URGENT UPDATE: The proposal to raise the Vincent Thomas Bridge during a major deck replacement project has been officially nixed, prompting discussions about potentially constructing a new bridge altogether. This decision, announced by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), comes as the bridge faces significant structural updates starting in January 2026.
The bridge-raising initiative, championed by Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, aimed to accommodate the growing fleet of larger container ships. Currently, about 40% of the port’s terminal space is hindered by the bridge’s low clearance, which is insufficient for the newest vessels. However, state officials determined that merging the bridge-raising with the deck replacement would complicate funding and extend the project timeline by up to a year.
“The timing just didn’t work out,” said Mike Jacob, President of the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association, in a phone interview earlier today.
The proposed bridge elevation was projected to cost $1.5 billion and involved raising the bridge by approximately 26 feet to facilitate the world’s largest and cleanest container ships. Although combining it with the Caltrans project could have expedited the process, the complications were deemed too significant.
Seroka expressed disappointment but remains optimistic about future possibilities.
“While we were hopeful that we would be able to include a bridge raising component into Caltrans’ pending critical maintenance project, we’re encouraged by the strong support of the Governor’s administration to quickly explore additional projects,”
he stated. The governor’s office is now exploring alternatives, including the construction of a new bridge or even a tunnel under the harbor.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge, a vital asset to the Los Angeles region, witnesses over 10,000 truck trips daily and plays a crucial role in the U.S. economy as part of the nation’s busiest port. Caltrans has confirmed that the bridge’s redecking project will commence in January 2026 and is expected to be completed before the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
With the initial proposal off the table, conversations about building a new bridge are gaining traction. Although constructing a new bridge would be significantly more expensive, Jacob noted, “it opens up the possibility of saying, ‘Maybe instead of raising the current bridge, maybe the better thing is to replace it,’” allowing for a more comprehensive discussion on solutions.
As preliminary work intensifies for the upcoming deck replacement, the community is urged to participate in discussions about the future of the bridge. The full closure of the bridge is set for late 2026, and detour routes are being planned, but significant traffic disruptions are anticipated, affecting both port operations and local commuters.
Stay tuned for more updates as stakeholders navigate these developing discussions on one of Southern California’s most iconic structures.
