# Santa Monica Pier sign restoration and bridge project

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/santa-monica-pier-sign-restoration-and-bridge-project
> Updated: 2026-10-22T22:30:36.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

The historic neon sign at the Santa Monica Pier, a California landmark since 1996, is undergoing restoration as part of a $35 million bridge replacement project. The 20-foot blue arch, which originally featured the message ‘Santa Monica Yacht Harbor’, is being dismantled to facilitate the overhaul of the aging 1939 entrance bridge.

The sign is being transported to a facility in Las Vegas operated by YESCO to undergo repairs, including neon tubing repair, rust removal, and repainting. During the construction period, a half-scale replica has been placed on the pier for visitors.

The bridge replacement, awarded to Shimmick Construction Company, aims to meet modern seismic and safety standards with a structure designed to last 70 to 75 years. Once the restoration is complete, the sign is expected to be reinstalled between late 2027 and 2028 at a slightly different, higher elevation to improve visibility and clearance.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: Santa Monica Pier sign dismantled for restoration

The iconic Santa Monica Pier sign is being dismantled and sent to Las Vegas for restoration as part of a major bridge replacement project, with a planned return by 2028.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santa-monica-pier-sign-dismantled-for-restoration

### 2026-09-23: Santa Monica Pier historic neon sign to undergo restoration

The historic 1941 Santa Monica Pier neon sign will be temporarily removed for restoration during a $35 million bridge replacement project, with reinstallation expected in late 2027.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/santa-monica-pier-historic-neon-sign-to-undergo-restoration

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Cite as: Santa Monica Pier sign restoration and bridge project. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/santa-monica-pier-sign-restoration-and-bridge-project