The Port of Long Beach’s new cable-stayed span has been designated as the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge after state Senate approval.
The iconic bridge connecting Terminal Island to downtown Long Beach opened as part of the state highway system.
“Since our new bridge officially opened in 2020, it has been a bright new landmark for our city – welcoming visitors from close to home and around the world,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia.
“The approval of its official name as the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge perfectly fits all that it represents, and we are excited to have it serve our community and our great Port for generations to come,” he added.
The port turned over ownership of the bridge to Caltrans, leaving responsibility for the bridge’s name to the state legislature.
“The new name reflects that this truly is a bridge to everywhere by connecting Long Beach to the rest of the world as a critical link in the global supply chain,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero.
“The Long Beach International Gateway Bridge represents our ongoing commitment to invest in infrastructure projects that will strengthen the Port’s competitiveness for decades to come,” he continued.
With two support towers and a colorful LED lighting system, the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge has already become an icon on the Southern California skyline.
It is taller than the previous one to accommodate large cargo ships and to generally improve truck and passenger traffic for Southern California’s transportation network.
The US$1.5 billion Long Beach International Gateway Bridge replaced the Gerald Desmond Bridge, which opened in 1968 and was named after a former Long Beach city attorney and city councilman who helped secure funding for its construction opening.
Demolition of the Gerald Desmond Bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
