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The Port of Los Angeles is pressing California's transport agency to raise the Vincent Thomas Bridge by 26 feet to allow access for container ships of up to 23,000 TEU, reports New York's Journal of Commerce.
The proposed expansion would increase the project cost from $1.5 billion to US$2.2 billion and extend the construction timeline from 16 months to 28 months. The bridge, used by 53,000 vehicles daily including 3,400 heavy-duty trucks, is currently limited to vessels of 15,000 TEU.
Raising the bridge to 211 feet would enable super-post-Panamax vessels to reach Yusen Terminals, TraPac and West Basin Container Terminal. Port Executive Director Gene Seroka said the upgrade would boost terminal capacity by 20 per cent and attract greener ships with alternative fuel capabilities.
Port boss Gene Seroka and industry representatives met Caltrans officials in Sacramento to discuss the proposal. He said Caltrans appears receptive and a decision is expected soon. The port argues that doing repairs and raising the bridge simultaneously would avoid future disruptions.
Caltrans plans to begin construction in early 2026, with night-time lane closures followed by full closure from November 2026 to March 2028. Raising the bridge would push completion into 2029. The agency is preparing detour routes and a real-time traffic update system.
Mr Seroka cited the Bayonne Bridge project in New Jersey as a model for Los Angeles. He said private-sector funding commitments have been secured from banks, pension funds and industry sources to cover the added cost. Details were to be presented at the meeting.
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