Appian Way Reopens Ahead Of Schedule During Santa Monica Pier Bridge Project

SANTA MONICA, CA — Drivers heading to the Santa Monica Pier have one less detour to navigate after Appian Way reopened to traffic ahead of the previously anticipated schedule.

The city of Santa Monica announced this week that the roadway has reopened while construction continues on the Pier Bridge Replacement Project, restoring the primary vehicle route to Parking Lot 1 North from Appian Way and Pacific Coast Highway.

Visitors are still being encouraged to allow extra travel time and follow posted detour and parking signs as construction continues. Additional parking remains available at Beach Lot 4 South, Beach Lot 3 North and Parking Structure 8, while pedestrian access to the Pier and Ocean Front Walk remains open.

The work is part of the city's effort to replace the aging Santa Monica Pier Bridge, which was built in 1939 and serves as the only vehicular connection to the pier as well as one of its busiest pedestrian routes.

According to the city, the bridge no longer meets modern structural or seismic standards. The replacement project will provide a seismically upgraded bridge while preserving the character of the historic crossing and improving access for pedestrians and cyclists with a new 15-foot-wide sidewalk.

The approximately $35 million project is funded primarily through the Federal Highway Bridge Program, with more than 75% of the cost covered by federal funding and the remainder paid through local transportation funds.

Construction is expected to continue ahead of completion before the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Although the temporary bridge and ongoing construction continue to affect traffic around the Pier, the reopening of Appian Way restores the most direct driving route to the pier's main parking area during one of the busiest times of the year.