Port of Los Angeles Completes $139 Million SR 47 Interchange Project

The Port of Los Angeles celebrated the completion of the SR 47 interchange project, a $139 million effort designed to reduce traffic congestion, improve roadway safety and facilitate access to surrounding residential communities and the Los Angeles waterfront, including the Cruise Terminal, West Harbor and the battleship Iowa. Alongside this project, the port also completed more than $18 million in community beautification projects.

The project reconfigures key connections between the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the I-110 freeway, Harbor Boulevard and Front Street, separating truck traffic from passenger vehicle traffic and improving the flow of goods and motorists through one of the busiest corridors in the port complex. Improvements include relocating the SR 47 southbound off-ramp to Harbor Boulevard, moving it from the south side to the north side of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, as well as reconfiguring freeway ramps, adding new turn and through lanes on Harbor Boulevard, and a direct access lane to the West Basin Container Terminal.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass noted that the port is an economic engine for the region and that the improvements ensure the safety of residents while maintaining the port's competitive position as a global trade partner. Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles, said the project aims to keep people and cargo moving safely and efficiently through one of the busiest corridors in the port complex, and acknowledged the work of the engineering and construction teams. Councilmember Tim McOsker said completing the project ahead of the Vincent Thomas Bridge closure is an achievement resulting from coordination and planning.

The port secured more than $73 million in grants for the project, from LA Metro, Caltrans, the South Bay Cities Council of Governments and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Although the interchange improvements are complete, the new Harbor Boulevard access ramp will remain closed in coordination with the upcoming Vincent Thomas Bridge deck replacement project, led by Caltrans, which will close the bridge starting November 7.

In addition to the roadway project, the port completed three community beautification projects worth more than $18 million, which include new landscaping and multi-use paths along Front Street and North Gaffey Street. The $10.5 million Front Street Beautification Project incorporates a 22-foot-wide landscaped area next to the West Basin Container Terminal, while the $7 million North Gaffey Street Phase II Beautification Project adds new landscaping and a multi-use path between Gatun and Channel streets.