Vincent Thomas Bridge to Close for 16-Month Deck Replacement

The Vincent Thomas Bridge, which links San Pedro with Long Beach and the port area, will close in both directions on November 7. The project will replace its worn concrete deck and make other improvements, with crews working around the clock during the closure.

Caltrans says the bridge remains structurally sound, but its deck has deteriorated after more than 60 years of traffic and exposure to the marine environment. The project is valued at about $750 million. Officials said a single extended closure is more cost-effective than carrying out temporary shutdowns over several years.

About 53,000 vehicles use the bridge daily, among them thousands of trucks serving the ports. Detours will include the 710 Freeway, Harry Bridges Boulevard, State Route 103, Henry Ford Avenue and the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. Officials plan to place traffic officers at 18 locations and use cameras to monitor detour and nearby roads.

Local officials are preparing for added congestion and say trucks will be barred from using residential streets as shortcuts. Drivers who violate the restrictions could receive tickets. Caltrans has advised motorists to allow extra travel time, noting that traffic patterns may take several weeks to settle.

Caltrans is also working with Los Angeles Unified School District and nearby residents to distribute air filters to address pollution from idling trucks. Notices explaining how to obtain a filter have gone to about 7,000 homes. Residents can attend an informational session on October 31 at the library's Wilmington location between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.