ANNOUNCEMENTS

Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project Continues

Because the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project is included in one the 16 federal critical infrastructure sectors (i.e., transportation), construction work will continue amid the unfolding health crisis.



Project safety officials are following federal and local health guidelines in advising project team members; these include frequent washing of hands, avoiding touching your face, advising workers and team members who may feel sick to stay at home, practicing social distancing when small group meetings are convened, etc. Non-essential activities, such as community and guest tours of the project, have been canceled until further notice. Construction-related meetings by teleconference are being arranged where practical. Given this is an active outdoor construction project with heavy machinery and materials overhead and on the ground, safety perimeters were already established to allow only construction project team members, workers and suppliers onto the job site.



When fully completed later this year, the new cable-stayed bridge will include six traffic lanes and four emergency shoulders, a higher clearance to accommodate large cargo ships, a bike and pedestrian path with scenic overlooks, and more efficient transition ramps and connectors to improve traffic flow.



The Port of Long Beach remains open and operating. The Port, which oversees construction of the new bridge, is working very closely with the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, supporting communications and planning efforts. Local health officials are leading highly effective efforts to communicate with the public and to ensure continued vigilance. Up-to-date information is available on the City of Long Beach’s website at www.longbeach.gov/covid19.