It's the first grant awarded to the Port of Los Angeles through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the largest awarded for a project in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The improvements from Lakme Avenue to Figueroa Street are scheduled to be completed by January 2012.
Harry Bridges Boulevard is the main truck route from San Pedro and Wilmington to State Route 47.
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa commended the Obama Administration for improving public safety and bringing jobs to the nation's busiest container port.