Local officials on Thursday welcomed the completion of a $139 million reconfiguration of State Route 47 and its varying connections in San Pedro.
The project, which began in March 2024, redid the interchange’s connections with the Vincent Thomas Bridge, Interstate 110, Harbor Boulevard and Front Street. The work was aimed at reducing congestion on primarily motorist roadways by directing trucks servicing the Port of Los Angeles elsewhere, as well as enhancing connections with the Los Angeles Waterfront, the L.A. Cruise Terminal, the West Harbor development and Battleship Iowa.
“This project is about keeping people and cargo moving safely and efficiently through one of the busiest transportation corridors in our port complex,” said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka at the ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday morning.
“I’m especially proud of our engineering and construction teams for their vision and hard work in delivering improvements that will benefit our port and surrounding communities for years to come.”
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Several reconfigurations were made to this interchange.
The SR 47 off-ramp to Harbor Boulevard was moved from the south side of the Vincent Thomas Bridge to the north side.
There were also new turning and through lanes added to Harbor Boulevard, other changes made to on- and off-ramps, and a new lane to the West Basin Container Terminal.
Mayor Karen Bass hailed the project for its goal of improving the Port of Los Angeles’ infrastructure, given its significance to the regional economy. She also celebrated the improvements to safety, noise pollution and emissions output being afforded to motorists and residents in the area.
“The Port of Los Angeles is an economic powerhouse for our region, and Angelenos deserve to feel the benefits of this success,” Bass said. “I’m proud to deliver these critical infrastructure improvements that keep residents safe, maintain our status as a competitive global trading partner, and build upon our community-led vision to improve the quality of life for the harbor area.”
Other benefits
On top of the infrastructure benefits, other improvements were made to beautify the surrounding area.
About $10.5 million was spent on beautifying Front Street with a new 22-foot-wide landscaped area and pedestrian pathway on the north side of Front Street adjacent to the West Basin Container Terminal. Another $7 million went to landscaping and path-making on the east side of Gaffey Street between Gatun and Channel streets and improvements to the nearby Caltrans Park and Ride site.
An additional $1 million was spent beautifying the west side of Front Street at Pacific Avenue.
Importantly, work was completed and the interchange opened before Caltrans closes the Vincent Thomas Bridge for a redecking project expected to last until early 2028.
“With all the construction happening around our waterfront, the last thing our Harbor Area residents need is another disruption to their daily lives,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker, who represents the San Pedro and Wilmington neighborhoods. “Getting this project across the finish line ahead of the Vincent Thomas Bridge closure is a real accomplishment and a testament to the coordination and planning that went into this work. It means one less thing for our residents to worry about as we prepare for the bridge closure, while improving safety and access between Harbor Boulevard and the 110 Freeway.”
