Santa Monica is exploring the possibility of removing or burying a section of the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) to create significant park space, following the unanimous approval by the City Council to accept a $2 million federal grant. The grant, awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation's Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, will fund a study into creating "cap parks" over the freeway.
The study area encompasses approximately 25 to 30 acres along a stretch of I-10 that has historically divided the city's Pico Neighborhood. City officials aim to address the freeway's impact on the community, which displaced over 1,500 predominantly Black and Latino residents when it was constructed.
While the initial proposal focused on building parks built atop the existing freeway structure, city leaders also directed staff to investigate the broader option of completely removing that segment of the highway. Councilmember Ellis Raskin characterized the freeway as a major environmental hazard and suggested that capping it would only offer a partial solution, likening it to a "band-aid."
The federal grant will not cover construction or final design phases. Instead, it will support a feasibility study examining existing conditions, potential park locations, and the estimated costs associated with various options. The final report is expected by July 31, 2029, with the grant's funding period concluding in January 2030. The city is contributing a local match of $505,712, to be covered by staff time and development impact fee revenues.
Work is anticipated to begin in spring 2027, pending a final grant agreement with Caltrans. City officials have emphasized the importance of centering Pico Neighborhood residents and those displaced by the freeway in the planning process. Councilmember Caroline Torosis also expressed a desire to expedite the timeline if feasible.