Gerald Desmond Bridge – Long Beach, CA

"Elevating Connections, Shaping Horizons"

The new Gerald Desmond Bridge in Long Beach, California, is a cable-stayed bridge that replaced the original Gerald Desmond Bridge. The original bridge, which opened in 1968, had become outdated and was not able to handle the increasing traffic demands of the region. The new Gerald Desmond Bridge is a significant engineering feat and an important transportation infrastructure project. It was designed to improve traffic flow, accommodate larger container ships, and enhance safety for motorists. The bridge provides three lanes in each direction, a bicycle and pedestrian path, and a higher clearance to accommodate larger vessels passing underneath. The new bridge features an iconic design with a curving, harp-like shape. It has two tower supports and a cable-stayed system that supports the bridge deck.

Construction of the new bridge began in 2013, and it opened to traffic on October 5, 2020. The project was a collaboration between the Port of Long Beach, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and other agencies. The new Gerald Desmond Bridge is expected to serve as a vital link for goods movement, as it connects the Port of Long Beach—the second busiest container port in the United States—with the road networks of Southern California. Overall, the new Gerald Desmond Bridge is a modern and efficient transportation infrastructure that improves the flow of goods and people in the Long Beach area.