Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project
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Project
The Vincent Thomas Bridge (VTB) was built in 1963 and has been in service for 60 years. Although the bridge is structurally sound, the bridge deck is rapidly deteriorating. This is due to concrete fatigue caused by heavy traffic loading, as well as environmental deterioration due to age and the marine environment. Caltrans is proposing to replace the entire bridge deck and its seismic sensors. In addition, the project will replace the bridge railings, fences and median barrier. The purpose of this project is to preserve the operations, functionality, and structural integrity of the bridge deck.
Benefits
Caltrans aims to replace the bridge deck and modernize other bridge components, which is needed to enhance the safety of the traveling public on the VTB and maintain an important economic corridor to Terminal Island.
Schedule
Construction is expected to begin in late 2025, with the bridge closing in fall 2026 and reopening before the 2028 Olympic Games. Key project milestones and the schedule are shown below:
Cost
The estimated cost for the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement project is about $706 million.
VTB Project FAQs
1. Where is the project located?
The project is on State Route 47 (SR 47) from post miles 0.4 to 2.0. The bridge provides a critical connection from the community of San Pedro to Terminal Island, the ports and the City of Long Beach.
2. Why do we need this project?
The median barrier and bridge railing are not in compliance with the latest requirements for the federal Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware. If the current bridge deck of the VTB were to remain in place as is, and the entire bridge deck deterioration is not addressed, the structural integrity of the deck will continue to worsen and have more localized deck failures, which will require more frequent emergency bridge closures for repairs. The bridge deck has reached the end of its design life, and the deck replacement is the best available option. The project is needed to enhance the safety of the traveling public on the VTB and maintain an important economic corridor to Terminal Island.
3. What is the Build Alternative?
The Build Alternative with a Single Stage Construction (16 month full bridge closure) was selected. The Build Alternative proposes to replace the bridge deck of the VTB, the median concrete barrier, fences, guardrails and seismic sensors. The proposed improvements would ensure the safety of the traveling public on the VTB and provide a viable bridge deck that is designed to last many decades depending on the types of materials used and environmental factors. During construction, the anticipated detour routes will direct traffic to and from Terminal Island via the Commodore Schuyler F. Heim Bridge (SR 47) from the north and the Gerald Desmond Bridge (I-710) from the east. These potential detour routes include West Harry Bridges Boulevard, Alameda Street, and Henry Ford Avenue (SR 47).
4. How did Caltrans decide on the approved build alternative and timeframe for construction (16-month full closure of Vincent Thomas Bridge)?
Caltrans considered feedback regarding the various build alternatives from relevant agencies, neighborhood councils and the public during the project's environmental phase. Based on that feedback process, and for reasons including safety, efficiency, and cost, Caltrans determined the best approach to this project would be a full bridge closure for a shorter period of time.
5. Who is leading the project?
Caltrans is leading the project and is the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) lead agency preparing the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment to comply with CEQA/NEPA.
6. Can Caltrans add a bike lane to Vincent Thomas Bridge during construction?
No, the purpose of the project is to replace the deteriorating bridge deck. The design and structure will stay the same, and capacity on the bridge will not be increased. The deck area can only accommodate two travel lanes in each direction with no room left for any bike/pedestrian lanes.
According to the Southern California Association of Governments regional bicycle dataset, there are plans for a Class IV protected bikeway to be located somewhere between the Vincent Thomas Bridge and the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. The location of the existing Class I Bike Lane along I-710 in the POLB (Mark Bixby Memorial Bike Path) was added to Figure 2.10-8 in the Final EIR/EA.
Have questions about the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project? Click here to view the full list of FAQs.
Preliminary Full Bridge Closure Detour Routes (Construction Phase)
