STM Daily News

Is the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles Closing? Here’s What You Need to Know

Published

5 months ago

November 13, 2024

Rod Washington

Big news for Los Angeles commuters and shipping operations: the iconic Vincent Thomas Bridge is set to undergo a major construction project that will lead to its complete closure for over a year. According to Caltrans, the bridge will shut down for a 16-month deck replacement, starting in late 2025 or early 2026.

Why Close the Bridge?

The Vincent Thomas Bridge, which connects San Pedro and Long Beach as part of Highway 47, has served as a vital traffic artery for 60 years. However, time has taken its toll, and the bridge’s concrete deck is quickly deteriorating due to the heavy vehicles that cross it daily and the marine environment it spans.

Caltrans officials have deemed the deck replacement necessary to ensure the structure’s safety and longevity. They describe the bridge as Los Angeles’ “welcoming monument,” emphasizing its importance to the community and regional connectivity.

The Decision Process

Earlier this year, Caltrans sought public feedback on how to approach the impending closure. Options included keeping some lanes open or implementing partial closures. However, after a 90-day comment period, it was determined that complete closure would be the most effective approach. This decision was guided by technical and environmental studies that showed a full closure would allow for uninterrupted work and ultimately shorten the construction timeline.

Caltrans emphasized that the single-stage option not only minimizes construction time but is also the safest, most cost-efficient, and allows for greater construction efficiency.

What to Expect During the Closure

When the construction begins, the bridge will be entirely shut down. This means rerouting will become essential for those who rely on this crucial structure for daily travel. Caltrans is currently working on a detailed closure and detour plan that will incorporate public input.

The preliminary detour routes likely include:

Sepulveda Boulevard
West Harry Bridges Boulevard
Alameda Street
Pacific Coast Highway
Henry Ford Avenue
Terminal Island Freeway/Highway 103

Commuters should brace for adjustments in their routes, as traffic patterns may shift considerably during the bridge’s closure.

Final Thoughts

While the announcement of the Vincent Thomas Bridge’s closure may send ripples of concern through the community, it’s essential to remember that this critical project is being implemented to preserve the bridge’s structural integrity for the future. The construction of a new deck will not only enhance safety but will also support the ever-increasing demands of traffic between Los Angeles and its bustling shipping centers.

As the scheduled start date approaches, be sure to stay informed about closure updates and planned detours to facilitate a smoother transition during this necessary project.

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Related Topics:Caltrans closure deck replacement Vincent Thomas Bridge

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Coca-Cola Recall Alert: Thousands of Cans Pulled From Shelves in Two States

Published

3 days ago

March 27, 2025

Hal Machina

selective focus photography of red coca-cola can lot on box — Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

In a significant recall notification, Coca-Cola has announced the withdrawal of over 10,000 cans of its popular beverage due to concerns over foreign object contamination. This announcement was initially made on March 6, and affected cans were sold in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin.

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the risk level of this recall as Class 2. This designation indicates that consuming the affected Coca-Cola “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences,” although the chances of serious health consequences are deemed to be remote.

Which Coca-Cola Products Were Recalled?

The recall impacts a total of 864 packs of 12 cans of Coca-Cola, amounting to 10,368 cans in total. The specific details of the recalled products are as follows:

Product Description: Coca-Cola Original Taste, 12 Fl Oz
Can UPC: 0 49000-00634 6
12-Can Pack UPC: 0 49000-02890 4
Date Code: SEP2925MDA
Time Stamp: 1100-1253

Which States Are Affected?

The recall specifically concerns Coca-Cola cans distributed in the following states:

Illinois
Wisconsin

Why Were the Coca-Cola Cans Recalled?

The FDA has reported that these Coca-Cola cans were recalled due to contamination with a foreign object, in this case, plastic. Such contaminants can inadvertently enter food and beverage products at various stages during the production process, posing a safety risk if ingested. It is important to note that the FDA report did not indicate any associated injuries related to this specific recall

If you have purchased Coca-Cola cans with the above UPC codes in Illinois or Wisconsin, it is recommended that you refrain from consuming the affected products. Instead, please return them to the store where you purchased them for a full refund or exchange. Staying informed about product recalls is crucial to consumer safety, and it is always advisable to check for the latest updates from the FDA and Coca-Cola regarding product safety issues. For any additional questions, feel free to reach out to Coca-Cola directly or visit the FDA’s website. Stay safe!

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George Foreman: A Champion Boxer and Ubiquitous Entrepreneur Passes at 76

Published

1 week ago

March 22, 2025

Rod Washington

Bigger than life in more ways than one, George Foreman captivated the hearts and minds of sports fans across the globe and found an enduring place on the kitchen counters of countless American homes. A two-time heavyweight champion, entrepreneur, author, and minister, Foreman passed away on March 21, 2025, at the age of 76, as confirmed by his family and publicist.

