ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Bridge Project is nearing completion and the new bridge is on course to open to traffic on Monday, Oct. 5. The six-lane, cable-stayed bridge will provide a major new regional highway connector as well as improve cargo movement at one of the world’s largest port complexes.
Opening the new bridge will require an Oct. 2-4 weekend traffic closure in the vicinity in order to switch over lanes to connect both ends of the nearly 2-mile-long structure to existing roadways that reach the 710 Freeway, downtown Long Beach and Terminal Island. Barring any unforeseen construction-related complications, motorists should be able to access the new bridge by the morning of Oct. 5. Final details for motorists will be announced soon.
Due to coronavirus restrictions, there will not be a ceremony open to public attendance. There will be a virtual opening ceremony to be telecast over YouTube and other social media channels, and available at www.newgdbridge.com and www.polb.com on Friday, Oct. 2.
“This new bridge is an incredible icon that will connect Long Beach to the world,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. “We will continue to build infrastructure and drive economic growth across the country.”
“The new bridge is an engineering marvel and a point of pride for the tens of thousands of workers whose livelihoods are connected to the Port of Long Beach,” said Port Executive Director Mario Cordero. “We are both grateful for the years of hard work by the bridge contractor and workers and for the collaboration with Caltrans to deliver our new bridge. We’re very excited by what this bridge to everywhere means to our Port and the national economy.”
“The Port of Long Beach is proud to count the new bridge among our many capital programs that continue to enhance operational efficiency and keep the Port of Long Beach internationally competitive,” said Harbor Commission President Frank Colonna. “The bridge is a critical link in the nation’s trade system and improves an important transportation corridor for California.”