Blinking electric signs warning of the closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro have appeared along the 5 freeway near Dodger Stadium, some 25 miles from the span. The 6,000-foot span is closing on November 7 for more than a year as the 63-year-old roadway deck (the horizontal part of the structure) is removed and replaced. A full 24/7 closure in both directions is required to replace the concrete roadway, railings, barriers and seismic sensors. Heavier trucks and corrosion from sea air contributed to the deterioration.
The bridge is essential for workers and neighbors commuting near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Councilmember Tim McOsker, concerned that a long closure would cause “Harborgedden” level traffic, has been trying to get the word out about the closure in conjunction with Caltrans, which has held over 100 public meetings about the closure. The state has also notified Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze in an effort to steer people away from the area.
Colorful chaos reigned over San Pedro when the Vincent Thomas Bridge was dedicated in 1963. A huge party on the land and on the sea inaugurated the largest bridge in Los Angeles. A huge Fisherman’s Fiesta with decorated boats, Navy destroyers and fireworks over the new bridge lit up the sky over San Pedro. President Kennedy was invited to cut the ribbon but chose to unveil a dam in Whiskytown instead. Nevertheless, politicos crammed onto the bridge named for a veteran Assembly member who pushed through $21 million in state funds to build the landmark. The price tag for the repairs is estimated at $750 million, with the project expected to be completed in February 2028, just in time for the Olympics.
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