By Jorge Casuso

November 1, 2024 -- After more than a decade of planning and delays, the City is taking the initial steps to begin replacing the Santa Monica Pier bridge that has been standing since the start of World War II.

City officials announced on Thursday that they will be seeking experienced professionals next Spring to replace the 85-year-old bridge that connects the Pier to Palisades Park and Colorado Avenue.

The new bridge -- which will be flanked by the Pier's newly restored world-famous archway -- is expected to be completed in time for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

The new structure will include seismic safety upgrades and will be wider than the existing bridge. It will maintain one traffic lane in each direction, while expanding walkways and adding new lighting and railing.

Rendering of new Pier bridge (Courtesy City of Santa Monica)

The bridge will also be less steep than the current 500-foot long structure, which is difficult for those on bicycles and in wheelchairs to safely cross.

In 2013, the City added a designated walkway that separates pedestrians from bicycle and vehicle traffic as part of $150,000 in improvements to make the current bridge safer.

The $29 million project, which was initially expected to be completed in 2017, will also remove, rehabilitate and re-install the historic blue pier sign.

A smaller replica of the sign will be installed during the bridge's construction, which is expected to begin late next year, officials said.

Before the old bridge is torn down, a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed "to ensure uninterrupted access to the Pier and its amenities," City officials said.

"The Pier will remain open for business and accessible to visitors throughout the construction period," officials said.

With the design for the new bridge completed, the City plans to finalize the necessary permits over the coming months and issue a Request for Bids from bridge contractors and proposals from construction management firms.

The bridge replacement project "represents a significant opportunity for an experienced and dedicated partner to contribute to a landmark that will serve the Santa Monica community for generations to come," City officials said Thursday.

In June, the City Council approved a $194.7 million FY 2024-26 Biennial Capital Improvement Program plan that includes $29 million to begin the Pier Bridge replacement project.