Caltrans now says the Vincent Thomas Bridge closure date is Saturday, Nov. 7, at 12:01 a.m., not Nov. 1. The full closure of State Route 47 in San Pedro then lasts about 16 months while crews replace the bridge deck.
That shifts the plan by six days, so drivers have a little more time to prepare. We reported Nov. 1 in an earlier story on the closure and detours. The newer Caltrans release, dated Oct. 22, 2026, replaces that date.
Why the Vincent Thomas Bridge closure date matters
The bridge carries about 53,000 vehicles a day between San Pedro and Terminal Island. Heavy trucks make up nearly 9 percent of that traffic, according to the Caltrans announcement. So the shutdown affects commuters, port workers and cargo trucks at once.
Caltrans targets a reopening in early March 2028. However, weather and construction conditions can move that date, so the agency’s project page is the best place to check for changes.
Detours and traffic control
Caltrans routes traffic mainly onto Interstates 710 and 110, State Route 103 and Harry Bridges Boulevard. The agency resurfaced and striped roads and intersections along these routes. It also added traffic cameras and temporary signals.
In addition, traffic control officers will work at 18 key intersections. Local police plan to step up commercial truck enforcement on the detour streets. Even so, expect slower trips on Harry Bridges Boulevard and nearby Wilmington streets, especially at rush hour.
The Port of Los Angeles says it is focused on keeping cargo moving through the port complex. The Caltrans release does not list specific truck restrictions, so truckers should check with their carriers and the port.
What to do before Nov. 7
First, try the detour at your usual travel time before the closure starts. Then check Caltrans QuickMap for live conditions on the day you travel. Finally, if you commute through Terminal Island, allow extra time for the first week, because routes tend to settle slowly.
Project questions go to Caltrans spokesperson Diana Jimenez at vtbproject@dot.ca.gov, and the project website carries maps and updates. For more local transportation coverage, see our Los Angeles guides.
As of Nov. 3, 2026, Caltrans has not announced any other change to the schedule.