𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗧: Crews Pave New Santa Monica Pier Access Ramp

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Monday, March 23, 2026 — Construction crews advanced the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project as subcontractor Hardy & Harper, Inc. began placing asphalt on the newly built temporary vehicle ramp, marking a visible transition from earthwork to surface paving. Crews were observed operating an asphalt paver as dump trucks fed hot mix into the machine, which then laid a uniform layer across the ramp. Workers followed closely behind, monitoring the mat and making adjustments to ensure consistent thickness and alignment. A compact Caterpillar double-drum roller moved in multiple passes over the fresh asphalt, compacting the surface to achieve proper density and durability. The paving operation follows several days of intensive grading and compaction work, during which crews built the ramp up to its intended elevation using layered soil and aggregate. The newly placed asphalt now forms the first finished driving surface for the temporary access route. The temporary vehicle ramp is a key component of the broader Pier Bridge Replacement Project, allowing continuous vehicle access to the Santa Monica Pier while the existing bridge is removed and rebuilt. The current bridge, originally constructed in 1939, no longer meets modern structural or seismic standards. According to project plans, temporary access structures—including both vehicle and pedestrian routes—are expected to remain in place through mid-2026, ahead of scheduled bridge demolition later this year. The replacement bridge is designed to provide a seismically upgraded structure with improved access for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, while preserving the historic character of the pier entrance in advance of the 2028 Olympic Games. Santa Monica Closeup continues to document developments surrounding the Pier Bridge Replacement Project as construction progresses along the city’s iconic beachfront corridor. #SantaMonicaPier #PierBridgeProject #SantaMonica #ConstructionUpdate #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... 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗨𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗗𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗚𝗘 Instagram 👉   / santamonicacloseup   Facebook 👉   / santamonicacloseup   Twitter 👉   / smcloseup   — 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗔 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗘𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗟𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗞𝗦    / @santamonicacloseup   — 𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 & 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗜𝗡𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 Email 👉 press@santamonicacloseup.com — 𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗦: Photojournalism, Visual Journalism, Street Reporting, Documentary, Observational Photography, Press Photography, Independent Media, Southern California News, SMCU, SM©U