The main gateway to the Santa Monica Pier just slid a few steps south. A brightly painted temporary pedestrian bridge opened this week, taking over as the primary entrance while crews gear up to replace the aging Ocean Avenue span. The new walkway sits roughly 30 feet south of the original entrance and is designed to keep restaurants, rides and shops accessible during construction. Work on the Pier Bridge Replacement Project began in December 2025, with crews planning to close the Ocean Avenue entrance and start demolition in mid-June as the city moves toward a late 2027 finish.
Temporary bridge serves as new main entrance
Per City of Santa Monica, the temporary span will function as the main access point for the entire Pier Bridge Replacement Project. Set about 30 feet south of the longtime pedestrian entrance, the city says the updated arrival experience features artwork, wayfinding and highlights of local businesses to help visitors navigate the pier while construction is underway.
What visitors should know
As reported by Santa Monica Daily Press, bikes, skateboards and other small vehicles are not permitted on the temporary bridge, and riders are directed to use Seaside Terrace instead. Detour signs are already in place, and additional access to the pier remains available via Ocean Front Walk, the protected walkway along the temporary vehicle ramp in the pier parking lot, and the stairs near Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Why the city is rebuilding the span
Per City of Santa Monica, the bridge, originally constructed in 1939, no longer meets modern seismic standards. The replacement is designed to be a seismically sound structure with upgraded features, including a 15-foot sidewalk for pedestrians and bicyclists. The work is federally funded and intended to preserve the pier's character while addressing critical structural deficiencies ahead of increased event traffic in the coming years.
Timeline and what to expect
Local coverage and planning documents outline a phased schedule: crews installed temporary ramps and foundations earlier this year, the temporary pedestrian span opened in early June, demolition of the existing entrance is scheduled for mid-June, and new bridge construction is expected to continue through late 2027, as noted in coverage of the late 2027 finish. Visitors should expect adjusted entry routes, extra signage and restricted staging areas in the main parking lot during heavier construction phases.
Business and visitor impacts
Local reporting notes that all pier businesses, attractions and dining will remain open throughout construction, and the city says staff and signage will help guide visitors to the new entry route. For updates and construction alerts, the city posts project documents and sign-up options on its Pier Bridge Replacement Project pages.
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