LOS ANGELES — The Avalon Pedestrian Bridge and Promenade Gateway project, which aims to transform 12 acres of former industrial land into open space, had a ceremonial groundbreaking recently.

Federal, state and City of Los Angeles officials joined LA Harbor commissioners, Port of LA officials and community leaders on Feb. to mark the start of construction on the $152 million Avalon Pedestrian Bridge and Promenade Gateway project in Wilmington.

The project is expected to feature a landscaped entry plaza with an iconic 40-foot-tall architectural sundial, a historic walk and overlook, an open terrace seating area, pedestrian pathways, community gathering areas, two parking lots and public restrooms.

Also involved are street and utility improvements at Avalon Boulevard and A Street in Wilmington, including grading, paving, striping, lighting and landscaping.

“By transforming 12 acres of former industrial land, this project is one of the many ways we are working to revitalize, reimagine, and build connections in communities across the city,” L.A. Mayor Karen Bass remarked during the groundbreaking.

The site is between Harry Bridges Boulevard to the north and the Pacific Harbor Railroad Lines to the south in Wilmington, extending halfway between Marine Avenue and A Street to the west and Broad Avenue to the east.

Grant funding for the project includes $10.2 million from Metro Measure M/South Bay COG; $42.1 million from the California State Transportation Agency; and $5 million from the Federal Highway Administration.

Construction is expected to be completed by late summer 2028.