George Foreman Legacy

With heavy hearts, Foreman’s family shared the news on Instagram: “Our hearts are broken. With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved George Edward Foreman Sr., who peacefully departed surrounded by loved ones. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”

Affectionately known as “Big George,” Foreman was best recognized as a championship boxer. He brought home the heavyweight gold medal from the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, launching his professional career, which reached a pinnacle in 1973 when he defeated Joe Frazier in Jamaica to claim his first heavyweight championship. This fight, dominated by Foreman, is famously remembered for sportscaster Howard Cosell’s legendary call: “Down goes Frazier!”

In 1974, Foreman fought Muhammad Ali in what would become one of boxing’s most iconic matches, dubbed “The Rumble in the Jungle.” Although Foreman entered the ring as the heavy favorite, he suffered the first loss of his career, yielding his title to Ali via an eighth-round knockout. This legendary bout became one of the most-watched televised events in history, solidifying Ali’s moniker as “The Greatest.”

Following a victorious rematch against Frazier in 1976, Foreman faced challenges, retiring after another defeat to Jimmy Young. However, his story didn’t end there. After a decade away from the ring, Foreman made a surprising return in 1987 at the age of 38, stringing together 12 consecutive wins before falling to Evander Holyfield in 1991.

In a remarkable comeback, Foreman made history in 1994 when he, at 45 years old, defeated 26-year-old Michael Moorer to capture the WBA and IBF heavyweight titles, becoming the oldest person ever to win a world heavyweight championship. He relinquished the titles at 46 years and 169 days old, ultimately retiring for a second time in 1997 with an impressive career record of 76 wins and only 5 losses, 68 of which were knockouts. In 2003, Foreman was rightfully inducted into both the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame, earning his place among the 25 best boxers of all time.

Beyond the boxing ring, Foreman made a tremendous impact as an entrepreneur, particularly as the face of the George Foreman Grill. Launched in 1994, this innovative kitchen appliance became a global sensation, with over 100 million units sold within its first 25 years.

Foreman is survived by his wife, Mary Joan Martelly, and his 12 children—five sons and seven daughters—sharing that “Big George” famously named all his sons George Edward Foreman so “they would always have something in common.”

George Foreman leaves behind a lasting legacy that transcended sports, embodying resilience, faith, and entrepreneurial spirit. He will be fondly remembered, not just as a boxing champion but as a beloved figure in the hearts of many.

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NASA Provides Live Coverage of Crew-9 Return and Splashdown

Published

2 weeks ago

March 17, 2025

Rod Washington

NASA Crew-9 — NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 members pose together for a portrait inside the vestibule between the International Space Station and the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft. Clockwise from left, are NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Suni Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
NASA

NASA is set to offer live coverage of the much-anticipated return of its SpaceX Crew-9 mission from the International Space Station (ISS). The event will commence with preparations for the Dragon spacecraft’s hatch closure at 10:45 p.m. EDT on Monday, March 17.

In a proactive move, NASA and SpaceX convened on Sunday to evaluate the weather and splashdown conditions off Florida’s coast in preparation for the Crew-9 mission return. Thanks to favorable weather forecasts for Tuesday evening, March 18, mission managers are targeting an earlier return opportunity. This adjustment serves to allow the onboard crew ample time to complete their handover duties while also providing operational flexibility in anticipation of less favorable weather later in the week.

The Crew-9 mission features NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. These skilled astronauts have been conducting a long-duration science expedition aboard the ISS and will bring back critical time-sensitive research to Earth.

As the launch nears, mission managers will continue to monitor weather conditions, which will play a pivotal role in the undocking process. Factors such as spacecraft readiness, recovery team preparedness, and sea states will all influence the timing and location of the splashdown. NASA and SpaceX will finalize and communicate the specific splashdown site as the Crew-9 return approaches.

For those interested in following along, you can watch the Crew-9 return activities live on NASA+. Additional viewing options, including various social media platforms, are also available. Schedule information can be found at NASA Live.

Here’s a timeline of the upcoming live coverage (all times EDT and subject to change):

Monday, March 17

10:45 p.m. – Hatch closing coverage begins on NASA+

Tuesday, March 18

12:45 a.m. – Undocking coverage begins on NASA+
1:05 a.m. – Undocking

Following the undocking coverage, there will be an audio-only feed. Assuming favorable weather conditions at the splashdown sites, continuous coverage will resume on NASA+ before the deorbit burn.

4:45 p.m. – Return coverage begins on NASA+
5:11 p.m. – Deorbit burn (approximate time)
5:57 p.m. – Splashdown (approximate time)

Following the splashdown, there will be a Return-to-Earth media conference at 7:30 p.m. on NASA+, featuring key participants, including:

Joel Montalbano, Deputy Associate Administrator, NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate
Steve Stich, Manager, NASA’s Commercial Crew Program
Jeff Arend, Manager for Systems Engineering and Integration, NASA’s International Space Station Office
Sarah Walker, Director, Dragon Mission Management, SpaceX

Mark your calendars and prepare to witness this exciting milestone in space exploration as NASA’s Crew-9 mission returns home!

Find full mission coverage, NASA’s commercial crew blog, and more information about the Crew-9 mission at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/