The Port of Long Beach announced that traffic flow in both directions on the Gerald Desmond Bridge on Sunday, May 22, is likely to be affected by temporary lane closures to allow for the inspection of the bridge’s fire hydrants. At no time is the bridge expected to be fully closed for this inspection.
The right lane on the westbound side of the span will be closed from 6 a.m. to noon PT, with a closure of the Pier T off-ramp from the westbound side for one hour from about 11 a.m. to noon PT. The right lane of the eastbound side of the bridge will be closed for about one hour starting at noon PT. But the port warns motorists and truckers that the project may restrict lanes until about 2 p.m. Sunday PT.
The hydrant system check is a routine inspection that is required every five years. An out-of-service retired fire truck will be used to deliver water to the fire-suppression system, with testing of the pressure and flow at seven hydrants at points along the bridge. The work will be conducted by contractors hired by the port.
