East Pico Safety Project

Project Overview

The City of Santa Monica’s Local Roadway Safety Plan Identified East Pico Boulevard is among the 14% of roadways that account for 50% of the fatal and severe traffic collisions in Santa Monica. The East Pico Safety Project will explore improvements to maximize pedestrian safety on Pico Boulevard, between 26th Street and Centinela Avenue. This project will inventory existing conditions and incorporate a robust public engagement process to address the community’s safety concerns and accommodate their needs to access shops, parks, schools, work, and transit. The project will design and implement quick-build pedestrian improvements. These enhancements will allow community members to experience them firsthand and offer feedback to City staff, ensuring the long-term improvements align with the community’s needs and vision. The project will include a final evaluation and impact assessment of the improvements, along with a final report outlining recommendations for phase two safety improvements, necessitating additional funding resources. 

This project is a part of Santa Monica’s commitment to promote sustainable transportation and make walking safe and convenient for all ages and abilities. 

Project Documents

East Pico Safety Project - Existing Conditions Report

East Pico Safety Project - Public Input Summary

Construction Updates 

🚧 Fresh Pavement Ahead: East Pico Boulevard Paving Project Kicks Off! 

Smoother rides are on the way for Pico Boulevard! The City of Santa Monica is rolling out the FY25-26 Annual Paving Project, starting with improvements along East Pico Boulevard from 26th Street to Centinela Avenue. 

Led by Sully-Miller Contracting Company, crews will reconstruct pavement, upgrade bus pads, and refresh roadway striping — giving one of Santa Monica’s busiest corridors a fresh new look and smoother feel. The project begins October 27 and is expected to wrap up before the Thanksgiving holiday on November 25, 2025. 

Improvements for drivers, cyclists, and transit riders would be completed before the holiday season. 

🛠️ What’s Happening

The project will deliver:

New asphalt pavement to extend roadway life and improve ride quality

Durable bus pads to support frequent transit use

Refreshed striping and crosswalks for better visibility and safety

Work will take place in phases to minimize impacts, with daytime lane closures during prep work and a single night of paving for final surfacing.

📅 Paving Schedule

🔹 Preparation Work: October 27 – November 10

Crews will repair localized pavement areas and install concrete bus pads between 26th Street and Centinela Avenue.

🕗 Monday–Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

⚠️ Expect lane closures and follow posted signage.

🔹 Phase 1: November 10 – 12

Daytime paving between 26th Street and Urban Avenue.

🕗 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

⚠️ Lane closures and parking restrictions in effect.

🔹 Phase 2: November 18

Nighttime paving between Urban Avenue and Centinela Avenue.

🕘 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.

⚠️ Expect lane closures and detours — crews will grind and overlay the new asphalt surface.

🔹 Final Touches:  December

Crews will install new road markings and signage. All work and restrictions will be lifted before the holidays!

🚙 What to Expect

 Temporary lane closures and parking restrictions will be in place throughout construction. Access to homes and businesses will remain open, and message boards will be posted in advance to keep the community informed.

Proposed Improvements

Pico Boulevard Between Stewart/28th and 31st

Pico Boulevard Between 32nd and Centinela

Past Public Outreach Events 

• Saturday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. - Walk Audit, 3101 Pico Blvd 
• Thursday, November 16, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Santa Monica Mobile Food Pantry, 2200 Virginia Ave 
• Saturday, November 25, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Small Business Saturday, 3212 East Pico Blvd  
• Saturday, December 2, 9 a.m. - 12 a.m. - Virginia Park Farmers Market, 2200 Virginia Ave  
• October to December 31 - East Pico Safety Project Interactive Social Pinpoint Map, online
• Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Kit of Parts Demonstration, 3301 Pico Blvd. 

This project will: 

Strengthen Community Identity 

Engage with a broad representation of the community, ensuring key stakeholders are informed and heard, and create spaces that reflect the culture and identity of residents and businesses. 

Analyze Roadway Safety Data 

Analyze the factors contributing to roadway collisions and identify improvements that address the contributing factors. 

Enhance the Pedestrian Experience 

Design quick-build treatments that enhance pedestrian safety, comfort, and access while amplifying the corridor’s sense of community space. 

Build Towards Future Improvements 

Identify future long-term infrastructure improvements and strengthen the City’s position to apply for additional funding.