Long Beach Bridge Mobile App Debuts

LONG BEACH – On Feb. 21, the Port of Long Beach introduced the LB Bridge mobile app, a new way for residents and commuters stay up to date on the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project

The mobile app offers all the latest news, information, photos and videos of the project, live cameras and traffic information to help Long Beach area motorists navigate lane closures and detours associated with the bridge and nearby construction projects.

To install the app, search “LB Bridge” in the App Store, Google Play or Windows Phone or click here. Watch a quick video demonstration of the app on YouTube.

The free app is available for iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows Phone users, and includes weekly and breaking audio traffic alerts in English and Spanish for hands-free use. Users of the app will receive breaking traffic alerts on or near the bridge for up-to-the-minute conditions. The app includes a Google map in sync with lane closures and detours to help motorists get around.

The new bridge, once completed, will feature improved on- and off-ramps serving Terminal Island as well as smoother connections on the east side, including the 710 Freeway, Pico Avenue and ramps serving the mainland area of the Port of Long Beach. Ocean Boulevard is a major commuter link between Long Beach and the South Bay communities, as well as a primary route for trucks entering and leaving the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles.

With two towers, each about 50 stories tall, the $1.2 billion Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project will be one of the tallest cable-stayed bridges in the United States and the first of its kind in California. It will raise the clearance over the channel from 155 feet to 205 feet, allowing the world’s largest ships to enter the Port’s inner harbor. And with three lanes in each direction plus inner and outer safety lanes, it will be wider and better able to serve future traffic volumes. Other features of the new bridge include a bike path, pedestrian path and scenic observation decks.

GERALD DESMOND BRIDGE REPLACEMENT UPDATES

Pico Ave. Lane Closure

Type of Work: Lane closure

Area of Work: The two southbound lanes on Pico Avenue between Pier D Street and Broadway will be closed. There will be one lane open in each direction at all times.
When: Nightly from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Thursday, Feb. 27 for approx. one month

Southbound Harbor Scenic Dr. to Pico Ave. Ramp Closure (POLB)

Type of Work: Ramp closure

Area of Work: The on-ramp to Pico Avenue from southbound Harbor Scenic Drive is closed. Follow detour signs to Harbor Plaza.
When: Ongoing until April 1, 2014

Southbound Harbor Scenic Drive Lane Closure (POLB)

Type of Work: Lane closure

Area of Work: Southbound Harbor Scenic Drive is reduced to one lane between SB I-710 and the Pico Avenue exit, which is closed.

When: Ongoing

Anaheim Street Lane Closure (POLB)

Type of Work: Lane closure

Area of Work: The project has shifted to the two northern lanes of Anaheim Street. Traffic on Anaheim Street remains reduced to two lanes in each direction from the L.A. River to 9th Street. Limited access will be allowed via side streets. (Project information)

When: Ongoing, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Use Harbor Avenue, Santa Fe Avenue or East I Avenue to cross Anaheim Street

The public is also encouraged to sign up at www.newgdbridge.com for weekly traffic alerts provided by the Port of Long Beach.

This project is a joint effort of the California Department of Transportation and the Port of Long Beach with funding also from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.  A joint venture team of Shimmick Construction Co. Inc., FCC Construction S.A. and Impregilo S.p.A. (SFI) is the prime contractor for the design and construction of the replacement bridge.