Vincent Thomas Bridge Residential Air Purifier Program

Program Overview

Caltrans developed the Vincent Thomas Bridge Residential Air Purifier Program as a community support measure to help address temporary air quality impacts during the bridge closure. The program is intended to provide eligible residents with a household resource, one portable air purifier and three replacement air filters, during construction. It reflects Caltrans’ commitment to supporting surrounding communities throughout the project.

 Objectives:

• Support nearby communities during construction and detour activity

• Provide eligible households with one portable residential air purifier and three replacement filters

• Ensure a simple, equitable, and accessible reservation and pickup process

Program Timeline

July 2026 - June 2027

Waitlist and reservation cutoff: May 1, 2027

Air Purifier Information

Eligible households will receive a portable Medify Air MA-40 Air Purifier and three replacement filters through the VTB Residential Air Purifier Program, subject to availability. The unit uses a True HEPA H13 filtration system designed to help capture airborne particles such as dust, smoke, pollen, and pet dander to support improved indoor air quality.

 The unit includes:

• 3-stage filtration with odor-reducing carbon filter

• Adjustable fan speeds and quiet sleep mode

• Intended for medium to large rooms

• Approximate dimensions: 22” H × 9.9” W × 10.9” D

• Approximate weight: 15.5–20 lbs

Who Can Participate?

Eligibility Criteria

Residents are eligible for one air purifier and three replacement filters per household if they:

• Live within 750 feet of the official detour and potential alternate routes used during the bridge closure

o   Pacific Coast Highway: SR-110 to Alameda Street

o   Anaheim Street: SR-110 to Henry Ford Avenue

o   Harry Bridges Blvd/Alameda Street to Anaheim Street

o   Gaffey Street: Between O’Farrell (SR-110 on-ramp to Vincent Thomas Bridge) and Channel Street

o   East I St interchange

• Reside in a residential unit (house, apartment, condo, etc.)

• Can provide proof of address within the eligibility area

• Complete an online reservation or waitlist request

Eligibility Determination

Eligibility is determined using an online geographic information system (GIS) map based on the proximity of your residential address to the affected detour routes. Residential addresses near or slightly outside the detour route boundary are eligible for a manual review to ensure fair consideration. Residents who are unsure of their eligibility or fall into an edge case are encouraged to apply and will be contacted by a Caltrans representative.

Map showing eligibility areas for the VTB Deck Replacement Project residential air purifier program

What You’ll Need to Provide

To check eligibility and reserve your air purifier, you’ll be asked for:

Eligibility check:

• Street Number

• Street Name

• Apartment or Unit (if applicable)

• City

• Zip Code

• Address Reference Code

Important:  The Address Reference Code is located on the front of the postcard. It is unique to each resident and is required to reserve an air purifier through the online reservation system.

Reservation form (if eligible):

• First Name

• Last Name

• Email Address

• Phone Number

• Proof of Residency

o   Eligible residents will be asked to select which proof of residency document they will be providing upon air purifier pick-up. The document must show your name and current physical address. Supporting documents include:

•  Official mail showing your name and address

•  Rental agreement or rent receipts

•  School or employment documents

• Photo ID is optional

• Appointment

o   A calendar will be displayed with available pick-up timeslots for residents to choose from.

To check eligibility for the air purifier program, please visit: (Coming soon)

The online tool and registration page for eligible households will be available soon. Please check back for updates.

What to Expect in the Mail

Caltrans is mailing postcards to eligible households within the program area with information about the VTB Residential Air Purifier Program and reservation process.

A sample postcard is shown below:

 

Receipt of a postcard does not guarantee eligibility. Final eligibility will be confirmed during the online verification and reservation process

Reservations and Waitlist

How to Reserve Air Purifier

1.  Check Eligibility:  Enter your street address and address reference code on the online form to confirm eligibility.

2.  Reserve Your Purifier:  If eligible, submit a reservation request. You will receive a confirmation email with your pickup location, date, and confirmation number.

3. Pick Up Your Purifier:  Bring your confirmation (printed or digital) and proof of residency to the pickup site.

How to Join Waitlist

If all purifiers are reserved, a waitlist form will be available. Waitlisted residents will be notified by email or phone, if purifiers become available due to cancellations or unclaimed reservations.

CONTACT

For assistance, questions, or special accommodations:
 
Phone: (213) 897-3656
Email: vtbproject@dot.ca.gov