The Long Beach International Gateway Bridge was honored Monday for contributing to the national economy as a vital link in the global supply chain by three leading organizations representing designers and public operators of U.S. infrastructure.

Representatives from the American Council of Engineering Companies, the American Public Works Association and the American Society of Civil Engineers visited the Port of Long Beach as the first stop of a national “Engineering and Public Works Roadshow” that recognizes how critical infrastructure projects benefit the nation’s economy, jobs and environment.

“The need to invest in port infrastructure has never been greater, and we appreciate being recognized for building a bridge that is both visually stunning and critically important to the global supply chain,” said Port of Long Beach Executive Director Mario Cordero. “The Port of Long Beach is committed to building infrastructure to meet the challenges that lie ahead and maintain our status as a leading gateway for trans-Pacific trade.”

“The Port of Long Beach continues to invest in infrastructure projects that are crucial to enhancing productivity, delivering greater efficiency and operating sustainably,” said Long Beach Harbor Commission President Sharon L. Weissman. “We are honored to receive this recognition and to showcase how infrastructure projects like the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge can lift the nation’s economy.”

Built to last 100 years as a critical piece of infrastructure to sustain long-term growth at the Port of Long Beach, the bridge is high enough to allow large ships to easily access the Port’s Inner Harbor. As a major link in the national supply chain, the six-lane span is used by truckers to haul about 15% of America’s containerized imports. It also serves the region as an important commuter thoroughfare.

The cable-stayed bridge opened in October 2020 as part of the state highway system and stands as a stunning local icon with two support towers reaching 515 feet into the sky and a multicolored LED lighting system.

The Port of Long Beach is one of the world’s premier seaports, a gateway for trans-Pacific trade and a trailblazer in goods movement and environmental stewardship. The Port handles trade valued at more than $200 billion annually and supports 2.6 million trade-related jobs across the nation, including 575,000 in Southern California.