Mocobizscene- A section of the Shoemaker Bridge, which links drivers in Downtown Long Beach to the northbound 710 Freeway, has been closed indefinitely for repairs. This action was taken following a truck crash that caused significant damage to a part of the bridge.
Last Monday, Jan. 29, a truck driver struck the underside of the Shoemaker Bridge while driving on the northbound connector from the eastbound Long Beach International Gateway Bridge to the northbound 710 Freeway, as reported by city officials.
The officials have announced that the repairs on the Shoemaker Bridge have necessitated the closure of its northbound right-hand lane. In addition, the bridge’s off-ramp to Ninth Street in West Long Beach will also be closed until the necessary repairs are completed.
Drivers commuting through northbound Shoreline Drive and Shoemaker Bridge from the Ocean Boulevard, Third Street, and Seventh Street on-ramps should be prepared for delays, as city officials have issued a warning regarding lane closures in the area.
According to officials, the southbound lanes of the bridge and the connector from the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge to the northbound 710 are currently open. However, there is a possibility that the area may be completely closed off in order to facilitate repairs once the city has completed its assessment of the issue.
The city recently unveiled updated plans for the $900 million project to replace the aging Shoemaker Bridge by 2028.
Renderings of the project depict a contemporary cable-stayed bridge featuring 240-foot tall angled arches that converge at the center of the 765-foot-wide structure. The construction of this new bridge forms part of a comprehensive strategy to realign Shoreline Drive, drastically altering the access points for drivers entering and exiting the 710 Freeway Downtown.
In addition, the project will contribute 5.6 acres of park space to the Downtown area. The entrance of the 710 Freeway in Downtown Long Beach will be closed indefinitely after a truck caused damage to the bridge.
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