Once Called The ‘Bridge To Nowhere,’ L.A.’s Only Suspension Bridge Will Close For At Least A Year — Here’s What To Know Right Now

Did you know that the Vincent Thomas Bridge over the L.A. Harbor is the only suspension bridge in the Greater Los Angeles area, and one of the only ones in Southern California? While it may not draw the same attention as the Golden Gate, this overlooked bridge between San Pedro and Terminal Island has made frequent cameos in numerous blockbuster [films](https://secretlosangeles.com/movies-in-theaters-los-angeles/) over the years. Caltrans is preparing to launch a $706 million remodel of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which will see it close for over a year starting in 2026. Keep reading for a closer look at the “bridge to nowhere ” and its upcoming construction plans. Remodeling the Vincent Thomas Bridge ------------------------------------ Caltrans is gearing up to remodel the Vincent Thomas Bridge starting in late 2025 , beginning with some weekend and nighttime closures before transitioning to a full closure in 2026. The initial $706M plan involves closing the bridge for about 16 months to replace the deck and upgrade railings, fences, and the median barrier. However, the Port of L.A. has proposed raising the bridge for greater ship clearance, which would extend the full closure to 28 months and increase the cost to $1.5B. The *L.A. Times* reported that the Port of L.A. has already secured private funding for the extended project. However, local communities have raised concerns about traffic congestion due to the resulting long-term detours. Commuters will need to loop around Harry Bridges Blvd. or the 110 and 405 freeways. Caltrans will reach a decision about the bridge raising in [October](https://secretlosangeles.com/things-to-do-october-in-la-2025/). Origins of the “bridge to nowhere” ---------------------------------- The 1.1-mile Vincent Thomas Bridge opened in 1963 as a replacement for the old ferry crossing between San Pedro and Terminal Island. It was named after California Assemblyman Vincent Thomas, who spent nearly 2 decades developing it. Thomas’s bridge project was met with ridicule from fellow legislators, who said it wouldn’t attract enough traffic and called it the “bridge to nowhere.” Despite the criticism, the Vincent Thomas Bridge was also an engineering marvel of its time — it was the first suspension bridge in the country to use welded steel instead of rivets, and can withstand winds up to 90 mph. Six decades later, the bridge remains a vital connection to the Port of Los Angeles and serves over 58,000 vehicles a day. Film cameos, from *Gone in 60 Seconds* to *Inception* ----------------------------------------------------- The Vincent Thomas Bridge has appeared in numerous films and TV shows over the years, often used for establishing shots and dramatic sequences. It was used for major car chase scenes in the 1974 original and 2000 remake of *Gone in 60 Seconds * as well as the 1985 film *To Live and Die in L.A. * You can also see it in action sequences from *Lethal Weapon 2 * and ***Lethal Weapon 4*, as well as establishing shots from *Inception*, *Den of Thieves*, and *Mr. and Mrs. Smith*.** Source: https://secretlosangeles.com/vincent-thomas-bridge-remodel-los-angeles/