SAN PEDRO (CNS) - Work will soon begin on a $130 million transportation project to reconfigure a major interchange connecting to the Port of Los Angeles, officials announced.
Port officials and the California Department of Transportation are set to reconfigure the interchange at state Route 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge and Front Street/Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro. The project is expected to reduce travel times, alleviate congestion and improve motorist and pedestrian safety at the highly traveled roadway.
"This interchange project will greatly enhance traffic safety for our communities while improving port efficiencies and traffic flow," Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of L.A., said in a statement. "As the nation's largest port complex, we need to maintain and improve our infrastructure to meet that demand, including roadways."
The SR 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge and Front Street/Harbor Boulevard interchange currently provides access to San Pedro, Wilmington, Terminal Island and services the West Basin Container Terminal.
The reconfiguration project will replace an existing southbound SR-47 off-ramp from the Vincent Thomas Bridge, currently located on the south side, with a new off-ramp located on the north side. Officials said additional improvements include realigning the existing on-ramp to the northbound Harbor (110) Freeway connector, modifying the northbound SR-47 off-ramp onto Harbor Boulevard, and modifying the northbound SR 47 on-ramp onto the bridge toward Terminal Island.
In regard to street improvements, the project will provide a realignment of Knoll Drive to accommodate a new on/off-ramp system. Front Street and Harbor Boulevard will be upgraded to feature new curbs, storm drain improvements, street lighting, traffic signal updates, bike lanes and ADA- compliant curb ramps and crosswalks.
Preliminary work will begin this month and the project is expected to be completed by 2026. The global construction and development firm Skanska was selected through a competitive bid process to work with the port on the project.
Motorists and the public will be kept updated on related traffic impacts with road signs throughout the duration of the project.
Grant funding for the project includes $49.3 million under Metro Measure R; $9.9 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation Port Infrastructure Development Program; and $13.4 million from California's Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP). The remaining project cost will be covered by the Port.
Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker, who represents the 15th District, which encompasses the San Pedro area, said the project is important to address a "significant increase" in trucks interfacing with passenger vehicles at the interchange. He noted the danger of having so many trucks move cargo as residents go about their daily commute.
"I'm glad that we are breaking ground on this massive project which will not only help with traffic safety and the movement of goods, but also accommodate the exciting redevelopment along the waterfront," McOsker said.