City Manager

Beach Pedestrian Path

Project Update

The new beach pedestrian path and bike path are now accessible from Shoreline Drive to 54th Place!

Major construction items expected to be complete in the month of May:

• Handrail at the drainage structures and the Pier Ramps
• Striping and signage at various locations
• Completion of the turf area near Bixby Park
• Volleyball courts installation
• Belmont Pier Parking Lot Improvements

General Information

On February 18, 2014, the City Council authorized the City Manager to proceed with the design and bidding phase for the Project. The main purpose of the Project is to:

• Increase beach access and coastal recreation by creating a separate path exclusively for pedestrians;
• Improve safety by relieving congestion and separating user groups;
• Encourage greater use of the beach;
• Support pedestrian activity by installing a more appropriate material for running/walking;
• Promote more active and healthy lifestyles; and
• Improve mobility and travel options for all users.

The Project consists of constructing an eleven-foot wide pedestrian path, located north of the existing bicycle path, along 3.1 miles of the shoreline (Exhibit A). The new pedestrian pathway will be constructed from a resin-based surface that is less rigid than concrete, more desirable for walking and running, yet durable enough to withstand the marine environment. Other materials for the pathway, like decomposed granite, were considered early in the planning process, but deemed infeasible due to various considerations. The resin-based material is environmentally friendly, durable, and more desirable than concrete for pedestrian-related activities (i.e. walking, jogging and running).

The Project will require the relocation of the existing bicycle path inland at a few locations, new pedestrian/bicycle ramps at the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, reconfiguration of storm-drain outlets to accommodate the pathways, relocation of palm trees at Cherry Beach, landscaping at two medians and the easterly pier ramp wall, installation of approximately 23,000 square feet of turf area at Cherry Beach to mitigate impacts to existing turf area, and new signage and striping.

Timeline

The City Council approved the project specifications and awarded a construction contract at its meeting on October 7, 2014 in Long Beach City Hall.

Construction is starting in late October, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2015. Work hours are from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (Monday through Friday), and 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday.

Detour Information

During construction, portions of the bike path will be temporarily closed to users. Please view the following for information on which sections are closed:

• Phases Map
• List of Phases

Project Budget and Contractor

The total budget is $7.5 million and Powell Constructors, Inc., was the lowest responsible bidder.

Contact

For more information or questions, please contact Bill Zein, Project Manager at 310-986-9688 or by email at bzein@andpen.com.