Site Navigation Baja California California Colorado Idaho Hawaii Nevada New Mexico Oregon Utah Washington     Interstate 710 Interstate 710 is the Long Beach Freeway, which roughly parallels Atlantic Boulevard and the Los Angeles River from Long Beach north to Los Angeles near Alhambra. This a heavy trucking corridor that carries traffic from the busy Port of Los Angeles north to east of downtown Los Angeles. At Alhambra, Interstate 710 connects to transcontinental Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway). The numbering of Interstate 710 as a spur of Interstate 10 is related to the fact that both Interstate 110 and Interstate 710 connect that freeway with the port. Interstate 710 was original constructed as California 15 and was renumbered as California 7 in 1964. When California 7 was added to the Interstate Highway System in the mid-1980s, it was renumbered as Interstate 710. The northern terminus of Interstate 710 at Interstate 10 and Valley Boulevard in Alhambra is temporary. Plans call for extension of Interstate 710 from Alhambra north to Interstate 210 in Pasadena, but a construction has not begun due to litigation and ongoing controversy of the selected route of the freeway. It is not clear when this freeway will be constructed. There will not be an interchange at the point where Interstate 710 would meet California 110. A short California 710 spur currently exists from the Interstate 210/California 134 interchange in Pasadena south to Del Mar Boulevard. The future Interstate 710 freeway would connect this stub with the existing Interstate 710 in Alhambra. The southern terminus of Interstate 710 is fractured, as it separates into three "spur" freeways: the Terminal Island Spur (this is the official continuation of Interstate 710 south), the downtown Long Beach Spur, and the Queen Mary Spur. Interstate 710 splits into these three spurs after it passes Exit 1, Anaheim Street. The official southern terminus (per the exit numbering) is where the Interstate splits into these three spurs, but confusing signage makes it appear like all three spurs are part of Interstate 710. Therefore, we consider each spur to be part of Interstate 710, even though some sections of these Interstate 710 spurs are maintained by the city of Long Beach. The Gerald Desmond Bridge, a through steel arch bridge, carries Interstate 710 over the Back Channel, which separates the Port of Long Beach on the mainland from the ports on Terminal Island. The bridge opened to traffic on June 5, 1968, on the evening after Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated.1 Improvements to the bridge totaling $14 million were completed in 2002, including adding a climbing lane and moving sidewalks to the exterior of the truss to allow for the extra lane. It is considered deficient and is scheduled for replacement with a higher span that would provide adequate clearance for the tallest container ships that pass through the port. Photo Journey: Interstate 710 Northbound (see below) Interstate 710 (Southbound) Interstate 710/Ocean Boulevard and Gerald Desmond Bridge north (east) The northbound California 710/Terminal Island Spur begins along the Seaside Freeway after its intersection with California 47/Terminal Island Freeway. This intersection is slated to be upgraded to a freeway interchange in coming years. The first exit after that intersection is this one, for Piers S and T. It is the last exit before crossing the Gerald Desmond Bridge. Photo taken 05/30/04. Interstate 710/Ocean Boulevard ascends the Gerald Desmond Bridge. This bridge was built high to allow for commercial shipping traffic to pass well below it, but with recent advances in shipping technology, today's container ships are sometimes too large to fit under the bridge. As a result, it is likely to be replaced within the next ten years or so (scheduled for opening around 2016), pending identification of funding by the Port of Long Beach and Caltrans. The bridge deck would be raised from 150 feet above the water's surface to 200 feet. This new bridge would be cable stayed rather than through-arch. Photo taken 05/30/04. The Gerald Desmond Bridge was built in 1968 as a third route onto Terminal Island, in addition to the Commodore Heim Bridge (1948) and Vincent Thomas Bridge (1963). Both of these bridge are part of California 47. Photo taken 05/30/04. This view shows the superstructure of the Gerald Desmond Bridge, which is planned for replacement at some point in the coming decade. This bridge connects Terminal Island with downtown Long Beach and northbound Interstate 710, passing over assorted shipping channels below the bridge. Photo taken 05/30/04. As seen by the lack of shoulders and tight lanes, this bridge is not Interstate standard and probably could not be upgraded cheaply to those standards. Nevertheless, signage