Residents living near the Vincent Thomas Bridge near the Port of LA are reporting severe noise and vibration disruptions following the first day of its 16-month full closure for a massive modernization project.
Fox 11 reported on the 8th that complaints from nearby residential areas are growing as round-the-clock construction work continues. Residents along North Harbor Boulevard near the bridge stated that late-night construction noise and vibrations shaking their buildings made it difficult to sleep.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) began full traffic restrictions and repair work on the Vincent Thomas Bridge on the 7th. The $750 million project involves replacing aging bridge decks and upgrading safety facilities in a large-scale renovation.
Local resident Alex Denisov told Fox 11 in an interview that the noise was too loud to block out by any means and that vibrations could be felt even inside apartment buildings, noting it is especially severe for units facing the bridge and its approach ramps.
Denisov explained that after enduring roadwork and traffic detours in the surrounding area for the past year, the noise became much worse once the bridge repair project began. Another resident mentioned that indoor soundproofing measures were unable to block out the intense vibrations.
While residents sympathize with the necessity of the construction, they are demanding that noisy operations be avoided during nighttime hours.
Caltrans maintains that a full closure is unavoidable to minimize overall inconvenience. Nathan Bass, a public information officer for Caltrans District 7, explained that the 16-month full closure was decided after extensive discussions with residents and port stakeholders, noting that choosing partial lane closures would have significantly extended the project duration.
As resident complaints mounted, local political offices also stepped in to respond. The office of Los Angeles City Councilman Tim McOsker, who represents the area, stated that because Caltrans is managing the project, the council office does not have the authority to determine work hours or schedules. However, they acknowledged understanding residents’ concerns regarding late-night noise, adding that they will continuously monitor field conditions and consult with Caltrans to explore additional measures to mitigate noise impacts.
