July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project Modified For Increased Safety:

The Santa Monica Pier’s replacement project will be a little more costly, as the City Council unanimously approved a $150,000 contract modification for safety improvements. With the contract modification, the pier’s replacement project will now cost an estimated $8.35 million.

Council members approved the contract modification last Tuesday after City staff reported to the dais that the Santa Monica Police Department was concerned about pedestrian and vehicular traffic on the pier’s bridge during construction.

“Police Department staff has expressed concern about the potential conflict between vehicles and pedestrians on the pier bridge since the narrow sidewalks are inadequate for the large volume of pedestrians traversing the bridge,” City staff stated. “Staff has identified interim modifications to the bridge’s sidewalks which would improve safety until a new bridge is constructed.”

Construction on the new pier bridge is expected to begin in 2016 and would last for 18 months, according to City staff.

The original contract between City Hall and Meek Shea, Joint Venture, was approved by the council in January and called for the “demolition and reconstruction of a 360-foot long by 36-foot wide section of the Municipal Pier from the high tide line to the westerly concrete pier constructed in the late 1980s.”

According to City Hall, the pier bridge was built in 1939.

“The bridge has very narrow sidewalks and tall curbs and the height of the handrail above the walking surface is less than the height required by current standards. The sidewalks on the bridge are inadequate to accommodate the volume of pedestrians traveling to and from the Pier. Pedestrians often walk in the adjacent vehicle lanes,” City staff stated. “For this reason, the Police Department is concerned about the potential conflict between pedestrians and vehicles in the event a driver was to lose control of a vehicle.”

To address the safety concern, City staff recommended shifting traffic patterns and removing the narrow sidewalk altogether.

“To improve pedestrian safety until a new bridge is built, staff recommends removing the sidewalks on the bridge, shifting vehicle lanes to the south side and providing a wider pedestrian walkway on the north side of the bridge,” City staff stated.

A concrete barrier separating vehicular traffic from a pedestrian walkway would also be added.

Meek Shea, Joint Venture, was the only bidder for the pier replacement project.

According to City staff, it was more efficient to modify the original contract with Meek Shea, Joint Venture, and have them oversee the interim safety improvements, as opposed to seeking new vendors for the project.

Previously, City staff had told Council members the pier bridge in its current condition is at the end of its useful life. According to plans, the new pier is anticipated to be to be wider and brought to current seismic standards.

City Hall will be receiving federal funds to help pay the $8.35 million price tag.

The Municipal Pier originally opened in September 1909. A second, shorter pier was built seven years later. It would take another 23 years to build the pier bridge.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...