Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Colorado Avenue Viaduct
Santa Monica Pier Bridge
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Colorado Avenue Viaduct Marker
Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States.
Harold L. Ickes, Administrator of Public Works.
Colorado Avenue Viaduct - 1939.
Erected 1939 by Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.
Location. 34° 0.681′ N, 118° 29.704′ W. Marker is in Santa Monica, California, in Los Angeles County. It is at the intersection of Colorado Avenue and Ocean Avenue on Colorado Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Santa Monica CA 90401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Santa Monica Pier Carousel (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Santa Monica Pier (about 600 feet away); The Purser Hotel and Apartments (about 800 feet away); Rapps Saloon (approx. 0.2 miles away); City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Georgian Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Playland Arcade (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sinbad's & Moby's Dock (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Monica.
Regarding Colorado Avenue Viaduct. In 1939, the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, i.e., the Public Works Administration, funded the construction of a bridge connecting Ocean & Colorado Avenues with the famous Santa Monica Pier.
The bridge was constructed to alleviate traffic congestion that occurred as a result of economic development of the city, the local building boom and subsequent local population boom, and the ongoing popularity of the attractions on the Pier.
The Pier Bridge is a simple reinforced concrete roadway, supported by multiple pediments, spanning the Pacific
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Colorado Avenue Viaduct and Marker
The plaque is on the pedestal at far right.
The City of Santa Monica plans to replace the Pier Bridge between 2025 and 2027 to provide a seismically sound and functional bridge for the residents, pier businesses, and visitors ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
-from livingnewdeal.org
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 3, 2025
3. Colorado Avenue Viaduct
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. Colorado Avenue Viaduct
Public Domain
5. Drawing of Pier Bridge - 1939
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 502 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on February 20, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on July 3, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
