California 47 - California Travel Information

California 47

California 47 begins at its junction with Interstate 110 in Los Angeles, just north of San Pedro. See photos of this interchange at the Interstate 110 page. Heading east from Interstate 110, California 47 immediately ascends the Vincent Thomas Bridge. This four-lane suspension bridge is free; it was tolled until 2000.

At the eastern end of the bridge, California 47 becomes a surface street (Ocean Boulevard). The boulevard is slated for improvements to freeway standards. These improvements include a planned new interchange at the southern terminus of the Terminal Island Freeway. Currently, Ocean Boulevard, the Terminal Island Freeway, and the newly extended Interstate 710 meet at a traffic light on Terminal Island. California 47 turns north at this light, while Interstate 710 commences as a freeway over the Desmond Bridge.

California 47 heads north along the Terminal Island Freeway. At the Anaheim Street/Henry Ford Avenue exit, California 47 exits the Terminal Island Freeway, and California 103 continues north along the freeway past California 1 until ending at Willow Street. Between Ocean Boulevard and Willow Street, spotty signage is posted for California 103, including some signs at the southern terminus of the Terminal Island Freeway and Interstate 710; however, California 103 does not officially begin until just north of the Heim Bridge.

Meanwhile, as for California 47, it follows the Alameda Corridor north at least as far as California 91. The route is fully signed at least that far; it could continue all the way to Interstate 105, since the improvements appear to continue that far north. The route is mostly a surface street with some expressway features. This could be the beginnings of the long-proposed but never constructed Industrial Freeway, which would parallel Interstate 710 to the west between downtown Los Angeles and Terminal Island. However, most of the improvements involve upgrading Alameda Street to expressway standards.

California 47 north
	The southwestern segment of California 47 crosses the Vincent Thomas Bridge between San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles on Terminal Island. This sign used to indicate the cost of the toll to cross the bridge; now it just advises that the bridge is ahead. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	This is the first exit signage along northbound California 47 as it approaches Exit 1A, Harbor Boulevard, and it is the first exit along northbound after its southern terminus at Junction Interstate 110/Harbor Freeway. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Northbound California 47 at Exit 1A, Harbor Boulevard. The Vincent Thomas Bridge dominates the skyline in the background, its brilliant green contrasting with the blue waters and gray industry. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Northbound California 47 approaches the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which crosses the waterway between San Pedro and Terminal Island. The suspension bridge connects Terminal Island/Long Beach with San Pedro in Los Angeles. The bridge, which was tolled until 2000, carries California 47 between Interstates 110 and 710. Heading east-west, the bridge is signed north-south. The first two photos show the approach, which includes an exit to Harbor Drive. This bridge is painted green, giving it a unique feel as the gateway to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	The Vincent Thomas Bridge has starred in many movies, since it is the closest suspension bridge to Hollywood. The Nicholas Cage and Angelina Jolie movie, "Gone in Sixty Seconds," has a chase scene that shows Cage flying over a traffic jam on the bridge. Photo taken 05/30/04.

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	This is another view of northbound California 47 as it approaches and crosses the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Despite its freeway status, the Vincent Thomas Bridge is too narrow to be Interstate-standard, so routing an Interstate highway over this bridge would require a reduction in the number of lanes to allow for a shoulder or the request for a waiver of those standards. It was another beautiful day in the City of Angels. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Northbound California 47 passes under the second suspension tower and descends from the Vincent Thomas Bridge. California 47 exits Los Angeles and enters Long Beach. The next exit is located on the descent from the bridge (Exit 1B, Ferry Street). Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Northbound California 47/Seaside Freeway at Exit 1B, Ferry Street, the first exit on Terminal Island. This is the approximate location of the toll booths back from the days when California 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge was a toll bridge. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	The next exit along northbound California 47/Seaside Freeway is Exit 2, Berths 301-305 and Berths 401-406. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	A traffic signal governs flow between California 47/Seaside Freeway and Exit 2. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Northbound California 47/Seaside Freeway after Exit 2, Berths 301-305 and Berths 401-406. This "freeway" is not at freeway standards, and the next "exit" is actually a traffic signal. The Interstate 710/Gerald Desmond Bridge is visible in the distance. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Interstate 710 detour signage along northbound California 47/Seaside Freeway. Due to construction to upgrade Interstate 710 near its junction with California 1/Pacific Coast Highway, alternate routes have been identified for traffic to avoid Interstate 710. One of those alternates involves using California 47 and California 103 via the Terminal Island Freeway north to Sepulveda Boulevard. Photo taken 03/30/03.

