After years of planning, California transportation officials are preparing to shut down the Vincent Thomas Bridge on Nov. 7 to replace its deck. The bridge will be closed to all traffic for 16 months. Locals aren’t looking forward to increased traffic congestion, noise and air pollution, and disruptions to operations at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Caltrans said the deck replacement is necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the bridge and improve safety for maintenance workers, truck drivers and the traveling public. The Vincent Thomas Bridge is a key artery connecting San Pedro to Terminal Island, where the Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach are located. It opened in 1963 and spans just over one mile.
The island connects on its east end to Long Beach via the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. Caltrans said it held more than 100 public and stakeholder meetings to prepare surrounding communities for construction, including developing the traffic detour route. Officials have completed road improvements along the detour route and will deploy traffic control officers at 18 key intersections during the bridge’s full closure.
The detour route will take traffic to and from Terminal Island along Front Street and John S. Gibson Boulevard in San Pedro and along Harry Bridges Boulevard and Henry Ford Avenue in Wilmington. The route also utilizes the state highway system, including Interstate 110 and Interstate 710.
Community members are concerned the closure will increase traffic in residential areas not along the designated detour routes. Although vehicles will be encouraged to use the official route, Caltrans acknowledged that drivers will take the path of least resistance to their destination. Caltrans said it has notified Google Maps and Apple Maps about the closure and the designated detour route.
Qualifying residents will also receive air filters to mitigate pollution from diesel and heavy construction equipment. Other residents voiced concerns at the open house about the bridge’s structural integrity. Caltrans said several investigations concluded the bridge is safe for travelers.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
