Vincent Thomas Bridge closes for 16 months starting Saturday in San Pedro

Starting Saturday, the Vincent Thomas Bridge will close for 16 months to undergo major construction, according to the Los Angeles Times. The closure affects the key route between San Pedro and Terminal Island, home to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Caltrans officials said the bridge deck has deteriorated rapidly due to concrete fatigue and environmental factors, necessitating replacement of the entire deck along with seismic sensors, railings, fences, and median barriers. The bridge is structurally sound but requires urgent rehabilitation.

Lane closures will begin late Friday night, with a full shutdown at midnight Saturday. The closure includes all lanes on State Route 47 between Ferry Street and Harbor Boulevard, as well as northbound lanes approaching Harbor Boulevard and parts of Interstate 110 and Miraflores Avenue. The bridge is expected to reopen in March 2028.

Caltrans will deploy traffic control officers to 18 key intersections to help manage traffic flow during the closure. Local police will also increase monitoring of commercial traffic in the area, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Residents and commuters are preparing for longer travel times and increased congestion. LAist reported that locals have dubbed the event 'Harborgeddon' and anticipate that detours via Anaheim Street or Pacific Coast Highway could double commute times. Caltrans recommends detours using the 110 Freeway to Harry Bridges Boulevard, then the 47 or 710 Freeways.

The Vincent Thomas Bridge handles about 53,000 vehicles daily, including 4,600 heavy trucks, making it a vital corridor for the region. The closure is expected to significantly impact traffic patterns and local businesses relying on the bridge connection.