California 47 south
	Northbound California 47/Seaside Freeway approaching Exit 3, Junction Interstate 710 north, one-half mile. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Northbound California 47/Seaside Freeway approaching Exit 3, Junction Interstate 710 north. California 47 turns north at this traffic light (which is planned for upgrade to an interchange), while the Seaside Freeway continues straight ahead as one of three freeway spurs that merge to form Interstate 710 in Long Beach. This sign makes it seem as if this spur is the proper Interstate 710, but all three spurs have signs that say Interstate 710 (the other two spurs connect to Downtown Long Beach and the Queen Mary). Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Northbound California 47/Seaside Freeway at Junction Interstate 710. The freeway ahead leads to northbound Interstate 710, while a left turn leads to northbound California 47/103/Terminal Island Freeway. This marks the southern terminus of California 103. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	The Heim Bridge is a lift bridge that sometimes stops freeway traffic to allow for larger ships to pass underneath it. Whenever there is a high vessel crossing underneath, the bridge lifts the roadway to a certain height so that the boat or ship may pass the bridge unobstructed. This results in a drawbridge effect on the bridge, and it is unusual to have this type of delay on a freeway. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	This California 47 shield is found along northbound as the freeway approaches the Heim Bridge. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	View of the Heim Bridge as seen along northbound. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	California 47 reenters the city of Los Angeles after departing from Terminal Island. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Although not clearly signed here, California 47 departs its freeway at the Anaheim Street exit to connect to Henry Ford Avenue and Alameda Street. California 47 continues north along the Alameda Corridor all the way to California 91. The freeway continues north as California 103. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Now on the transition ramp from the Terminal Island Freeway, the next exit along northbound California 47 is Pier A Way. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	The right lane exits onto Pier A Way, and a traffic signal governs the flow to Anchorage Way. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	This California 47 shield is the first reassurance shield along northbound Alameda Street after departing the Terminal Island Freeway. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Northbound California 47/Alameda Street approaches Junction California 1/Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) north (west) to Torrance and Lomita and south (east) to Long Beach. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	After California 1, California 47 passes under this bridge. Although not visible, the parallel rail corridor continues north on a separate alignment from California 47. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	These tall street lights are very uncommon in California, but they are commonly found in Mesa, Arizona. California 47 leaves Los Angeles and enters Carson. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	California 47/Alameda Street cross Sepulveda Boulevard. Sepulveda Boulevard is an east-west street through this part of Los Angeles, even though it is north-south and part of California 1 closer to the airport. Sepulveda Boulevard becomes Willow Street upon entering Long Beach. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	For a time, the rail corridor is visible at-grade to the west of California 47. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Northbound California 47/Alameda Street reaches a traffic signal that provides access to 223rd Street (which is the overpass in the background). Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Immediately following the 223rd Street overpass is the Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway overpass. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	After the Interstate 405 overpass is this ramp from northbound California 47 to northbound Interstate 405 to Santa Monica and Los Angeles International Airport. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Northbound California 47 reaches Dominguez Street after the Interstate 405 interchange. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Following Dominguez Street is Del Amo Boulevard, which flies over California 47 and the rail corridor via an overpass. At Del Amo Boulevard, California 47 departs Carson and enters Compton. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	North California 47 continues along Alameda Street (left two lanes), while the right lane exits onto Santa Fe Avenue. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Many of the California 47 shields and signs, including this one at Santa Fe Avenue, have been tagged by graffiti artists. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	California 47 passes under this bridge after the exit to Santa Fe Avenue. Santa Fe Avenue is a north-south street that generally parallels California 47/Alameda Street to the east, but they converge briefly at this point. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Most of California 47's bridges and underpasses are concrete, including this one. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Now in Compton, the next intersection is Homestead Place. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Next, California 47/Alameda Street approaches California 91. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Although this looks like an older bridge, it was actually constructed as part of the Alameda Corridor project. Use the left lane to reach the California 91 freeway west. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	The older-style overpass of California 91 passes over California 47/Alameda Street. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	Northbound California 47 reaches its northern terminus (unsigned) at the intersection with the onramp to westbound California 91. Alameda Street continues north as a non-state facility. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	View of the signage for California 91. This is one of the few signs remaining that refer to this stretch of California 91 as the "Artesia Freeway." In Orange and Riverside Counties, California 91 is the Riverside Freeway; in Los Angeles County, is it known as either the Artesia Freeway or Redondo Beach Freeway or just the 91 Freeway. Photo taken 05/30/04.
