Public Works

Shoemaker Bridge Replacement Project

   

Existing Shoemaker Bridge photo

Shoemaker Bridge Concept Image

Planned Layout and Location

  

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Additional project updates and information will be published on an on-going basis.

Click here for the latest project updates.

Background

Built in 1954, the Shoemaker Bridge has long served as a key connection between Interstate 710 (I-710), surrounding neighborhoods, and Downtown Long Beach. However, its aging structure and outdated design, including sharp curves on the on- and off-ramps and other nonstandard features, have led to safety concerns, a high rate of accidents, and structural deficiencies.

To address these issues, the City of Long Beach is planning to construct a new, state-of-the-art bridge that meets current Highway Capacity Manual design standards, enhances safety, and strengthens neighborhood connectivity. The new bridge will be located just south of the existing alignment and will feature an elevated roundabout at its eastern end, providing direct connections to 7th Street and Shoreline Drive.

The Shoemake Bridge and realigned Shoreline Drive will feature dedicated bike and pedestrian paths, enhancing mobility and improving connections between the east and west sides of the I-710 corridor.

These projects are part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access and streets. Learn more at lbelevate28.com.

For more information on the Shoreline Drive Realignment Project, please visit longbeach.gov/shorelineproject.

Timeline

Project timeline is set barring weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances.

Objectives

• Enhance Traffic Safety
• Improve Multimodal Access and Connectivity
• Support Future Growth and Development
• Align with the City’s Vision to connect Cesar E. Chavez and Drake Parks

Project Features

• Shoemaker Bridge replacement with an updated design, protected bike and pedestrian paths, and an observation deck/vista point on its south side
• New stormwater pump station connected to LB-MUST  and Wetlands for sustainable runoff management

Project Funding

The Shoemaker Bridge Replacement will cost approximately $900 million, with funding in part from LA Metro’s Measure R Expenditure Plan and the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) grants, with additional funds to be determined.

More Information

• Shoemaker Bridge Project - Community Meeting Presentation - December 9, 2023
• Shoemaker Bridge Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment
• Shoemaker Bridge Notice of Determination
• Shoemaker Bridge Findings of Fact on the Environmental Impact Report
• Shoemaker Bridge Notice of Availability of FEIR/FONSI

Project Updates

September 2024

Northbound lanes of the Shoemaker Bridge will temporarily close for repairs on September 28 and 29, 2024 (Saturday and Sunday) which will result in changes to nearby roadways and freeway on-ramps connecting downtown Long Beach and the Port to the 710 Freeway.

The repair work is scheduled to take place from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on both days, which sustained damage when trucks carrying cargo struck the underside of the bridge in January.

During scheduled repair hours on both days, Ocean Boulevard, Third Street, and Seventh Street ramps will be closed. Motorists traveling from downtown Long Beach traveling are advised to access the northbound 710 Freeway via Anaheim Street. For more details, please visit: polb.com/port-info/news-and-press/shoemaker-bridge-repairs-planned-for-sept-28-29-09-24-2024.

• July 2024 Update

  A repair project scheduled for August 3 and 4, 2024 (Saturday and Sunday) will take place on the Shoemaker Bridge which will result in changes to access routes for the northbound 710 Freeway from downtown Long Beach and the Port area.
  
  The repair work is scheduled to take place from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. on both days underneath the Shoemaker Bridge, which sustained damage when trucks carrying cargo struck the span in recent months. Crews will assess the steel framing of the bridge to determine necessary replacements at a later date.
  
  As northbound lanes on Shoemaker Bridge will be closed, motorists traveling from downtown Long Beach are advised to access the northbound I-710 via Anaheim Street. Please note that the Ocean Boulevard, Third Street, and Seventh Street ramps will be closed. For more details, please visit: https://polb.com/port-info/news-and-press/northbound-shoemaker-bridge-to-close-this-saturday-sunday-07-31-2024/.

• November 2023

  The City of Long Beach is hosting an in-person community meeting to provide a comprehensive overview of the project on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Jenny Oropeza Community Center at Cesar Chavez Park (401 Golden Avenue). Notable project updates such as the proposed bridge design, project funding, and estimated construction timeline will be shared during the community meeting. Additionally, information about substantiative projects in the area like the Shoreline Drive Realignment and Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment (LB-MUST) projects will also be discussed.

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