The Port of Los Angeles and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) are commencing a US$130 million transportation project to reconfigure a significant interchange where State Route 47 (SR 47) meets the Vincent Thomas Bridge and Front Street/Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro.
This project aims to diminish travel durations, ease congestion, and enhance safety for both motorists and pedestrians at this heavily traversed roadway juncture.
“We have all experienced a significant increase in trucks interfacing with passenger vehicles at the Harbor Blvd./SR47 Interchange, which is both difficult and dangerous as we work to move cargo and 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,” stated Tim McOsker, Los Angeles City council member.
The interchange at SR 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge and Front Street/Harbor Boulevard serves as a vital access point to San Pedro, Wilmington, Terminal Island, and the West Basin Container Terminal.
The upcoming reconfiguration project entails several key improvements, including relocating the existing southbound SR 47 off-ramp from the Vincent Thomas Bridge to the north side, realigning the northbound Interstate 110 connector on-ramp, adjusting the northbound SR 47 off-ramp onto Harbor Boulevard, and modifying the northbound SR 47 on-ramp toward Terminal Island.
Additionally, street enhancements will involve realigning Knoll Drive to accommodate a new on/off-ramp system, upgrading Front Street and Harbor Boulevard with new curbs, storm drain enhancements, updated street lighting, traffic signal upgrades, bike lanes, and ADA-compliant curb ramps and crosswalks.
Commencing this month, preliminary work will kick off, with the entire project slated for completion by 2026. Skanska, a global construction and development firm, secured the project through a competitive bidding process in collaboration with the Los Angeles Port, in another project agreement with a US port.
Throughout the project duration, motorists and the public will receive regular updates on any related traffic impacts through road signs.
Funding for the project comprises US$49.3 million from Metro Measure R, US$9.9 million from the US Department of Transportation Port Infrastructure Development Program, and US$13.4 million from California’s Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP). The Port of Los Angeles will cover the remaining project costs.