is in place that indicates that this bridge is part of Interstate 710, even if it is unclear whether Caltrans or another agency maintains it. Photo taken 05/30/04. Signage for northbound Interstate 710 is posted after the high point of the Gerald Desmond Bridge. This bridge affords an expansive view of downtown Long Beach and points eastward. The right lanes lead to Interstate 710; the left lanes lead into downtown Long Beach via Ocean Boulevard (the second spur). Photo taken 05/30/04. Due to the construction of the new California 47 connection to the Alameda Street Corridor, at the time this photo was taken, several north California 47 shields were placed on the Gerald Desmond Bridge, even though it is not designated as part of that state route. Instead, this bridge is part of secret California 710. Note the narrow shoulders of the bridge preclude it from meeting Interstate standards. Photo taken 05/30/04. California 710 shifts onto northbound Interstate 710 here, while Ocean Boulevard begins straight ahead. The first exit along Ocean Boulevard is for Piers A through J, while the rest of the highway leads directly into downtown Long Beach, where it joins with the downtown spur. For more on Ocean Boulevard, see below. Photo taken 05/30/04. View of eastbound Ocean Boulevard as seen from the transition ramp from the Gerald Desmond Bridge to northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway. Photo taken 05/30/04. Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway north This is the first Interstate 710 north reassurance shield assembly after the mainline traffic on Gerald Desmond Bridge/Ocean Boulevard merges with traffic from the Queen Mary Spur (Harbor Scenic Drive) merge together. The first exit is Exits 1A-B, Anaheim Street, in one mile. The overpass in the distance brings the third Interstate 710 spur from Terminal Island. Photo taken 05/30/04. This mileage sign provides the distance to the first three exits of northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway: Exits 1A-B, Anaheim Street; Exits 2A-B, Junction California 1/Pacific Coast Highway; and Exit 3, Willow Street. Note the detour signage for California 47. Photo taken 03/30/03. Immediately thereafter is another "reassurance" shield for the detour route of northbound California 47. This is the last one found along northbound Interstate 710. Photo taken 05/30/04. The first interchange on northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway is Exits 1A-B, Anaheim Street, three-quarters of a mile. The overpass transition ramp in the distance carries northbound Interstate 710 traffic from the Terminal Island Spur. The next exit is Exit 2, Junction California 1/Pacific Coast Highway. Photo taken 05/30/04. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 1A, Anaheim Street Eastbound. Photo taken 05/30/04. The incoming ramp here is the Downtown Long Beach Spur (from Shoreline Drive via Shoemaker Bridge). Note the construction barricades in the left lane. The westbound Anaheim Street ramp (Exit 1B) is just ahead. Photo taken 03/30/03. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 1B, Anaheim Street Westbound. These are some old and battered signs. Note the unusual abbreviation of the word "mile" on the signage for Exit 2, Junction California 1/Pacific Coast Highway. Photo taken 05/30/04. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway signage just after Exit 1/Anaheim Street approaches Exit 2, Junction California 1/Pacific Coast Highway. The freeway was under construction at the time this photo was taken, and alternate routes were posted. Photo taken 03/30/03. The next exit on Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway north is Exit 2A, Junction California 1/Pacific Coast Highway Southbound. California 1 actually travels east-west through Long Beach, so the directions may be a bit confusing. Use north California 1 to travel west and south California 1 to travel east. Photo taken 03/30/03. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 2A, Junction California 1/Pacific Coast Highway Southbound. Photo taken 03/30/03. The next exit on Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway north is Exit 2B, Junction California 1/Pacific Coast Highway north (west). This is a cloverleaf interchange, but it is very tight due to the presence of the Los Angeles River to the east (right) of the freeway. Hopefully the construction work will help revise this interchange to make the exit less sharp. The next exit is Exit 3, Willow Street, one mile. Photo taken 03/30/03. