Fact Sheet - Fall / Winter 2026-27
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OVERVIEW
The Vincent Thomas Bridge is a critical highway linkage for the Los Angeles Harbor region. The 60+ year-old bridge supports heavy traffic loads in marine conditions, and the concrete bridge deck is severely deteriorated.
Caltrans is replacing the bridge deck and modernizing other bridge components to improve safety for all motorists, necessitating the 16-month closure of the bridge beginning on November 7, 2026.
Construction Manager/ General Contractor (CM/GC) is the delivery method for this project. The joint venture of Skanska and California Engineering Contractors was selected as the CM/GC. They have worked closely with Caltrans to assist with constructibility reviews, cost estimations, and various other pre-construction services.
The total project cost is $750 million.
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN
During the closure, Caltrans will minimize local traffic impacts through a combination of infrastructure improvements, manual traffic control strategies, and enhanced communication efforts.
Local road improvements underway now on the project's detour routes include the resurfacing and striping of roads and intersections, installation of traffic cameras, and placement of temporary traffic signals.
During the bridge closure, traffic control officers will be deployed to 18 key intersections in the area, as required, to monitor and manually facilitate traffic flow, and local police will expand commercial trucking enforcement.
A multifaceted communications effort, including the QuickMap traffic app, will raise awareness of the project and help divert traffic from the area during construction.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Construction will occur across three phases.
Caltrans is in a preliminary phase before the full bridge closure to prepare for the deck replacement. Caltrans is installing temporary working platforms, staircases and structural bracing on the bridge to allow for a safe and efficient construction process. Infrastructure improvements also are being completed across the region to help minimize the project's anticipated traffic impacts.
The primary phase will span 16 months from November 7, 2026, and will replace the concreted bridge deck, center median, railing, fencing and signage.
After opening to traffic in early 2028, the bridge will undergo a final phase, during which Caltrans will remove the previously installed temporary features and install new seismic sensors and utilities on the bridge.
FULL CLOSURE DETOUR ROUTE
SCHEDULE
The project is in the pre-full closure construction stage.
*PA/ED: Project Approval and Environmental Document
**Nightly one directional closures and possible weekend closures
***Full closure (16 months)