US$500 loan to enable Long Beach to handle larger vessels

The US Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau has announced it will provide a loan of US$500m to the City of Long Beach, California, acting through its Board of Harbor Commissioners (the Port of Long Beach). 

The loan will help finance construction of the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project, located at the Port of Long Beach. The new bridge’s 205ft vertical clearance will accommodate larger cargo vessels. 

US transportation secretary, Elaine L. Chao, said: “This $500 million federal investment reflects the President’s continued emphasis on infrastructure that will reduce traffic congestion while enhancing the Port of Long Beach’s ability to handle large container ships to support economic growth in the region and the country.”

The statement said the bridge is the primary link between the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, and the warehouses and rail yards north of the ports. The project will replace an outdated structure constructed in 1968 with a cable-stayed bridge. 

In addition to accommodating larger ships, the new bridge will accommodate increased vehicular traffic; provide emergency lanes in both directions; improve safety; and reduce delays.

Substantial completion of the project is expected to occur in July, after which the existing structure will be demolished.

For more information visit www.polb.com

11th May 2020