LB Port Says Desmond Bridge Replacement Project to Begin Late 2012
The Port of Long Beach has stated that it anticipates beginning construction in late 2012 on the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project, which will replace the existing 43-year-old structure in the Port. Construction would continue for approximately five years and the existing bridge will remain open until the new span has been completed.
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(The Gerald Desmond Bridge, which opened in 1968, was not designed to handle the traffic load that it carries today. The new bridge will be higher to accommodate the newest generation of the most efficient cargo ships and wider to safely serve the thousands of cars and trucks that travel the route each day.)
Total Cost of Bridge Replacement to be $950M
The total cost of the bridge replacement is expected to be $950 million. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Port released a request for proposals on September 2, 2011 for the design and construction of a new cable-stayed bridge, ramp connectors, and a pedestrian/bicycle path within the design-build project’s $750 million budget. Nearly $200 million of the total project cost is allocated for other activities such as utility relocation, old bridge demolition, right-of-way acquisition and contract administration.
Proposals to Design/Build New Bridge due in Early 2012 from Pre-Qualified Firms
Four engineering and construction teams have been pre-qualified to submit proposals for the design-build contract. Proposals will be submitted in early 2012 and the contract is expected to be awarded by mid-2012.
Oct 4 Pre-Proposal Conference Will be Webcast Live
The Port of Long Beach and Caltrans are hosting a pre-proposal conference on October 4, 2011. The meeting will be webcast live here.