Gerald Desmond Bridge

US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has approved a $325m loan to support the replacement of the Gerald Desmond Bridge in Long Beach, California.

A key link to the Port of Long Beach’s commerce and trade, the bridge is highly congested and is in dire structural condition. Built in 1968, it has been deteriorating from various safety and design challenges, such as seismic deficiencies and a low vertical clearance.

The new bridge will enhance safety by delivering six travel lanes, new emergency lanes and shoulders, as well as a higher clearance to accommodate large cargo containers.

Secretary Foxx said that projects such as the Gerald Desmond Bridge demonstrates why the country needs a long-term transportation re-authorisation bill, which would give states the confidence to move forward with much-needed infrastructure repairs.

"Our proposed legislation will help to ensure that we are able to maintain America’s motorway assets, create jobs and continue to grow the nation’s economy," Foxx said.

" The project will relieve congestion and make it easier to access one of the nation’s most thriving ports."

Speaking about the project, deputy federal highway administrator Gregory Nadeau said this project will improve the reliability of freight movement.

"It will relieve congestion and make it easier to access one of the nation’s most thriving ports," Nadeau said.

In addition to the $325m transportation infrastructure finance and innovation act (TIFIA) loan, $675m in other federal funds will go toward the project’s $1.28bn total cost.

Image: Gerald Desmond Bridge at the Port of Long Beach, California. Photo: courtesy of neighborhoods.org.