The Port of Los Angeles and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will begin construction this month on a $130 million transportation project.

According to the port, the transportation project aims to redesign a key intersection at State Route 47 (SR 47)/Vincent Thomas Bridge and Front Street/Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro.

The interchange reconfiguration will reduce travel times, alleviate congestion and improve motorist and pedestrian safety at this highly travelled roadway juncture.

Los Angeles City Councilmember, Tim McOsker, said: “We have all experienced a significant increase in trucks interfacing with passenger vehicles at the Harbor Blvd./SR47 Interchange, which is both difficult and dangerous as we work to move cargo and as residents go about their daily commute.

“I’m glad that we are breaking ground on this massive project which will not only help with traffic safety and the movement of goods but also accommodate the exciting redevelopment along the waterfront.

“This interchange project will greatly enhance traffic safety for our communities while improving Port efficiencies and traffic flow. As the nation’s largest port complex, we need to maintain and improve our infrastructure to meet that demand, including roadways.”

The SR 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge and Front Street/Harbor Boulevard junction now connect San Pedro, Wilmington, Terminal Island, and the West Basin Container Terminal.

The reconfiguration project will replace the southbound SR 47 off-ramp from the Vincent Thomas Bridge with a new off-ramp on the north side.

The port noted that additional changes include realigning the existing on-ramp to the northbound Interstate 110 link, adjusting the northbound SR 47 off-ramp into Harbour Boulevard, and changing the northbound SR 47 on-ramp onto the bridge towards Terminal Island.

Knoll Drive will reportedly be realigned to facilitate a new on/off ramp system, as part of the street renovations.

Front Street and Harbour Boulevard will be updated with new curbs, storm drain improvements, street lighting, traffic signal upgrades, bike lanes, and ADA-compliant curb ramps and crosswalks.

Preliminary construction will begin this month, and the project is slated to be finished in 2026.

Skanska, a global construction and development corporation, was chosen to work on the project by the Port following a competitive bid procedure.

In January, the Port of Los Angeles announced that the newly built Wilmington Waterfront Promenade will have its grand opening on 3 February 2024.