The $750 million project will replace the deteriorating roadway of a bridge carrying approximately 53,000 vehicles daily. Reopening is targeted for early March 2028.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge will close at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, beginning a planned 16-month shutdown for a $750 million project to replace its aging concrete roadway and modernize safety features, according to Caltrans.
The bridge, which carries State Route 47 between San Pedro and Terminal Island, is targeted to reopen in early March 2028. The closure will interrupt a major connection serving harbor communities, commuters and freight traffic through the San Pedro Bay port complex.
South Pasadena residents planning trips to San Pedro, Terminal Island or the harbor area should check access routes before departure and allow additional travel time.
The bridge carries an average of approximately 53,000 vehicles daily, with heavy trucks accounting for nearly 9 percent of that traffic. Caltrans and its local partners have prepared detours, road improvements and traffic control measures to manage the disruption.
Why the bridge needs the work
Caltrans says the more than 60-year-old bridge remains structurally sound, but its concrete deck is deteriorating from decades of heavy traffic and exposure to the marine environment.
The deck, the roadway vehicles travel on, has reached the end of its design life, according to the agency’s project FAQ. Leaving that deterioration unaddressed would lead to further localized deck failures and more frequent emergency closures for repairs.
The project will replace the entire deck, along with the center median, railings, fencing and signage. It also includes new seismic sensors and utilities.
Bridge capacity will remain at two travel lanes in each direction. Caltrans says the existing deck area does not have room to accommodate additional bicycle or pedestrian lanes.
Where motorists will be detoured
Motorists will be detoured primarily along Interstates 710 and 110, State Route 103 and Harry Bridges Boulevard, according to Caltrans’ Oct. 22 announcement. Drivers should follow posted detour signs and check current traffic conditions before traveling.
Caltrans says its detour strategy seeks to maximize use of the state highway system and minimize traffic diverted onto local streets. The routes were developed with input from residents, businesses and other community stakeholders.
Preparations include resurfacing and restriping roads and intersections, installing traffic cameras and adding temporary traffic signals. During the closure, traffic control officers will be deployed as needed at 18 key intersections, and local police will expand commercial trucking enforcement.
Port of Los Angeles officials say their preparations focus on maintaining cargo movement while helping workers and commuters navigate the closure and minimizing effects on surrounding neighborhoods.
Why Caltrans selected a full closure
Caltrans considered construction alternatives and public feedback before selecting a single-stage, 16-month shutdown. The agency cites safety, construction efficiency and cost among the reasons for that decision.
Its project FAQ says the closure schedule is based on crews working around the clock.
The contractor is Skanska-CEC Joint Venture. Preparatory work includes temporary platforms, staircases and structural bracing to support construction during the shutdown.
Reopening will not mark the end of every project activity. Caltrans says a final phase will follow, including removal of temporary construction features and installation of new seismic sensors and utilities.
Nov. 7 replaces the earlier closure date
Earlier announcements listed Nov. 1 as the start of the shutdown. Caltrans subsequently moved the closure six days later to allow final coordination and improve construction efficiency. The agency said the change would not affect its early March 2028 reopening target.
According to its Oct. 26 media advisory, Caltrans has scheduled a media briefing for Thursday, Oct. 29, from 10 to 11 a.m. at its Vincent Thomas Bridge Crew Yard in San Pedro. Project experts are scheduled to discuss the closure and measures to detour motorists.
Drivers can find project information and sign up for email and text alerts through Caltrans’ Vincent Thomas Bridge project page. Current traffic conditions are available through Caltrans QuickMap. Project questions may be directed to [email protected].
