Caltrans has extended the public comment period for a massive proposed project that could partially or entirely close the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which officials say is necessary so they can make major repairs on the heavily trafficked San Pedro icon.
That announcement came at the end of a recent online-only public meeting that drew about 100 viewers — most of them complaining they’d only just heard about the upcoming project in recent days.
News of the California Department of Transportation project has sent shockwaves throughout San Pedro and Wilmington as residents, including longshore workers who rely on the mile-long bridge daily, grapple with the prospect of a full or partial bridge closure that could span from 2025 to 2027.
At the end of the 90-minue virtual meeting, which took place last week, Caltrans officials announced the public comment deadline had been extended from Friday, May 12, to May 26.
“I just barely found out about this through the Daily Breeze the other day,” said San Pedro resident Carol Lee.
The same apparently goes for Ray Regalado, president of the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council.
The original 30-day time period for comments was simply not enough, Regalado said, especially “when I’m hearing about this today for the first time.”
Los Angeles Councilmember Tim McOsker, who represents the Harbor Area, said that while he was disappointed in how Caltrans notified people about the project, the long lead time before work begins will help ensure everyone has a voice in the process.
“While this (lack of outreach) is disappointing and we’ve started out very slowly,” McOsker said, “we do have time if the (construction) start date is 2025 and the opportunity to make sure we are considering everyone’s comments.”
The project will replace the entire concrete roadway on the bridge for the first time since the bridge opened 60 years ago. The work is necessary, Caltrans officials said, to ensure the bridge…
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