The Port of Los Angeles has announced it has received a $9.88 million Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) grant to help ease the flow of traffic.
In a statement, the Port said the grant will pay for improvements to the heavily travelled interchange at Harbor Boulevard/Front Street and the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro.
“Support for this federal grant came from all levels of government,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka. “We are grateful to the U.S. Department of Transportation, including its Maritime Administration, the members of Congress who represent the Port, and state and local leaders for recognizing the urgent need to modernize this critical junction of the National Highway Freight Network.”
These improvements to the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) designated National Highway Freight Network (NHFN) include new and improved on-ramps and off-ramps, thus improving access to/from I-110 and the Vincent Thomas Bridge; elimination of a congested weaving section on the existing eastbound off-ramp; and improvements to the intersections on Harbor Boulevard/Front Street, including a new signal at the new westbound ramp terminus.
The Port said the project will significantly cut delays, accidents and emissions. The Port of Los Angeles is designing the project — and will construct it — in collaboration with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), District 7. Construction advertising is expected in December 2021.
The interchange directly serves two marine terminals that handle approximately 5% of all containerized goods to and from the U.S. Likewise, it is an essential link in the larger infrastructure network of the L.A.-Long Beach trade gateway, which handles nearly 40% of all imports to the U.S. and 25% of all U.S. exports.
In addition to the Port of LA, the federal government launched a $220 million marine investment plan designed to help the US supply chain and improve infrastructure.
This project is also supported and funded by the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), via a request for funding through the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (COG). LA Metro is providing $41.2 million, of which $37.4 million is for the construction phase.
