This is the first time that an MSS will be used to construct a highway bridge in California, according to a press release issued by Daniel Rhodes, community liaison for the project.
Each MSS weighs 3.1 million pounds and is a traveling steel structure that supports the formwork for constructing the roadway.
During a recent 250-foot span stem-and soffit-pour, more than 50 crane operators, laborers and carpenters poured 700 cubic yards of concrete for the newest bridge span.
More than 70 concrete trucks were involved in the pour at the orange MSS structure, located on the western side of Ocean Boulevard.
On the east end, a blue MSS structure is currently being assembled to begin construction on the westbound approach later this year.
These MSS units are used to construct each approach span at 80 to 150 feet above ground. They reduce overall construction time, compared to typical bridge projects that involve complex systems of wood beams, pipes and steel girders that rise from the ground, known as falsework.
They also offer a safer, more efficient way to construct the roadways, according to the press release.
In several weeks, passing motorists will see the orange MSS move along to the next bridge span, where it will continue to build the next section of roadway.
The following is information pertaining to street closures resulting from the project.
Northbound/southbound Ocean Boulevard
Type of work: Full closure
Area of work: All lanes of northbound and southbound Pico Avenue will be closed underneath Ocean Boulevard.
During this closure, traffic on Pico Avenue will be unable to travel under Ocean Boulevard (Gerald Desmond Bridge) between the westbound Ocean on-ramp and Pier E Street
When: Weeknights 9pm to 6am through Friday May 6
Westbound Ocean Boulevard to Pico Avenue off-ramp
Type of work: Full closure
Area of work: Off-ramp from westbound Ocean Blvd. to Pico Ave. will be closed.
When: Weeknights 9pm to 6am through Friday May 6
Pico Avenue to westbound Ocean Boulevard on-ramp
Type of work: Lane closure
Area of work: On-ramp from Pico Avenue to westbound Ocean Boulevard will be closed.
When: Weeknights 9pm to 6am through Friday May 6
Eastbound Ocean Boulevard long-term detour
Type of Work: Full closure
Area of work: Eastbound Ocean Boulevard is closed at Pico Avenue. All traffic is detoured to Pico or northbound 710 Freeway. Downtown traffic will turn right at Pico and left at Pier E Street to rejoin eastbound Ocean. Approaching the detour, traffic heading to downtown Long Beach should stay to the right to exit at Pico. Traffic headed to northbound 710 should stay to the left.
When: Through 2018
Southbound Harbor Scenic Drive
Type of work: Lane closure
Area of work: Southbound Harbor Scenic Drive has been reduced to one lane between the southbound 710 Freeway and Ocean Boulevard.
When: Through 2017
Northbound Pico Avenue
Type of work: Lane closure
Area of work: A short stretch of northbound Pico Avenue is reduced to one lane between Ocean Boulevard and Pier D Street.
When: Ongoing
Southbound I-710 Freeway to westbound Ocean Boulevard
Type of work: Freeway connector closure
Area of work: The southbound 710 Freeway to westbound Ocean Boulevard connector is closed through 2017.
The detour for traffic headed to Terminal Island and San Pedro is southbound Pico Avenue to westbound Ocean Boulevard. Drivers should follow detour signs for “Terminal Island.”
When: Ongoing
Westbound Ocean Boulevard
Type of work: Lane closure
Area of work: Westbound Ocean Boulevard from downtown Long Beach is reduced to one lane approaching the Gerald Desmond Bridge.
