By Daily Press staff
The parking deck on the Santa Monica Pier will be closed through Dec. 16 so a strengthening project can be completed.
The project, known as “Phase II,” will involve removing the asphalt put in place in the early 1950s to restore the historic wooden surface of the Santa Monica Pier, as well as upgrading the substructure to allow for increased load capacities.
All pier businesses and public events will continue operations as usual throughout the construction. Additional pier parking will be available in the 1550 PCH lot, north of the pier and the “Hot Dog on a Stick” lot, a short-term parking lot southeast of the pier off Appian Way. The Hot Dog on a Stick lot will remain open until midnight through Dec. 16. Parking in that lot is $1 per hour; in the north lot it is $6 on weekend and $5 on weekdays.
New directional signs and city traffic safety officers will help direct visitors to nearby parking. As always, overflow parking for the pier is available in the 2030 Barnard Way lot, a four-to six-minute walk from the pier. The Pier is served by Big Blue Bus lines 1, 7, 8 and 10 and the Tide Shuttle.

Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 8, 2005. Read the original PDF.