The Shoemaker Bridge and several ramps leading to the northbound Long Beach (710) Freeway are set to close for demolition work next month, according to the Port of Long Beach, which planned to hold an informational meeting Wednesday to inform and hear from residents regarding the project.
The bridge across the Los Angeles River will permanently close May 4, along with the Ninth and 10th Street on- and off-ramps, according to port officials, who said the closures will precede demolition work planned for this summer.
Changeable message and detour signs will be in place to inform motorists of the closures.
The bridge is being replaced by a separate span.
“This summer, the Port of Long Beach plans to demolish on- and off-ramps between the Shoemaker Bridge and the Port as part of construction of the Pier B On-Dock Rail Support Facility,” according to a release from the port. “Pier B will help to accommodate the expected growth of cargo volume, while taking trucks off the road and improving the environment.”
Three temporary, weekend closures will be required, first on the northbound 710, then the Shoemaker Bridge and finally the southbound 710.
“Each closure will be from 10 p.m. Friday to 4 a.m. Monday, but dates have not been finalized, according to the Port.
Port officials planned to hold an outreach meeting from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center to provide information and get feedback on the project, part of $3.2 billion in investments aimed at creating what officials are calling “the port of the future.”