Posted on 10/29/2024
"The magnitude of the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project, expected to begin in early 2026 with its full closure, is certain to be a major disruption for those who live and work throughout the Harbor Area. I have previously described this project as a "Harborgeddon" that will affect residents, workers, businesses, and the international supply chain reliant on seamless operations within the San Pedro Bay complex - and upon review of the Final Environmental Impact Report - this remains true," said Councilmember Tim McOsker.
"We all acknowledge the economic significance of the Vincent Thomas Bridge and recognize the necessity of this project, but I and my communities remain concerned about how this project will affect our air quality, traffic flow, safety, environmental justice and the overall infrastructure in the Harbor Area. In July, I sent a letter to Caltrans detailing specific concerns and proposed mitigations to be incorporated into the Final Environmental Impact Report.
I am pleased that Caltrans took my recommendation for a Single-Stage Construction schedule seriously. Given the choice between a drawn-out disruption and an expedited schedule that completes the work sooner, I fully support the Single-Stage Construction approach and want to see Caltrans "rip off the band-aid" and complete the project as quickly as possible. The sooner this ends for our communities, the better it will be for everyone. Furthermore, Caltrans has agreed to engage the Community Advisory Committee and the Technical Advisory Committee consistently, as well as conduct advance messaging about detours and closures to better prepare residents and commuters for disruptions.
However, there were other demands that Caltrans brushed off with ambiguity and a lack of commitment. For instance, I raised the issue of road conditions, stressing that all detour routes must be adequately repaired before and after the Caltrans closure, which will add significantly more truck and commuter trips daily throughout the construction. Yet, Caltrans’ response lacked any accountability: ‘The repair of local streets is not within the jurisdiction of Caltrans; however… Caltrans will work with local jurisdictional agencies to find opportunities to repair detour routes prior to and after construction.’ This non-response offers little assurance to a community that will bear the brunt of this project. This is but one example of a lack of specificity or enforceability in the final EIR. I will use the coming days and weeks to advocate for accountability and concrete commitments within the Caltrans responses to our comments.
This project is critical for the Port of Los Angeles—and, more importantly, for the thousands of residents and workers who make their lives and livelihoods in and around the Port Complex. But the need for a safe and functional bridge doesn’t mean we should be forced by the State to choose between vital infrastructure or protecting our communities from detrimental environmental impacts."