews removed additional sections of the existing timber decking and continued rebuilding portions of the widened pier surface. Workers were observed lifting out older deck boards and exposing the underlying framework before installing longer replacement planks designed to accommodate the expanded bridge alignment and improved pedestrian circulation planned as part of the project. The deck reconstruction work is a continuation of recent modifications that widened portions of the pier deck near the temporary bridge connection, creating additional space needed for the future bridge alignment and pedestrian improvements. Elsewhere on the project site, workers continued installing sound blankets and protective shielding beneath sections of the existing bridge structure. Using elevated boom lifts, crews secured additional acoustic panels around the work zone in preparation for the bridge demolition phase scheduled to begin after the temporary pedestrian bridge opens. The sound blankets are intended to help reduce construction noise while also assisting with dust and debris containment during demolition activities. The protective coverings now extend across larger sections of the bridge approach and surrounding work areas. Crews also completed additional improvements to the temporary pedestrian bridge itself. Workers installed colorful informational banners along the bridge walls highlighting Santa Monica Pier attractions, businesses, restaurants, and project information designed to enhance the visitor experience while construction continues. At the entrance to the temporary pedestrian bridge, crews erected a decorative facade structure that will eventually support a scaled replica of the iconic Santa Monica Pier sign. The miniature sign installation is being prepared ahead of the removal of the historic pier entrance sign, which is scheduled to undergo rehabilitation as part of the bridge replacement project. The temporary pedestrian bridge is expected to maintain public access to the pier while the original bridge is demolished and replaced. According to the City of Santa Monica, demolition of the existing bridge is scheduled to begin this summer following completion of the temporary access route. The overall project will replace the aging bridge with a seismically upgraded structure designed to serve the community for more than 75 years while improving accessibility, pedestrian safety, and circulation ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. Originally constructed in 1939, the Santa Monica Pier Bridge serves as the only vehicular access route to the pier and a major pedestrian connection between Ocean Avenue and one of Southern California’s most visited destinations. The federally funded replacement project is expected to continue through 2027 while maintaining public access to the pier, its businesses, Pacific Park, the historic carousel, and Heal the Bay Aquarium. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document major milestones and ongoing construction activity as work progresses on the future of the Santa Monica Pier. #SantaMonicaPier #PierBridgeReplacement #ConstructionUpdate #PublicWorks #Infrastructure — ⚠️ 𝗖𝗢𝗣𝗬𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 This video is protected by copyright and provided for personal viewing only. Any copying, downloading, re-uploading, reproduction, distribution, sampling, or other use, including commercial or editorial use, without prior written authorization from Santa Monica Closeup is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action. © 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗸𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇 / 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱. — 𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗢𝗥 Fabian Lewkowicz is an award-winning photojournalist based in Santa Monica and the creator of 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. Known for his compelling imagery and neutral reporting, his work captures the pulse of the city—from civic affairs and emergency response to cultural moments and beach life. His photography has been showcased in galleries, museums, and public installations. — 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗨𝗣 PayPal/Venmo/Credit Card 👉 https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/M6... — 𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 & 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 Email 👉 [email protected] — 𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗦: Photojournalism, Visual Journalism, Street Reporting, Documentary, Observational Photography, Press Photography, Independent Media, Southern California News, SMCU, SM©U