The $1 billion project to rebuild the Gerald Desmond Bridge at the Port of Long Beach is getting set for construction next year. The Long Beach Press-Telegram reports that yesterday the Port of Long Beach Harbor Commission approved a "notice of intent" to award a $649.5 million contract to the joint venture team that will handle the design build portion of the project. The Gerald Desmond Bridge was built in the 1960s, but must be replaced to increase both ship and truck traffic through the port. Then there is the embarrassing fact that the Gerald Desmond is a grown-ass bridge that has to wear a diaper (pictured in the above gallery) to catch the crumbling concrete that frequently falls from its 165 foot high underbelly. The new bridge, which is expected to get underway in 2013 and require five years to complete, will have 200 foot clearance over the water--enough room for modern container ships to pass under with ease.
· Long Beach Harbor Commission gives nod to $649.5M bridge contract [Long Beach Press-Telegram]
· Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project [Official Site]
· LB's New Gerald Desmond Bridge Will Have Dream Bike Path [Curbed LA]
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