Mayor Karen Bass, alongside state and local leaders, has launched a significant partnership to plan the future of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, a critical link for the Port of Los Angeles. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today by the Port of Los Angeles, the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to evaluate long-term options for replacing or modifying the bridge.
This initiative aims to improve freight mobility, support 144,000 jobs, reduce emissions, and ensure the Port of Los Angeles remains competitive as global trade evolves. The current bridge, completed in 1963, restricts access for larger, modern container ships, which cannot pass under its span, constraining approximately 40% of the Port’s container terminal capacity.
“This MOU demonstrates our commitment to investing in one of Los Angeles’ greatest economic assets,” said Mayor Bass. “The Vincent Thomas Bridge has served the Port of Los Angeles for more than 60 years, and it's time we start planning for the future. This partnership will strengthen our port’s economic output, create good-paying jobs, and position Los Angeles to compete in a rapidly changing global marketplace.”
Addressing the bridge’s vertical clearance would allow the world's largest, newest ships, including those capable of running on cleaner alternative fuels, to access northern terminals. This would safeguard existing cargo capacity, support an increase of over 1 million TEUs per year, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions.
“We have a responsibility to ensure that connection [the bridge] endures for decades to come,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Working together with our state partners, we will evaluate solutions that strengthen safety, improve goods movement and ensure the Port of Los Angeles remains competitive.”
Beyond environmental and economic benefits, a modernized crossing would improve safety for drivers and first responders by incorporating current design standards, including shoulders that the existing bridge lacks. The Port has already allocated $5 million for preliminary engineering and environmental studies, with Caltrans dedicating staff to support these efforts.