Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro is closing for at least 16 months for renovation

Thousands of people will be affected by the imminent 16-month closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge (State Route 47) in San Pedro that will start this Saturday at 12:01 a.m. in both directions.

The 63-year-old bridge carries an average of 53,000 vehicles per day, with nearly 9% of daily traffic being heavy trucks, according to Caltrans. 

Although the bridge is structurally sound, Caltrans says the concrete deck is increasingly deteriorating from heavy traffic loads throughout its service life and environmental deterioration from the surrounding marine environment.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said they have been working with Caltrans, supply chain partners and local stakeholders to prepare for the closure. 

“Our focus is on keeping cargo moving throughout the Port complex while helping workers and commuters navigate the closure and minimizing impacts on surrounding communities,” Seroka said.

The $750 million rehabilitation project will replace the entire bridge deck. It will modernize safety features and upgrade seismic sensors to preserve the bridge’s functionality and ensure the safety of the traveling public. 

Nearby communities affected

Wilmington resident Gaby Segovia said the community is concerned about the heavy traffic detour in the area. While the map shows that thousands of trucks will be detoured through Harry Bridges Boulevard, residents worry the trucks will skip the main route and drive on residential streets.

“I recently saw a big truck passing by Anaheim [Street], which is not a street for trucks,” Segovia said. “This is a one-lane street on each side and the trucks will create a mess.” 

Caltrans indicates that motorists will be detoured primarily along Interstates 710 and 110, State Route 103 and Harry Bridges Boulevard. 

Councilman Tim McOsker, who represents the area, said resources will be on the ground, especially through the Department of Transportation, to make sure trucks follow truck routes. 

“As we go in real time, we will analyze where there's backups, where there might be difficulty or confusion with detour routes, and we will make sure that we continue to not only monitor but to adjust as we go,” McOsker said in a social media post. 

Segovia said she hopes those in charge make sure traffic is properly detoured without causing more harm to areas like Wilmington. 

One last ride

In the meantime, Vincent Thomas Bridge lovers and enthusiasts are organizing a “bridge mob,” inviting people Friday, Nov. 6, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. to take one last ride before the bridge temporarily closes. They are especially inviting car clubs to create one last shared experience. 

Event organizers — Vibe San Pedro and influencer Southbayberty — say generations of Angelenos have crossed this bridge and many even remember when there was a .25 cents charge to cross. 

The rules are clear: obey traffic laws, drive at normal speeds, maintain safe distances, don’t stop and don’t slow down for photos or block traffic. No coordinated caravans. No bikes, runners or people walking across the bridge. 

Organizers recommend following all CHP and Caltrans instructions.

According to Caltrans, the bridge is expected to reopen in March 2028. 

To find more information, visit the Caltrans page for the project.