The Vincent Thomas Bridge closure begins November 7, removing a road connection between San Pedro and Terminal Island for approximately 16 months. Caltrans estimates that 53,000 vehicles use the crossing on an average day. Harbor commuters, truck drivers and bus riders face new routes, with designated detours and free Route 142 service planned.
Nearly 9% of the bridge’s daily vehicles are heavy trucks, according to Caltrans. The 53,000 figure is normal bridge traffic, not a count for any single detour. The closure affects roads serving the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Key Takeaways
- The bridge is scheduled to close at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
- Caltrans estimates 53,000 daily crossings, with heavy trucks making up nearly 9%
- Main detour corridors include I-110, I-710, State Route 103 and Harry Bridges Boulevard
- Commuter Express Route 142 will follow Anaheim Street and operate without fares during the closure
- Caltrans is targeting early March 2028 for the reopening, subject to construction progress
Vincent Thomas Bridge Closure Begins November 7
The shutdown covers both directions of State Route 47 at the bridge, including its approaches. It removes the direct crossing between San Pedro and Terminal Island during construction.
Opened in 1963, the bridge remains structurally sound, Caltrans says. But heavy traffic and marine exposure have deteriorated its concrete deck. The agency chose replacement during one extended closure rather than repeated partial shutdowns.
The approximately $750 million project covers a new driving deck, center median, railings, fencing and signage. Caltrans also plans upgrades to seismic sensors. The rebuilt bridge will retain two traffic lanes in each direction, without additional vehicle capacity or dedicated bicycle and pedestrian lanes.
Crews have been preparing temporary work platforms and supports ahead of the extended closure. Caltrans expects construction during the main shutdown to continue around the clock. The target for traffic to return is early March 2028, although the department’s schedule allows additional work after the bridge reopens.
Detours Move Harbor Traffic Toward the 110 and 710 Freeways
Caltrans has identified Interstate 110, Interstate 710, State Route 103 and Harry Bridges Boulevard as primary alternatives. The selected routes are intended to keep redirected traffic on highways and commercial corridors where possible, rather than funneling trucks through residential streets.
Not every displaced trip will use the same road. Drivers will follow different corridors according to their destinations and traffic conditions.
Caltrans is currently resurfacing and restriping designated detour roads, adding temporary traffic signals and installing additional monitoring cameras. Caltrans says traffic control officers will be assigned to 18 key intersections when required. Local authorities also plan additional enforcement of commercial truck restrictions near residential areas.
The added traffic could affect busy Los Angeles roads, especially near harbor ramps. Caltrans has not established a single travel-time estimate for all drivers. It advises checking QuickMap and following posted detour signs.
Caltrans has also coordinated with the Los Angeles Unified School District over possible effects on school transportation. ABC7 reported that approximately 7,000 households received information about obtaining air filters as a precaution related to potential traffic-related pollution. That outreach does not demonstrate a measured increase in air pollution from the closure, which has not started.
Port Freight and Bus Riders Face Different Route Changes
The closure affects a direct route serving port terminals, shipping operations and the surrounding workforce. Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka said the agency’s priority is “keeping cargo moving throughout the Port complex” while helping workers and commuters navigate the closure. The statement describes a goal, not a guarantee that deliveries will avoid delays.
The harbor is part of a Los Angeles freight network connecting cargo terminals with rail yards, warehouses and retailers. The Port of Los Angeles says it has coordinated with terminal operators, trucking firms, workers and Caltrans on traffic changes. The effects on delivery schedules and local businesses will depend on actual conditions once traffic is diverted.
Bus passengers will also have a different journey. LADOT says Commuter Express Route 142, which normally crosses the bridge, will travel farther north along Anaheim Street. The eastbound stop at Ocean Avenue and Magnolia Avenue will be suspended, while existing stops are expected to remain available.
Route 142 will be fare-free throughout the bridge closure. On weekdays, buses are scheduled every 30 minutes from 5 to 8 a.m. and from 1 to 10 p.m., with 40-minute midday intervals and hourly late service. Weekend frequencies will vary between 30 and 60 minutes depending on the time. LADOT cautions that the longer route will affect trip times.
For residents seeking more detailed detour information, Caltrans has scheduled a drop-in session Saturday, Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wilmington Branch Library, 1300 N. Avalon Boulevard. The session takes place one week before the full shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Vincent Thomas Bridge closure begin?
The Vincent Thomas Bridge closure is scheduled to start at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Caltrans plans to close the bridge and its approaches in both directions for approximately 16 months.
Which detour routes will drivers use?
Caltrans identifies I-110, I-710, State Route 103 and Harry Bridges Boulevard as primary routes. Drivers should follow posted signs and check current traffic conditions because the best route depends on their destination.
Will Route 142 continue operating?
Yes. LADOT plans to reroute Commuter Express 142 along Anaheim Street and waive fares for the duration of the closure, although the eastbound Ocean Avenue and Magnolia Avenue stop will be unavailable.
When is the bridge expected to reopen?
Caltrans currently targets early March 2028 for the reopening. The date is a construction target, and work on temporary structures and other components may continue after traffic returns.
