Port of Los Angeles authorities and city dignitaries Thursday conducted a ground-breaking ceremony for the $152 million Avalon Pedestrian Bridge and Promenade Gateway project, which is expected to transform 12 acres of former industrial land into green space.
The project’s 380-foot-long pedestrian bridge is planned as a concrete cable-stayed arch structure that will have a safe crossing point over working rail operations, and connect to the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade, which was completed in 2024.
Construction for the project is expected to be complete by late summer 2028.
“The Avalon Pedestrian Bridge represents another major step forward for Wilmington and the continued transformation of our waterfront,” Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker, whose 15th District encompasses the Harbor Area, said in a statement.
He added the bridge will build on the success of the Wilmington Waterfront Promenade.
“The investment will strengthen the connection between Avalon Boulevard and the waterfront, supporting local businesses and creating new opportunities for the community to thrive,” McOsker added.
The project will be located between Harry Bridges Boulevard to the north and the Pacific Harbor Railroad Lines to the south in Wilmington, and extend halfway between Marine Avenue and A Street to the west, and Broad Avenue to the east.
“This project was made possible because of our Public Access Investment plan, which ties community investment to our cargo success,” Port Executive Director Gene Seroka said in a statement. “It’s about giving the Wilmington community safe and direct waterfront access for the very first time.”
Along with the bridge, the project will add a new entry plaza with a 40-foot-tall architectural sundial, a historic walk and overlook, and an open terrace seating area, pedestrian pathways, community gathering areas, two parking lots and public restrooms.
The project will also incorporate street and utility improvements such as grading, paving, striping, lighting and landscaping.
Los Angeles Harbor Commission President Lucille Roybal-Allard added that building the project is another step toward investing in the community and expanding public access to the waterfront.
Mayor Bass said in a statement that the city was thrilled to begin construction on this “transformational project” that will create more green space and add recreational opportunities.
“I want to thank Gov. (Gavin) Newsom, Councilmember McOsker, the L.A. Board of Harbor Commissioners, and the port for moving this historic investment forward that will benefit residents and local businesses for generations to come,” Bass said in her statement.