Public Works

1st Street Pedestrian Improvements

Additional project updates and information will be published on an on-going basis.

Project Summary

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The 1^st Street Pedestrian Improvements Project improves mobility, walkability, and enhance the overall pedestrian experience along 1^st Street between Pacific and Elm Avenues through updated lighting, wayfinding signage, and new furnishings.  Additional improvements along 1^st Street between Long Beach Boulevard and Elm Avenue consist of sidewalk widening, new site furnishing including seating and lighting, artwork, and the proposed installation of the first Metro Blue Line Rail Car (#100) for adaptive reuse and activation. 

This project aims to:

• Enhance connectivity and walkability in the downtown area by creating a seamless connection between Lincoln Park and the East Village Arts District
• Encourage use of alternative transportation including Long Beach Transit and Metro
• Repurpose the Blue Line Rail Car as a commercial destination, or attraction to further activate the downtown area

Draft Concepts

+Click Photos Below For Larger View

Estimated Timeline (Barring Unforeseen Delays)

• Community engagement – Winter 2025
• Permitting – Spring 2025
• Detailed construction design, plans, specifications, and estimates – Spring 2025
• Begin construction – Summer 2025

Project Funding

As part of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) 2015 Call for Projects, Public Works was awarded funds for the 1^st Street Pedestrian Improvements Project. After the funds from Metro were secured, Public Works began the planning and conceptual design effort for the project.

In addition to funds from Metro, Public Works also secured funding from Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) for predevelopment activities.

Separately, on April 20, 2021, the Long Beach City Council accepted a donation of the original Blue Line Rail Car #100 (Blue Car) from Metro with consideration of repurposing the asset for adaptive reuse and or activation near the 1^st Street transit mall.  With the generous contribution from the LA County 4^th Supervisorial District Office, $1.5 million was secured to support the engineering and installation of the Blue Car in the project area.

Project Contact

Amelia Bodek, Capital Projects Coordinator
amelia.bodek@longbeach.gov | (562) 570-5696

More Information

• 1st Street Pedestrian Improvements Draft Concepts

    Latest Updates

November 2024 Update:

In October 2024, the project completed environmental review as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the improvements proposed along 1st Street between Pacific Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard. Environmental review continues for the proposed improvements at 1st Street between Long Beach Boulevard and Elm Avenue.

A virtual community meeting is planned for early 2025 to provide updates on the project design, discuss anticipated potential construction impacts, and receive public feedback.

Please sign up for email notifications below and follow @lbpublicworks on Facebook, X, and Instagram to remain informated about the latest project developments.

April 2023 Update:

The 1st Street Pedestrian Improvements Project Team tabled at the Celebrate Downtown Event on March 23, 2023 to provide information on pedestrian improvements coming soon. Conceptual designs and renderings were unveiled at the event.

March 2023 Update:

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