California transportation officials are set to close the Vincent Thomas Bridge on November 7 for a deck replacement project that will last 16 months. The closure is expected to lead to increased traffic congestion, noise, and air pollution, as well as disruptions to operations at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Caltrans stated that the deck replacement is necessary to maintain the bridge's structural integrity and improve safety for maintenance workers, truck drivers, and the traveling public.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge connects San Pedro to Terminal Island, where the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are located. It opened in 1963 and spans just over one mile. Elise Swanson, president of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, noted the bridge's importance for community connectivity beyond just port employees.
Caltrans has conducted over 100 public and stakeholder meetings to prepare the surrounding communities for the construction and has developed a traffic detour route. Improvements have been made along the detour route, which will direct traffic to and from Terminal Island via Front Street and John S. Gibson Boulevard in San Pedro and Harry Bridges Boulevard and Henry Ford Avenue in Wilmington, utilizing the state highway system, including Interstate 110 and Interstate 710.
Community members have expressed concerns that the closure may increase traffic in residential areas not along the designated detour routes. Although Caltrans has encouraged the use of the official route, they acknowledged that some drivers may choose alternative paths. Caltrans has notified navigation providers about the closure and the detour route to help manage traffic flow.
In response to pollution concerns, Caltrans is collaborating with the Los Angeles Unified School District to distribute air filters to local schools and qualifying residents. Nathan Bass, a Caltrans public information officer, acknowledged that traffic idling may lead to increased air pollution.
Some residents have raised concerns about the bridge's structural integrity, specifically regarding potential corrosion. Caltrans has stated that investigations have confirmed the bridge is safe for travelers, but the deck replacement is necessary due to heavy traffic loads and erosion from salt air. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, previously requested that Caltrans consider raising the bridge's height to accommodate larger cargo ships, but this request was denied due to the urgency of the deck replacement. The bridge is expected to reopen to traffic in early 2028, with construction continuing until early 2029.