Port of Long Beach Bridge Project Reached Milestone

By Karen Robes Meeks

The Port of Long Beach’s Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement project reached a major milestone this week when crew members linked into place the last major steel floor beam on California’s first cable-stayed bridge.

Slated to open this year, the $1.47 billion bridge will feature six traffic lanes, a bike and pedestrian path, more room to accommodate larger cargo ships and better traffic flow with more efficient transition ramps and connectors.

The work is being done amid the COVID-19 health crisis. While the project is among the 16 federal critical infrastructure sectors allowed to continue, officials are minding health guidelines for those working on the project, such as frequent handwashing, canceling community and guest tours of the bridge project and hosting construction-related meetings by teleconference if practical.

By Sarah Spangler