𝗚𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗩𝗘: Massive Drilling Rig Relocates for Next Pier Bridge Foundations

Massive Drilling Rig Relocates to Moomat Ahiko Way as Pier Bridge Project Enters Next Phase SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Friday, Oct. 9, 2026 — Construction crews at the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project spent Friday morning relocating massive drilling equipment from Appian Way to Moomat Ahiko Way, preparing for the next phase of deep-foundation construction scheduled to begin Monday. Following the completion of drilling and concrete placement for two foundation shafts in the Appian Way work area earlier this week, Malcolm Drilling crews moved their Liebherr LB 44-510 rotary drilling rig, a large crawler crane and additional equipment to the new construction location along Moomat Ahiko Way. The relocation marks another transition in the project as crews prepare to drill three additional foundation shafts beginning Monday, Oct. 12. Much of Friday's activity focused on moving heavy machinery, organizing equipment and preparing the work area for the upcoming drilling operations. The Liebherr LB 44-510 is a heavy-duty rotary drilling rig designed for large-scale deep-foundation construction. According to manufacturer specifications, the machine is capable of producing up to 510 kilonewton-meters of rotary torque and, depending on its configuration, can drill to depths approaching 300 feet. The rig has been a central part of the Pier Bridge foundation work, drilling deep shafts that are reinforced with steel cages and filled with concrete to support the new bridge structure. Appian Way also reopened to traffic in both directions Friday, following an extended closure that began Monday, Oct. 5. The City of Santa Monica had scheduled the closure beneath the Pier Bridge through Friday to accommodate reconstruction activities and maintain safety for construction crews, pedestrians and motorists. Earlier this week, Malcolm crews completed foundation work in the newly prepared area east of Appian Way, where Shimmick Construction had previously installed steel shoring and graded the ground to accommodate the drilling equipment. The work included installation of temporary steel casing, placement of cylindrical reinforcing-steel cages and concrete placement within the drilled shafts. Shimmick crews also conducted utility potholing operations nearby, using hydro-excavation equipment to locate underground electrical lines before additional drilling and excavation work. The process helps identify buried utilities and reduce the risk of damage during construction. The project has reached several milestones in recent weeks. Crews completed demolition of the remaining spans of the original Santa Monica Pier Bridge back to the eastern abutment, while deep-foundation construction continued in successive work zones. Shimmick crews also removed sound blankets from the temporary pedestrian bridge following completion of the bridge-span demolition phase. Originally constructed in 1939, the Santa Monica Pier Bridge is being replaced because the aging structure no longer meets modern structural and seismic standards. The new bridge is designed to provide improved earthquake resistance, accessibility and circulation for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. The replacement structure will include a 15-foot-wide sidewalk and is designed for a service life of at least 75 years. The project is primarily funded through the federal Highway Bridge Program, with construction expected to continue through 2027. The Santa Monica Pier remains open throughout construction, with temporary pedestrian access and a separate vehicle route maintaining access to the Pier's restaurants, shops and attractions. With equipment now being positioned along Moomat Ahiko Way, crews are preparing to begin the next three foundation shafts Monday, continuing the underground structural work that will eventually support the replacement bridge. Santa Monica Closeup continues documenting the construction process, from demolition of the original bridge to the deep-foundation operations and eventual assembly of the new Santa Monica Pier Bridge. #SantaMonicaPier #PierBridgeReplacement #MalcolmDrilling #BridgeConstruction #heavyequipment — ⚠️ 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. — 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