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 2B, Junction California 1/Pacific Coast Highway Northbound. The roadside sign is very unusual and is generally not found on freeways in this manner. Normally there is only the overhead sign. Photo taken 03/30/03. The next three exits along northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway are Exits 3A-B, Willow Street; Exit 4, Junction Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway; and Exits 6A-B, Del Amo Boulevard. This is a rare new reflective sign that still features the freeway name; many other newer signs in Los Angeles do not use the freeway name. Photo taken 05/30/04. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 3A, Willow Street eastbound. The next ramp for this stretched cloverleaf is Exit 3B, Willow Street westbound. Photo taken 05/30/04. The next exit along northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway is Exit 3B, Willow Street westbound. Use Willow Street west to reach Santa Fe Avenue, the northern terminus of California 103/Terminal Island Freeway, and California 47/Alameda Corridor. Even though Interstate 710 has been marked as the alternative to California 47, no signs are present here to advise motorists to depart Interstate 710 at Exit 3B to rejoin California 47/Alameda Street northbound. Photo taken 05/30/04. The next three exits along northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway are Exit 4, Junction Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway; Exits 6A-B, Del Amo Boulevard; and Exit 7, Long Beach Boulevard. Photo taken 05/30/04. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway approaches Exit 4, Junction Interstate 405, three-quarters of a mile. These are relatively new, reflective signs; note that there are no exit numbers. Photo taken 05/30/04. The left three lanes continue along northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway, while the right lane becomes exit only for Interstate 405 north to Santa Monica/LA Airport and south to Orange County and San Diego. Like California 1, Interstate 405 travels east/west through Long Beach even though it is signed north/south. Photo taken 05/30/04. Interstate 710 passes under Wardlow Road prior to the Interstate 405 interchange. Photo taken 05/30/04. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 4, Junction Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway north to Santa Monica/LA Airport and south to Orange County and San Diego. Photo taken 05/30/04. Now on the transition ramp, the two left lanes transition to Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway northwest to Santa Monica/LA Airport, while the right lane exits onto Interstate 405 southeast to Westminster, Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Interstate 5 to San Diego County. Photo taken 05/30/04. Further along the transition ramp from northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway to southbound Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway is an exit to Pacific Avenue. Photo taken 06/15/03. Skipping a few miles north of Interstate 405, to just after the California 91 interchange, northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway now approaches Exit 9, Alondra Boulevard. Photo taken 02/15/04. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 9, Alondra Boulevard into Compton. Photo taken 02/15/04. Rosecrans Avenue and Interstate 105 are the next two major interchanges along northbound. Photo taken 02/15/04. This Interstate 710 shield is located just north of the Alondra Boulevard interchange. Photo taken 02/15/04. Mileage sign along northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway for the next three exits: Exit 10, Rosecrans Avenue; Exit 11, Junction Interstate 105/Century Freeway; and Exit 13, Imperial Highway. Photo taken 02/15/04. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 10, Rosecrans Avenue. The next exit is Exit 11, Junction Interstate 105. Photo taken 02/15/04. This mileage sign along northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 11, Junction Interstate 105; Exit 13, Imperial Highway; and Exit 14, Junction Former California 42, Firestone Boulevard. Photo taken 02/15/04. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 11, Junction Interstate 105/Century Freeway. Interstate 105 leads east to Norwalk and west to Los Angeles International Airport and El Segundo. Photo taken 02/15/04. At the top of the transition ramp from northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway is the split between eastbound and westbound Interstate 105/Century Freeway. Photo taken 02/15/04. Transition ramp from northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway to westbound Interstate 105, which is visible below the ramp. Photo taken 02/15/04. Now skipping north past the Interstate 5 interchange, the green overlay for Interstate 710 fell off, revealing a California 7 shield as the Long Beach Freeway approaches Exit 20A, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway. California 7 was the designation for the Long Beach Freeway between 1964 and 1985. Prior