Long Beach is gearing up for the 2028 Olympics with a grand infrastructure makeover, starting with a $900 million proposal to replace the aging Shoemaker Bridge. At a community meeting hosted by the Department of Public Works, the new design for this vital connector at the tail end of I-710 was showcased to local residents eager for an upgrade.
As reported by the City of Long Beach's official website, the proposed cable-stayed bridge promises a sleek four-lane pathway, coupled with a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, aiming to stitch West Long Beach to Downtown. Mayor Rex Richardson touts the project as a catalyst for reinvigorating the area, "The new Shoemaker Bridge will be the first monument people see when they visit Long Beach." He anticipates the project will "permanently transform the city landscape to re-connect communities, bring vital economic development to the region, and welcome visitors from all over the world."
Scheduled to open ahead of the Olympic Games, the bridge features a pedestrian observation area to drink in the southside view.
This municipal feat aims to address the current bridge's notorious traffic snarls and safety concerns. As per City Hall reports, First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas sees it as a bridge to more than just roads, saying, "The vision for this project is to reconnect communities and one of those ways is to add six new acres of parkland that wasn’t previously accessible." With over six decades under its belt, the Shoemaker Bridge is ready for retirement, and the modern replacement is poised to alleviate the pressure it currently bears.
Public Works Director Eric Lopez highlighted the broader vision, referencing the cascade of complementary projects, "When we speak about Shoemaker Bridge, we also have to discuss the surrounding projects such as the Shoreline Drive Realignment, the Drake and Chavez Park Master Plan, and the Long Beach Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment facility." The integration of these projects, fostered by the Federal Government's support, underscores a commitment to enhance the quality of life through improved connectivity and recreational spaces.
The next steps for the Shoemaker Bridge project involve a City Council meeting on December 12, where the Department of Public Works will seek the green light to start the extensive permitting process. Long Beach residents are encouraged to offer their perspectives at the City Council gathering, which unfolds at 5 p.m. at the Civic Chambers, further democratizing the course of their city's renewal.
