Last-minute delay hits dramatic removal of iconic Santa Monica Pier sign

After a 24-hour delay, the historic Santa Monica Pier sign is scheduled for removal today, then transported to Las Vegas for restoration.

The main section of the 85-year-old landmark was originally slated for removal on Thursday. However, city officials pushed the operation to approximately 7 a.m. on Friday to complete necessary pre-removal and rigging preparations, adding that the schedule remains subject to change.

Work began earlier in the week when crews stripped away neon tubing on Tuesday, followed by the detachment of the sign's upper crown on Wednesday.

A crane and temporary support framing will lower the main sign structure from its long-standing position over the pier entrance.

Greeting visitors since 1941, the sign is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources. The city's Pier Bridge Replacement Project includes its removal. Nevada-based YESCO will handle the refurbishment, a company known for restoring landmark neon installations, including the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign.

The restoration process will include repairs to neon tubing, rust removal, repainting, and structural reinforcement to preserve the sign's original features.

Once dismantled, the wrapped sign will be loaded onto transport vehicles, with departure for YESCO's Las Vegas facility expected on Monday, Oct. 26. It will remain in storage in Nevada while construction on the bridge continues.

City officials expect the restored sign to return in 2028, when the replacement bridge is complete. Upon reinstallation, it will sit at a slightly higher elevation to increase vehicle clearance and improve visibility.

Two public viewing areas have been designated for the removal operation: the southern edge of Palisades Park and the northeast corner of Ocean Avenue and Colorado Avenue.

In the interim, visitors can take photos with a half-scale replica installed on the left side of the pier near Pier Burger, featuring views of the Santa Monica shoreline and the Pacific Park roller coaster.

The Pier Bridge Replacement Project aims to improve safety, accessibility, and structural reliability for the corridor connecting Ocean Avenue to the pier while keeping businesses accessible. Construction is scheduled to be completed in 2028, ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.