The Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro is scheduled to close to all traffic on Nov. 1, 2026, for about 16 months. Caltrans says the closure allows a full deck replacement on the State Route 47 bridge, which links San Pedro and Terminal Island.
Crews are already preparing the detour. Because dates can change with weather and operations, drivers should check Caltrans before they travel.
Why the bridge is closing
The deck replacement project is valued at $752.8 million, according to the Caltrans project notice. Skanska-CEC Joint Venture is the general contractor. Caltrans describes the project as critical infrastructure work, with partial and full closures over about two years. Most reports point to a reopening around March 2028, although one source says the agency hopes to finish before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Detours and nearby roads
Harry Bridges Boulevard and other local streets in Wilmington are the designated detour. Caltrans resurfaced Harry Bridges Boulevard overnight over the summer so it could handle the extra traffic. Other options include Interstate 110, State Route 103, Pacific Coast Highway and Interstate 710, so heavier traffic is likely on Harbor Boulevard, Gaffey Street and the 110.
Caltrans held community meetings on the detour plan on Oct. 1, Oct. 8 and Oct. 14, according to a trade-news summary. Check the project page for current maps and signal changes.
What it means for the port and cruise travelers
Port of Los Angeles terminals are expected to stay open. Port officials estimate that about 8 percent of drayage truck traffic uses the bridge, and rail cargo is not affected. Even so, truckers will drive longer routes, which may add time to some deliveries. Cruise passengers sailing from San Pedro should plan extra time to reach the waterfront.
The bridge also serves local commuters, so travel between San Pedro and Terminal Island will change for 16 months. Officials are studying a possible parallel bridge, but that is only a study at this stage.
Questions and contacts
Caltrans lists the project contact as Diana Jimenez, at vtbproject@dot.ca.gov. For live road conditions, use Caltrans QuickMap. As of Oct. 20, 2026, the Nov. 1 start date has not been changed.
For more on getting around the region, see our Los Angeles guides.