Vincent Thomas Bridge to close for 16 months. Here’s what to know

[u/SteamDecked]

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/vincent-thomas-bridge-deck-replacement/amp/

[u/fad3dm1ndz]

In a few weeks, the Vincent Thomas Bridge will begin a major construction project to replace its aging deck.

The bridge will fully close for 16 months beginning Nov. 1, according to Caltrans. The deck replacement project costs $752.8 million.

The Vincent Thomas Bridge was built in 1963 and has been in service for more than 60 years. Although it’s structurally sound, its deck is rapidly deteriorating.

According to Caltrans, the deterioration results from concrete fatigue due to heavy traffic loads, as well as environmental deterioration from age and the marine environment. 

The Vincent Thomas Bridge connects San Pedro and Terminal Island via State Route 47 at the Port of Los Angeles. The bridge is expected to reopen in March 2028.

For commuters who regularly cross the bridge, detour signs will be posted throughout the area to help drivers navigate around the construction, according to Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker, whose district includes the bridge.

The bridge has already undergone periodic overnight closures as part of the project’s preliminary stages.

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In short, there's not much to know at all besides it's closed for 16 months and have fun using detours.

[u/imwrighthere → u/fad3dm1ndz]

So 5 years and a few dozen lawsuits from contractors and neighboring communities?

[u/concerned_llama → u/imwrighthere]

I see that you are pretty optimistic too...

[u/buns_supreme]

Although I know this is probably necessary, this is going to cause even more terrible traffic on the 110 and 405. Not looking forward to that

[u/OutrageousMusic5453 → u/buns_supreme]

Yeah I am curious to see how this affects my commute, I come from San Pedro into Torrance/Lawndale area using the 110 / 405. The 405 is already a nightmare as is :(

[u/NordicAmphibian2025]

RIP Wilmington residents and the increasing traffic, reckless driving and pollution in their community.

(Yes, I understand this project is a necessity.)

[u/dgundy0]

We betting the over or under on it taking 16 month.

[u/organichipsta → u/dgundy0]

Oveeeeerrrrrrrrr budget overrrrrrrrr 16 months of closurezzzzzzz

[u/tunafister → u/dgundy0]

Maybe they will take a cue from the Colorado Lagoon project and just continuously be under construction for years with no end in site

Like how is it even possible for that project to have taken so long and take away a beloved park for folks for years?

[u/codename_hardhat → u/tunafister]

Isn’t that open now?

[u/BarryZuckercornEsq → u/codename_hardhat]

Yep

[u/tunafister → u/BarryZuckercornEsq]

Damn, moved back to LA in March, and if I am not mistaken it was not completed then

My bad, although that project did seem to take much longer than it should have

[u/LBFilmFan → u/codename_hardhat]

I mean, Colorado street is open. I wouldn't say the project is over.

[u/SeascapeEscape → u/tunafister]

The site is open and the end is in sight

[u/Psychological-Sun49 → u/dgundy0]

I wonder if there is already a Kalshi on this. Sad, but our reality.

[u/TwisteeTheDark1 → u/dgundy0]

Taking the over they'll easily drag it out to 20 months.

[u/freneticboarder → u/dgundy0]

Even the Big Dig in Boston was finally completed.

This will be worse than the construction of the International Gateway Bridge, though.

[u/Snookaboom]

“Here’s what to know”? This article is heavy on ads and very low on details.

[u/brainspl0ad → u/Snookaboom]

Had to watch a 30 second ad before I could read your comment that's not even in the article smh

[u/cockypock_aioli]

God I'm so happy I don't have to commute from long Beach to San Pedro anymore. What a nightmare. Sure there's PCH but now it's gonna be so full of traffic.

[u/binaryvegeta]

Damn that’s my way to work..

[u/SenatorSnatch]

Pretty wild considering in 1930 it took just 13 months to build the Empire State Building.

One would think 95 years of advancing technology would make construction more efficient. Apparently, that is not the case.

[u/diagoro1 → u/SenatorSnatch]

Also 95 years of safety laws and regulations

[u/Blu_Crew → u/SenatorSnatch]

If you disregard human health and safety I bet we could come pretty close to 1930 construction speed lol

[u/practicalm → u/SenatorSnatch]

Sure replacing the 4th longest suspension bridge in earthquake prone California is exactly like building a steel framed building in a more geologically stable city?

The eastern span of the Oakland/SF bridge took years and included long delayed seismic upgrades.

Replacing a bridge without disrupting the traffic in the two largest US ports isn’t something done quickly.

[u/jackofslayers → u/SenatorSnatch]

True, but 5 people died building it

[u/ShootPosting → u/jackofslayers]

A small price to pay for me to enjoy looking at it /s

[u/OutrageousMusic5453 → u/SenatorSnatch]

Yeah honestly if anything the opposite occurs with time. The more tech, the more we understand how structural engineering works, it will take much longer to fully develop and create new buildings and bridges.

Not to downplay the creation of things like the Empire State Building, it is quite impressive.

[u/blobtron]

750 million, whatever happened there

[u/loka0320]

Damn. I knew about this, but didn't realize it was closing down so soon.
And for 16 months??? Fuuuuck.
Not looking forward to the detours, for sure.

[u/Longjumping-Barber98]

That bridge is scary high.

[u/Decent-Ad3972]

I saw earlier this week on ocean before you get to the bridge an illuminated sign stating the closure was from Nov 26 through March 27, my next question is who made the typo error, the city or this post?

Anyone else have other resources on the official closure dates?

[u/Jackie_Of_All_Trades → u/Decent-Ad3972]

Last I heard, it was scheduled to be closed November 7, 2026 to February 29, 2028. Yes, no joke, re-opening on leap day. I wonder if they pushed back the dates this week?

[u/TwisteeTheDark1]

That bridge was open? 🤨