LOS ANGELES, October 22, 2026 – Standing near Ocean and Colorado avenues early Thursday morning, locals witnessed massive cranes being hoisted into place above one of Southern California’s most photographed attractions.
The original Streamline Moderne sign, which is an 85-year-old sign that welcomes visitors to the Santa Monica Pier, was to be disassembled carefully this week as part of a multi-phase removal process. According to the city project status update and local media reports, crews were expected to start removing the fragile neon tubes on Tuesday, October 20, before moving on to unbolt the decorative crown section on Wednesday. On Thursday, October 22, the highlight was expected to be the lowering of the main support structure using temporary steel trusses.
The temporary removal is a key milestone in the city’s broader Pier Bridge Replacement Project, which aims to strengthen seismic safety ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
And this matters because for beachgoers and residents, that blue neon archway has marked the edge of the continent since it was first unveiled in 1941.
This temporary removal was lamented by many longtime locals and tourists who had been watching the process from public viewing stations. Observing the altered streetscape, the spectators realized that even though the absence may be quite apparent, the restoration will ensure that the historic gateway remains intact for future generations to come.
The sign’s destination is the YESCO facility in Las Vegas, YESCO being one of the sign companies with a history of restoring many historic neon signs, including Utah’s 105-year-old Sweet Candy Company sign. The conservation specialists will be working over the next several months to remove rust, fix the fragile neon glass tubes and paint the metal framework with weather-resistant paint.
Transport vehicles are scheduled to haul the wrapped components across the desert on Monday, October 26.
Even with the original structure secure in Nevada until construction of the bridge is finished, there is no need to worry about the lack of a spot for pictures. The local government erected a half-size replica of the structure close to Pier Burger on the wooden boardwalk, with the ability to take in all the background scenery of the Ferris wheel in Pacific Park and the coast.
With the completion of the bridge, the original structure from 1941 will come back home and will be installed at a slightly higher level to allow for clearance of emergency services vehicles.
