The Vincent Thomas Bridge will be closed to traffic just after midnight Saturday morning and remain blocked for 16 months while Caltrans embarks on a $750 million project to replace the bridge deck.
The bridge, which connects San Pedro with Terminal Island and the Port of Los Angeles, carries an average of about 53,000 vehicles daily, including heavy trucks. Nearly 9% of daily traffic consists of heavy trucks, according to Caltrans.
Although the bridge remains structurally sound, its concrete deck has deteriorated under decades of heavy traffic and exposure to the marine environment, Caltrans officials said. The project will replace the entire bridge deck, median, railings, fencing and signage, and upgrade seismic sensors. The bridge is targeted to reopen in early March 2028.
“Caltrans has been working hand-in-hand with our partners, residential and business communities, and all stakeholders in preparation for the 16-month closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge,” Gloria Roberts, Caltrans District 7 director, said in a statement. “Our investment to replace the bridge deck will keep our communities connected and commerce moving through the San Pedro Bay Port Complex and the nation.”
The bridge will be officially closed at 12:01 a.m. Saturday.
Motorists will be detoured primarily along the Harbor (110) and Long Beach (710) freeways, state Route 103 and Harry Bridges Boulevard. Traffic control officers will be deployed at 18 key intersections as needed to help manage traffic. Police also will expand enforcement of commercial truck restrictions, according to Caltrans.
“For 16 months, this closure will have a significant impact on the people who live and work in our Harbor communities,” City Councilman Tim McOsker said. “We’ve worked closely with Caltrans to keep detour traffic out of our residential neighborhoods and secure road repairs and traffic enforcement. We’ll stay closely involved throughout the closure to address problems as they arise. Our residents deserve safe streets and a coordinated response they can count on.”