File photo.
UPDATE | Eastbound Ocean Boulevard between the Gerald Desmond Bridge and downtown Long Beach will be closed for up to three years starting Wednesday, January 27 as part of the Desmond Bridge Replacement Project, according to a construction update released Monday.
A temporary closure of eastbound Ocean Boulevard from SR-47 to Golden Shore will take place on Tuesday, January 26 starting at 9:00PM and lasting until 5:00AM on Wednesday to prepare the roadway for the 36-month detour. Eastbound traffic will be detoured to northbound SR-47.
An overnight detour for motorists using westbound Ocean Blvd. from Golden Shore will also be implemented. All westbound traffic from 9:00PM on Tuesday, January 26 to 5:00AM on Wednesday will be directed to Pico Avenue via the Pico off-ramp. Traffic will be able to rejoin westbound Ocean using the Pico on-ramp.
For the long-term Ocean Boulevard closure starting January 27, all traffic will be detoured to Pico Avenue or northbound 710. Motorists heading to downtown Long Beach will exit at Pico, turn right on Pico and take an immediate left at the signalized Pier E Street intersection to rejoin eastbound Ocean Boulevard. Street improvements will include traffic signals and two dedicated left turn lanes that continue through the on-ramp to Ocean, as stated in the release.
“When approaching the detour, traffic heading to northbound 710 should stay to the left. All others should stay to the right. If you miss Pico and end up on NB 710, exit at eastbound Anaheim Street or eastbound PCH to return to downtown or the Port,” was a tip given for those navigating the closures.
The closure dates and times are subject to change due to weather or construction delays.
PREVIOUSLY: GD Bridge Replacement Project to Close Parts of Ocean Blvd. for Up to 3 Years
1/4/16 at 4:22PM | Your old route from the Port of Long Beach (POLB) to downtown will be your route no longer.
Beginning January 19, the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement project will close eastbound Ocean Boulevard between the Desmond Bridge and downtown Long Beach for up to three years, the Port of Long Beach (POLB) announced Monday. That’s a long time—so get used to it.
According to a release issued Monday, through traffic will be detoured along Pico Avenue to rejoin Ocean Boulevard downtown.
Motorists diverted to Pico Avenue can rejoin Ocean Boulevard via two signalized intersections, dedicated turn lanes and a two-lane (newly striped) on-ramp. The diversion allows Ocean Boulevard to remain open during the construction.
Images courtesy of the Port of Long Beach.
The 710 connector will remain open until further notice, according to the port.
Additional short-term closures are set to precede the long-term closure, as preparatory measures. Specifically, a temporary overnight closure of eastbound Ocean Boulevard between SR-47 to Golden Shore will occur between 9:00PM, January 18 to 5:00AM, January 19 for the detour, while eastbound traffic will be detoured to northbound SR-47.
Another short-term detour will channel traffic from westbound Ocean Boulevard at Golden Shore to Pico Avenue, beginning 9:00PM on January 18 and ending at 5:00AM January 19. The on-ramp from Pico will allow motorists to rejoin westbound Ocean.
A joint effort of Caltrans and the port, the completed bridge will have six traffic lanes, four emergency shoulders, a higher clearance for large vehicles and the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle and Pedestrian Path with scenic overlooks.
For additional information about the Gerald Desmond Bridge replacement project, click here. To watch live construction, click here.