Work is commencing shortly in Los Angeles, California for the Vincent Thomas Bridge Deck Replacement Project. The $534 million project will be handled by Skanska in a joint venture with California Engineering Contractors (CEC).
The project was awarded to the joint venture partners by the California Department of Transportation (CALDOT). Skanska’s share of the project is worth some $320 million and the work will take until March 2029 to complete.
According to Skanska, the project includes removing and replacing the existing bridge deck, installing new expansion joints, and integrating advanced corrosion-protection systems. The work will involve a phased deck replacement, with the bridge being closed for 16 months along this portion of State Route 47, which links to the Port of Los Angeles.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge provides a key freight and commuter corridor for the Port of Los Angeles and the South Bay region. The modernisation will replace the ageing bridge deck with precast, prestressed concrete deck panels, which are engineered for extended service life, improved load capacity, and resilience against corrosive marine conditions.
“Delivering this critical infrastructure allows us to apply advanced engineering solutions that improve safety for the traveling public, modernise essential bridge components, and help Caltrans maintain a vital economic corridor serving Terminal Island,” said James Bailey, executive vice president of Skanska USA Civil’s West Coast operations.
“CEC looks forward to working with our partner Skanska to successfully complete this complex project. The CMGC process allowed the Skanska-CEC Joint Venture to work closely with Caltrans during the preconstruction phase of the project to develop innovations and technical engineering solutions which resulted in a customised project plan that best serves the community while maintaining safety, quality and schedule during every phase of the project,” said Wahid Tadros, president of California Engineering Contractors.
