A major road above the Port of Los Angeles is up for repairs, and Caltrans is asking the public what the best way to go about it is.
Construction of the Vincent Thomas Bridge is expected to begin next year to repair the rapidly deteriorating deck.
The bridge was opened in 1963 and years of exposure to the maritime environment and heavy freight traffic have worn the bridge deck.
A complete or partial closure of the bridge would occur during a $745 million project plan to replace the entire deck. This would be a years-long effort, and traffic diversions would impact residential areas near the bridge.
Caltrans wants input from commuters and residents living in communities to be influenced by the detours.
The first in-person meeting will take place on May 30 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Wilmington Recreation Center in Wilmington.
The second meeting will be on June 13 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Peck Park Community Center in San Pedro.
Four construction phase options for closing the bridge
• Single-phase construction: Complete closure of the bridge that would take 16 to 41 months with diversions and 24/7 construction. The difference in construction timelines depends on the deck type chosen. Orthotropic and pre-cast deck types would lead to a construction time of approximately 16 months. A Cast-in-Place deck type would lead to a construction timeline of approximately 41 months.
• Two-phase construction: For each phase (two phases), one lane would remain open in each direction. The work will require the installation of a temporary shoring/bracing system, possibly reduced speeds of approximately 25 miles per hour (mph) due to narrowed lanes, and multiple weekend (55 hour) full closures and full closures of the bridge at night. Construction would take approximately 25 months.
• Three-phase construction: one lane open in each direction, with the installation of a temporary support/strengthening system. Each stage would have one lane open in each direction, and would require multiple full weekend closures (55 hours) and full nighttime bridge closures. Construction would take approximately 32 months.
• Overnight closure of the bridge: The bridge would be fully open during daytime traffic hours (6 a.m. to 7 p.m.). The work would require the installation of a temporary shoring/strengthening system and the complete closure of the bridge at night (7pm to 6am) each day. Construction would take approximately 48 months.