	This substandard freeway signage is for the first exit along southbound California 103 after its origins at Sepulveda Boulevard. Exit 2B is for northbound California 1; Exit 2A is for southbound California 1. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 103 at Exit 2A, Junction Southbound California 1/Pacific Coast Highway. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 103 at Exit 1, Anaheim Street. California 103 changes into California 47 just after this interchange, but the conversion is not signed with "END" or "BEGIN" shields. There is a reassurance marker along southbound just prior to reaching the Heim bridge. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 47/Terminal Island Freeway at Exit 4, New Dock Street. This is the first exit after California 103 "becomes" California 47. After this interchange, California 47/Terminal Island Freeway approaches the Heim Lift Bridge. Moviegoers may recognize some of this industrial area around the lift bridge; in fact, the lift bridge can be clearly seen on the section of the "New Jersey Turnpike" portrayed in the movie Being John Malkovich. All of the scenes showing the characters landing alongside the "turnpike" after their trip in John Malkovich's head were in reality landing in a ditch alongside California 47 with some seemingly authentic Interstate shields with the state name. These New Jersey shields would be authentic if the scenes were filmed on a road maintained by the New Jersey Department of Transportation, but the design of that shield is not used on the turnpike. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Trailblazer signage along southbound California 47/Terminal Island Freeway on Terminal Island near the Vincent Thomas Bridge. At this intersection (which would be Exit 3 once it is upgraded to an interchange), California 47 turns right onto the Seaside Freeway, heading southwest toward the Vincent Thomas Bridge and Interstate 110/San Pedro. Note all of the shipping containers to the left of this roadway. Also note that this sign shows California 47 as heading westbound, which is true in reality, but the route is signed as north-south. Along southbound, California 103 is not signed south of the lift bridge, so it is not mentioned on this shield assembly. Also missing here is an Interstate 710 shield pointing left. California 47 turns right here, and continues west toward the Vincent Thomas Bridge. This intersection will be upgraded to an interchange in the future, as this area needs to be upgraded to accommodate the port traffic. Since interstate 710 was only recently extended this far south, an interchange would also make the freeway comply with Interstate standards. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Reassurance shield along southbound California 47/Seaside Freeway after Exit 3, Junction Interstate 710 Northbound/Desmond Gerald Bridge. The next exit along southbound California 47 is Exit 2, which links to more cargo berths. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 47/Seaside Freeway approaching Exit 2, Berths 301-305 and Berths 401-406. Although this is marked as an interchange, there is a traffic signal to allow for turns. California 47 does not regain full access control until the approach to the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 47/Seaside Freeway at Exit 2, Berths 301-305 and Berths 401-406. The aforementioned traffic signal is visible in the distance across this viaduct. Once the Seaside Freeway is upgraded to full Interstate standards, the interchange will likely be reconfigured to feature the elimination of the traffic light. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 47/Seaside Freeway at Exit 1D, Ferry Street. This is the last exit along southbound before crossing the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Signs such as this one along southbound California 47/Seaside Freeway herald the approach to Vincent Thomas Bridge. This bridge used to be tolled, and the toll booth was located on the east end of the bridge. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 47/Vincent Thomas Bridge approaching Exit 1C, Harbor Boulevard, one mile. Typically, individual communities of larger cities are not identified on freeway guide signs, but an exception must have been made to have allowed for the "San Pedro Next Two Exits" sign. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 47 at Exit 1C, Harbor Boulevard. The next exits are Exit 1B, Junction Interstate 110/Harbor Freeway and Exit 1A, Southbound Gaffey Street (Former California 110). Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 47 approaching Junction Interstate 110/Harbor Freeway, next right. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Southbound California 47 ends here, at the split of the freeway to Exit 1B to Northbound Interstate 110/Harbor Freeway and Exit 1A, Southbound Gaffey Street. Photo taken 03/30/03.
Scenes Pertaining to California 47
	Freeway entrance signage from northbound California 1 to northbound California 103. This sign assembly should technically only have California 103 shields, but it has both California 47 and California 103 signed. Photo taken 03/30/03.
	Trailblazer signage in San Pedro (a community of Los Angeles) pointing the way to Interstate 110 and California 47. The Vincent Thomas Bridge, which is painted green, can be seen just beyond this shield assembly for Interstate 110 and California 47. Photo taken 07/21/01.

Page Updated September 26, 2004.