Project Description/Overview (SR-47 Expressway Video)

The Schuyler Heim Bridge Replacement and SR-47 Expressway Project is being advanced through a joint partnership between Caltrans and the Alameda Corridor Transportation Authority (ACTA).  The project proposes to replace the seismically deficient Schuyler Heim Bridge over Cerritos Channel and add a four-lane elevated roadway connection to Alameda Street that will bypass three signalized intersections and five at-grade railroad crossings.  The Heim Bridge is an essential service link between Terminal Island and the mainland in Wilmington.

This project will provide an alternative route from Terminal Island, a major generator of port-related truck traffic, and provide direct access to local distribution centers and warehousing facilities in the South Bay area, as well as I-405 and SR-91, thereby relieving congestion on the Harbor and Long Beach freeways.

The Schuyler Heim Bridge Replacement and SR-47 project will enhance the efficient, secure movement of goods at the nation’s largest port complex, as well as reduce congestion and improve mobility.

Project Benefits

• Replaces the seismically-deficient Schuyler Heim moveable bridge with a new safer fixed bridge
• Creates an expressway between Ocean Blvd. on Terminal Island and Alameda St. at Pacific Coast Highway
• Enhances mobility on local freeways by diverting 5-8% of the port-related trucks
• Diverts trucks from certain local arterials and commercial and residential areas
• Facilitates future improvements to the Long Beach I-710 Freeway
• Provides alternative route to the existing near-dock rail yard
• Eliminates traffic conflicts at 5 at-grade rail crossings and 3 traffic signals

Project Status

Caltrans completed the Record of Decision (ROD) pursuant to NEPA, and filed the Notice of Determination (NOD) with the State Clearinghouse pursuant to CEQA for the Schuyler Heim Bridge Replacement and SR-47 Expressway Project. The selected alternative is Alternative 1 “Bridge Replacement and SR-47 Expressway”.

The project is divided into two segments. Segment 1 is the replacement of the seismically-deficient Schuyler Heim bridge with a new safer fixed bridge. Segment 2 creates an expressway between Ocean Blvd. on Terminal Island and Alameda Street at Pacific Coast Highway.

Segment 1

Design began on October 1, 2009. This portion of the project will go out to bid in early Fall 2010 and construction is estimated to begin in January 2011.

Environmental Documents:

Record of Decision (August 2009)

Notice of Determination (August 2009)

The Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) may be downloaded below. A CD may also be requested at mmelendres@acta.org.

Notice of Availability

Schuyler Heim Bridge Replacement and
SR-47 Expressway Project
EIS/EIR (286MB)
(right-click and save to your desktop)

EIS/EIR Summary (357K)

Technical Studies

To view the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (SDEIS/RDEIR) and Appendices, click here.