Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Updates

The VTB Deck Placement Project

The Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project is a Caltrans-led infrastructure initiative that will begin in November 2026 to replace the bridge deck and modernize key structural components. The Vincent Thomas Bridge is located in Los Angeles Harbor, connecting the communities of San Pedro and Terminal Island via State Route 47, and serves as one of three access point for port operations. The project will require a temporary 16-month closure of State Route 47 across the bridge. This investment is designed to enhance the long-term safety, reliability, and resilience of one of the primary transportation links serving the San Pedro Bay port complex.

What does this mean for the Port Complex

Throughout the duration of the bridge closure, all Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach facilities will remain fully open and operational. Of the roughly 53,000 daily crossings on the Vincent Thomas Bridge, approximately 4500 or 8% are port related trucks, meaning the majority of port cargo flows will continue unaffected during the closure. There is no expected impact on cargo terminal capacity, or rail operations within the port complex. While localized detours may modestly affect some truck routes, the movement of goods through San Pedro Bay will continue uninterrupted, ensuring the Port remains a reliable gateway for national and global trade and maintaining supply chain continuity despite the temporary loss of this roadway connection.

You can find more information about the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement the homepage for the project.

Schedule of the closure and pre-closure projects

The Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project is scheduled to begin in November 2026 and will require an approximately 16-month closure of State Route 47 across the bridge and is anticipated to reopen in March 2028. Updates and milestone information will be shared regularly through Port of Los Angeles and Caltrans communication channels.

Alternative and Detour routes

Caltrans, in coordination with regional partners, has developed a comprehensive Traffic Management Plan to support the temporary closure of State Route 47 during the bridge deck replacement project. Clearly marked and widely communicated detour routes will be implemented to help maintain efficient traffic flow throughout the San Pedro Bay area. The plan includes enhanced traffic control measures, deployment of enforcement officers, and adjusted signal timing to minimize congestion and support safe, reliable access to port facilities. These proactive measures are designed to reduce disruptions and ensure continued connectivity for commercial vehicles, local businesses, and surrounding communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The temporary closure is expected to have a limited impact on drayage operations within the port complex. Only 8% of total drayage truck traffic currently travels across the bridge, and alternative routes are readily available to accommodate redirected vehicles. While local detours may add modest travel time for some drivers, these adjustments are expected to result in minutes of additional transit time.

  • No. While localized detours may add minor travel time to certain truck routes, overall cargo movement through the San Pedro Bay port complex will continue uninterrupted. Terminal productivity, flow, and capacity are not expected to be impacted.

  • Temporary local detours may add minutes to truck routes. In contrast, diverting cargo to East or Southeast U.S. ports would add an estimated 10 to 14 days of additional transit time for shippers. San Pedro Bay remains the fastest and most efficient gateway for goods entering the United States, preserving supply chain reliability and national competitiveness.

  • There is no impact on rail operations. Rail cargo operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will remain fully operational throughout the duration of the project. There are no anticipated service interruptions, and intermodal efficiency will be preserved. The bridge deck replacement will not affect on-dock rail, near-dock rail, or broader rail network connectivity serving the San Pedro Bay port complex.

  • Diana Jimenez, Public Information Officer, District 7 (213) 500-7301

    Nathan Bass, Public Information Officer, District 7 (213) 269-0687

    Email:vtbproject@dot.ca.gov

More Information Can Be Found Below

Port of Los Angeles

Caltrans