The city is in the middle of a transformation, from the long-awaited wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway to new Metro extensions and rapid bus corridors. But with every improvement comes a temporary headache, and one of SoCal’s most important bridges is about to become the latest source of disruption.
The iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro (L.A.’s only suspension bridge) is officially gearing up for a full closure, with Caltrans beginning a series of overnight shutdowns this weekend as crews prepare for a massive deck replacement project scheduled to begin in late 2026.
Overnight closures begin this weekend
According to the latest Caltrans work notice, starting June 21, overnight closures will alternate between the eastbound and westbound directions throughout summer 2026, with only one direction fully closed at a time.
The closures run nightly from approximately 10:15 PM to 6:45 AM and include several connecting ramps, including the eastbound SR-47 on-ramps at Gaffey Street and Channel Street, as well as the southbound I-110 connector to SR-47.
Drivers will be detoured via Pacific Coast Highway, Route 103, and Route 47 while crews install specialized work platforms beneath the bridge deck.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge full closure
The biggest disruption will arrive on November 1, 2026, when the Vincent Thomas Bridge is expected to close entirely for an estimated 16 months. Caltrans expects the bridge to reopen before the 2028 Olympic Games, though construction schedules remain subject to change due to weather and operational conditions.
For commuters, port workers, and businesses that rely on the crossing, the closure will mean significant detours and longer travel times throughout much of 2027 and early 2028.
Vincent Thomas Bridge major overhaul
Opened in 1963, the Vincent Thomas Bridge has been carrying traffic between San Pedro and Terminal Island for more than six decades. While the bridge remains structurally sound, Caltrans says its roadway deck has experienced substantial deterioration caused by decades of heavy traffic, age-related wear, and exposure to the harsh marine environment.
The closure is part of the $752.8 million Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project, one of the largest bridge rehabilitation efforts currently underway in California. The project will replace the entire bridge deck, upgrade seismic sensors, and install new railings, fencing, and median barriers.
Transportation officials say the improvements are necessary to preserve the bridge’s long-term structural integrity, improve safety, and maintain a vital economic corridor serving the Port of Los Angeles and Terminal Island.
