The Vincent Thomas Bridge is facing critical deck deterioration due to heavy truck traffic. Since last year, Caltrans has been developing a proposal for the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project. The state agency aims to replace the entire bridge deck and install seismic sensors to ensure structural integrity and enhance overall safety. Originally completed in 1963, the Vincent Thomas Bridge serves as a vital link for approximately 44,500 vehicles daily, including a significant number of heavy trucks.
The project’s construction staging options, ranging from full closures to phased approaches, aim to minimize disruptions to port operations and meet completion deadlines. Currently, anticipated detour routes will redirect traffic to alternative bridges and local streets. However, the current proposal only specifies redirections in Wilmington.
Driving along many of Wilmington’s main streets, you’ll see trucks lined up bumper to bumper. With the impending closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge for repairs, this congestion will worsen.
In 2011, the city of Los Angeles anticipated “Carmageddon” when a bridge reconstruction project required closing 10 miles of the Interstate 405 freeway on two weekends, leading to horrific traffic jams. Councilmember Tim McOsker stated he fears that with the closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, we may experience “Harbor-geddon”.
He continued, “as the representative of the One-Five, I am determined to hold Caltrans accountable and will collaborate with the state to mitigate repairs to streets and roadways that are already damaged.
“Historically, there has been unequal treatment of services in the Harbor Area compared to wealthier parts of LA. As the home to the busiest container port in North America, we deserve equitable consideration in project planning and public outreach efforts, as well as the same level of attention and resources typically reserved for high-profile projects elsewhere in the city, to ensure that the Harbor community receives fair treatment throughout the bridge repair process.
“There is still time to submit public comments for Caltrans to consider. I urge you to review the Draft Environmental Impact Report and Environmental Assessment (Draft EIR/EA) and provide your input, which will be accepted through Monday, July 15.”
Details: Click here to learn more and submit your comments.