Vincent Thomas Bridge closes Nov. 7 for 16-month deck replacement

The Vincent Thomas Bridge is scheduled to close Nov. 7 for 16 months while crews replace its concrete deck, diverting about 53,000 vehicles a day, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. The work is part of a $750 million project.

Thousands of big rigs traveling to and from the port area use the bridge daily, making truck detours and neighborhood traffic restrictions central concerns during the closure. The 110 and 710 freeways will serve as the main alternate routes, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The bridge connects San Pedro with the Port of Long Beach, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Officials said its structure remains safe, but the deck has deteriorated after more than 60 years of service and needs replacement.

Caltrans said a single extended shutdown would be more cost-effective than intermittent closures over several years, the station reported. Crews will replace the deck with the bridge fully closed.

Big rigs will be barred from using residential neighborhoods as shortcuts. Traffic officers will monitor compliance, and drivers who violate the restrictions could receive tickets, according to the report.

Caltrans is also working with the Los Angeles Unified School District and nearby residents to provide air filters to help address pollution from idling trucks. About 7,000 homes have received notices explaining how to obtain a filter, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

Caltrans representative Ken Young said traffic patterns would shift during the initial weeks before becoming more predictable. Uber driver Amber "Royal" Royston told the station that finding alternate routes would make it harder to reach passengers on time.

The bridge is expected to reopen in March 2028. Until then, Caltrans advises drivers to budget extra travel time as they adjust to the detours.