Photo credit: Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement ProjectThe Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project in California began Saturday, according to NBC Los Angeles.
The project — a joint effort of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Port of Long Beach — will replace the approximately 50-year-old existing bridge.
The project’s website notes that the new, cable-style bridge will be wider than the old bridge and will include three additional lanes in each direction, emergency lanes on both the inner and outer shoulders in each direction, a 205-foot vertical clearance for cargo ships and a dedicated bicycle path and pedestrian walkway with at least three scenic overlooks.
The $1.2 billion project will shut down the ramp connecting the southbound 710 Freeway and westbound Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach for 30 months, the Long Beach Press Telegram reports.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the project involves demolishing the connector ramp and old bridge and laying the foundations for a new bridge.
The Press Telegram report notes that new bridge will have a deck that is 205 feet above water, additional traffic lanes, higher clearance for cargo ships and a dedicated bicycle path and pedestrian walkway with lookout areas.
The project is expected to remain under construction for three years and create about 3,000 jobs per year. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) are helping fund the project.
Watch the included video for a demonstration of the bridge’s construction and to see how the finished bridge will look.
For more concept photos of the completed bridge, see below.
All photos via the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project website.
