Long Beach International Gateway Bridge, Cable-stayed road bridge in Long Beach, United States
The Long Beach International Gateway Bridge is a modern cable-stayed structure made of concrete, spanning the Back Channel with two 515-foot towers supported by a network of steel cables. Six traffic lanes and a separate bicycle path run across it, linking Long Beach with Terminal Island.
This bridge replaced an earlier structure from 1968 that could no longer handle the port's growing demands. Construction started in 2013 and the new bridge opened to traffic in 2020.
The name reflects community input and the bridge's role connecting the port to the wider region, emphasizing its importance to local commerce and identity. Walking or driving across it, you sense the gateway function it serves between the city and its maritime operations.
The bridge offers good views of the port and the ships passing underneath, especially when traveling at a slower pace or by bicycle. The quietest times to cross are during off-peak hours when traffic is lighter and you can better observe your surroundings.
The bridge's 205-foot clearance allows large container ships to pass safely underneath, a critical function for one of the world's busiest ports. This height represents a careful balance between maritime traffic needs and land transportation requirements.
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