to 1964, the Long Beach Freeway was California 15 (which was renumbered to avoid confusion with the then-new Interstate 15) and in 1984, it became Interstate 710. California 15 today is the section of Future Interstate 15 south of Interstate 8, and California 7 is today the new expressway that leads to the international border crossing for trucks east of Calexico in the Imperial Valley. Photo taken 07/08/04 by Andrew Maximous. Northbound Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway reaches Exit 20A, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway. Use California 60 west to downtown Los Angeles and east to Pomona, Riverside, and Moreno Valley. Photo taken 07/08/04 by Andrew Maximous. Interstate 710/Downtown Long Beach Spur north We are currently lacking photos of the main downtown spur between Ocean Boulevard and the West 7th Street onramp. On the 1999 Thomas Guide map of Long Beach, the main downtown spur is labeled as official Interstate 710, even though it appears that it is actually a city maintained freeway (in other words, we're not sure!). We'll get more pictures of this spur next time! Northbound Interstate 710/Downtown Spur on the Shoemaker Bridge over the Los Angeles River at the 9th Street exit. This exit leads northwest to 9th Street, which in turn connects to westbound Anaheim Street (another exit for westbound Anaheim Street is Exit 1B). This is the final exit along the city-maintained stretch of freeway; Caltrans takes over from here, and Interstate 710 begins its northbound journey. Photo taken 03/30/03. Interstate 710/Downtown Long Beach Spur: West 7th Street Onramp north This onramp connects West 7th Street onto the northbound Interstate 710/Downtown Spur. The companion ramp into downtown from southbound Interstate 710/Downtown Spur is via West 6th Street. Photo taken 03/30/03. Merging traffic along northbound Interstate 710/Downtown Spur on the approach to the 9th Street exit. The incoming ramp on the left is from the main downtown spur. Photo taken 03/30/03. Interstate 710/Queen Mary Spur north The Queen Mary is a decommissioned ocean liner that rests in the Long Beach Harbor. A regional attraction, the ship is host to a variety of festivities and celebrations. More information on the Queen Mary may be found at the Queen Mary website. Leaving the massive parking area for the Queen Mary attraction is this sign, which points the way to Interstate 710 and Interstate 405. Photo taken 03/30/03. Like the other spurs, the Queen Mary Spur is also signed as northbound Interstate 710. The first exit along this spur is the exit to downtown Long Beach via Queens Way. This exit crosses the Los Angeles River to go to the Aquarium of the Pacific and downtown. Queens Way leads north to meet Ocean Boulevard, and then it changes into northbound Magnolia Avenue. Photo taken 03/30/03. Northbound Interstate 710/Queen Mary Spur at the exit to northbound Queens Way via the Queensway Bay Bridge over the Los Angeles River. The spur continues northbound along the west bank of the river to reach the Ocean Boulevard. Photo taken 03/30/03. Northbound Interstate 710/Queen Mary Spur approaches the Ocean Boulevard exit, one-quarter mile. After this curve, the Queen Mary Spur merges with the Terminal Island spur. The next exit shown on this mileage sign after Ocean Boulevard is the transition from the Terminal Island/Queen Mary Spurs onto northbound Interstate 710, at the point where the Downtown Long Beach Spur merges onto the freeway. Photo taken 03/30/03. Northbound Interstate 710/Queen Mary Spur at the exit to eastbound Ocean Boulevard. There is no access to westbound Ocean Boulevard, which would lead to the Gerald Desmond Bridge and the Seaside Freeway. The ramps ahead lead from the Desmond Bridge and merge onto the northbound Queen Mary Spur. Photo taken 03/30/03. Ocean Boulevard east After Interstate 710 shifts to the Long Beach Freeway north, Ocean Boulevard continues east as a freeway that connects the Gerald Desmond Bridge with downtown Long Beach with access to Queens Way, which leads south to the Queen Mary Spur. This photo shows the approach to the first exit along eastbound, which is for Pico Street and Piers A through J. Photo taken 03/30/03. Eastbound Ocean Boulevard at Pico Street and Piers A through J. Ocean Boulevard crosses over the Los Angeles River ahead. Photo taken 03/30/03. Eastbound Ocean Boulevard entering downtown Long Beach after the Los Angeles River crossing. The Interstate 710 trailblazer shield points to northbound Golden Avenue, which leads to an onramp to northbound Interstate 710. The Magnolia Avenue/Queens Way intersection is several blocks after Golden Avenue. Photo taken 03/30/03. Footnotes: Terminal Island Cargo Has Outgrown Old Bridge, by Cynthia Daniels, Los Angeles Times, March 25, 2004. Page Updated November 30, 2008.