PORT OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP TO SHAPE FUTURE OF VINCENT THOMAS BRIDGE

July 30, 2026 - The Port of Los Angeles, California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) and California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a planning partnership to evaluate long-term options for replacing or modifying the Vincent Thomas Bridge, one of California's most important transportation assets and a critical link in the nation's supply chain.

The agreement launches a once-in-a-generation planning effort to evaluate concepts that would strengthen safety, sustainability, improve freight mobility, support jobs and ensure the Port of Los Angeles remains competitive as global trade continues to evolve.

The MOU establishes a roadmap for the Port, CalSTA and Caltrans to evaluate replacement or modification concepts through the Caltrans project development process. The agreement is focused on planning, technical evaluation and environmental review to identify the most effective long-term path forward.

Subject to approval by the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners, the Port will provide $5 million for preliminary engineering, environmental studies and other technical work needed to evaluate potential alternatives.

"Our healthy and resilient supply chain is part of the strong foundation for our robust economy," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "Thanks to investments made by Governor Newsom, we can continue to strengthen our transportation system and build infrastructure to move goods from California across the nation for decades to come."

"Signing this MOU demonstrates our commitment to investing in one of Los Angeles' greatest economic assets," said Los Angeles Mayor Karen 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."

"The infrastructure that connects LA and Long Beach to the rest of the world is critically important for the economic development of this region and for global trade," said 15th District Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker. "Even as we repair the current bridge, it is responsible of the State and the Port to advance plans for the future of logistics through the San Pedro Bay Complex."

"Caltrans and the Port of Los Angeles have enjoyed a strong partnership for many years," said Caltrans District 7 Director Gloria Roberts. "This agreement allows us to work together to evaluate long-term solutions that build upon the bridge's important role while meeting California's transportation and mobility needs."

"The Vincent Thomas Bridge has long been a beacon of connection for the state of California and this Port," said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. "We have a responsibility to ensure that connection endures for decades to come. 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. Cargo does not move itself. This Port is home to the greatest workforce in the world who deserve every opportunity to do what they do best on both sides of our iconic bridge. This is about making smart investments today that will support jobs, cleaner operations and a stronger supply chain for future generations."

Completed in 1963, the Vincent Thomas Bridge connects San Pedro and Terminal Island while spanning the Port's main navigation channel. The bridge is currently undergoing a major redecking project to address maintenance and safety needs. That work does not address the bridge's current 185-foot vertical clearance, which limits access for the newest generation of larger container vessels serving global trade.

The international shipping industry continues to deploy larger, more fuel-efficient container ships capable of carrying 22,000 to 24,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), which currently cannot pass under the bridge, constraining approximately 40% of the Port's container terminal capacity that lies north of the bridge.

Increasing or eliminating the vertical clearance constraint would allow larger, cleaner and more efficient vessels to access those terminals, strengthening the Port's ability to meet future cargo demand.

Expanding access for these new, larger vessels, which are capable of running on alternative maritime fuels including e-methanol, would advance the Port's sustainability goals and reduce emissions per container moved at the terminals closest to impacted communities.