The southbound I-710 (Long Beach) Freeway connector to westbound Ocean Boulevard is scheduled to close in early May so it can be demolished as part of the Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project. The long-term closure is tentatively set to start at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 10. The date is subject to change. The connector to be demolished links the southbound I-710 to the existing westbound Desmond Bridge/Ocean Boulevard. A new connector will be built, along with the new bridge. When the connector closes, southbound I-710 traffic heading to Terminal Island will be diverted onto southbound Pico Avenue, then to an on-ramp that rejoins westbound Ocean to cross the Desmond Bridge. Detour signs will be in place. A temporary traffic light will be installed at the intersection of Pico and Pier D Street to replace a four-way stop and improve traffic flow. Demolishing the ramp will require a short-term closure of southbound Harbor Scenic Drive, which passes under the connector. Southbound Harbor Scenic is the primary route from the southbound I-710 to Port of Long Beach Piers F-J, as well as to the Queen Mary, cruise terminal and nearby hotels. Southbound Harbor Scenic is scheduled to close on Friday, May 23, and reopen by noon on Monday, May 26. To access these areas, the detour route for Port traffic and trucks is southbound I-710 onto southbound Pico to Harbor Plaza West. Motorists using the southbound I-710 Freeway to reach the Queen Mary, cruise lines, nearby hotels and downtown Long Beach are encouraged to take the “Downtown Long Beach” exit and Shoreline Drive. Demolition of the I-710/westbound Ocean connector ramp is required to lay the foundations of the new bridge replacing the existing Gerald Desmond Bridge, and to build a new southbound I-710 Freeway connector ramp to the new bridge. The new bridge will be constructed just north of the existing structure. Construction work will include eventual demolition of the eastbound Ocean-to-northbound I-710 connection. Details of that closure will be announced later this year. The public is encouraged to sign up at www.newgdbridge.com for weekly traffic alerts and to download the “LB Bridge” mobile app from the App Store, Google Play or the Windows Store. The alerts and app inform motorists about construction-related detours and provide project updates. For a larger detour map, click here.