Public Works

Clark Avenue Complete Street Project: Phase I (Spring Street to Conant Street)

Clark Avenue Existing Condition

1. 

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

Background

The Clark Avenue Complete Street Project is the first in a series of three planned projects that will transform Clark Avenue into a safer, more accessible, and connected corridor.

This initial phase will modernize infrastructure, improve street conditions and enhance safety for people walking, biking, driving, and using transit from Spring Street to Conant Street. Improvements will include full roadway resurfacing, protected bike lanes, new and upgraded ADA-compliant sidewalks and curb ramps, enhanced transit stops, and improved crosswalk visibility and signage.

Following goals outlined in the Safe Streets Long Beach initiative and the Pavement Management Plan (PMP), and informed by the Complete Streets model, this project advances the City’s commitment to a safer, more accessible, and equitable multimodal street network.

Clark Avenue Complete Street: Phase II, a separate project, implements improvements from Spring Street south to Anaheim Street. Learn more at lbcity.info/clarkaveproject2.

Together, these coordinated projects will reimagine Clark Avenue as a safer, more connected corridor supporting Long Beach’s broader goals for accessibility, mobility, and neighborhood livability.

This project is part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access, and streets. Learn more at lbelevate28.com.

Timeline

Project timeline is set barring weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances.

Objectives

• Enhance safety for all roadway users by reducing conflicts between vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians
• Improve accessibility
• Support multimodal travel options
• Improve road surface quality
• Improve access to public transit

Project Features

• Pavement and Infrastructure Improvements

  • Full roadway resurfacing to improve durability and driving conditions.
  • Reconstruction of curbs and gutters to address drainage issues and reduce ponding.
  • Reconstruction of curb ramps and sidewalks to meet ADA standards and improve pedestrian safety.
  • Installation of new sidewalks and ramps where they do not currently exist.
  • New traffic striping and lane markings for improved visibility.

• Multimodal Safety Enhancements

  • Physically Separated Bikeways (Class IV):
    • New bike lanes in both directions will offer cyclists a dedicated, physically separated travel path.
    • New green bike legends and green bike conflict area striping for greater visibility.
    • To accommodate the new protected bikeways, the outermost (#3) vehicle lane will be permanently removed in both directions. Approximately 400 feet of on-street parking will also be permanently removed adjacent to Rosie the Riveter Park. Currently, Clark Avenue widens from two to three lanes in each direction between Wardlow Road and Monlaco Road. Removing the third lane will maintain a consistent lane configuration, helping to reduce traffic speeds and lower the risk of collisions along the corridor.
  • New Pedestrian Crossings and Safety Islands:
    • Continental crosswalks at Spring Street, Mezzanine Way, Wardlow Road, and Monlaco Road for increased visibility
    • New mid-block crossings with refuge islands at Mezzanine Way and Monlaco Road that provide safer access to transit stops.
    • Replacement of faded or damaged street signage with highly visible new signs.

• Transit Upgrades

  • Installation of transit amenities, including new bus platforms and shelters are planned at:
    • Spring Street (northbound side of Clark Avenue)
    • Mezzanine Way (northbound and southbound)
    • Wardlow Road (northbound and southbound)
    • Monlaco Road (northbound and southbound)

Project Funding

The project is funded by Metro Measure M and Prop A.