Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Project
Additional project updates and information will be published on an on-going basis.
General Reminders:
- Farmer's Market remains open Wednesdays 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Please continue to follow traffic detour signs
Latest Updates - May-June 2023
Construction Look Ahead (May through June 2023)
- Marina Vista Park Excavation, Stockpiling, and Grading – WORK ON-GOING
At the beginning of the year, the City’s Contractor began major excavation efforts at Marina Vista Park. As part of the work, the Contractor created an excavation prism (large hole) to separate and borrow clean, high-quality material to be used as sediment fill within the Lagoon central basin.
The purpose of the central basin fill activities was to separate and harvest high-quality sediment to raise bottom elevations of the central lagoon to support overall habitat success—a requirement of the City’s regulatory approvals. The contractor completed the fill work in the Spring 2023 and restored the south beach.
Currently, excavation along the future footprint of the open channel has commenced. Fill material here is comprised of a mix of debris, soil, and topsoil and the contractor will continue the separation of materials for reuse or disposal. Soil excavated from this footprint will be used to backfill the prisms noted above, and debris will be off-hauled to a landfill. Material is currently being stockpiled on the east portion of Marina Vista Park to create room for the Contractors to work. Lastly, as part of the excavation efforts, dewatering wells were installed to allow for the construction of the Colorado Street Utility Bridge and additional temporary dewatering units will be placed at Marina Vista Park to help dewater highly saturated, excavated soils and groundwater from the open channel footprint.
Construction Photo of Channel Excavation Beginning - Shoring Installation at Eliot Street – DELAYS EXPERIENCED AND WORK ON-GOING Description of Work and Timing: The City’s Contractor began the demolition of Eliot Street (late March 2023) to allow for the installation of sheet piles. The sheet piles will be utilized as a temporary water diversion structure, and will connect to the existing underground box culvert. This temporary structure will allow for the continued tidal flushing of the lagoon for it to remain healthy and thriving.
This effort will allow for a portion of the old underground box culvert to be demolished and allow for the construction of the new reinforced concrete boxes (RCBs) bridges. The public is expected to feel some moderate vibrations and sound resulting from the pile installation methods (vibratory hammer). The installation of the shoring and diversion system is expected to continue to the end of May 2023.
In June, the City anticipates completing the temporary diversion structure and activating it as the lagoon’s primary hydraulic connection.
Construction Photo of Eliot Street Shoring Activities -
Utility Demolition –DELAYS EXPERIENCED AND WORK ON-GOING
- Description of Work and Timing – Utility demolition is anticipated to continue through May and into June as additional unmapped utilities were discovered along both Eliot and Colorado Streets. Regulatory approvals are required to abate and demolish the lines, which are constructed of asbestos-containing materials. Anticipated utilities that are to be abated and removed include water lines, abandoned oil lines, idle oil lines, and conduits in duct banks.
- In June 2023, the Contractor will install a temporary water main to enable the sloped excavation for the Colorado Street Utility Bridge.
- Shoring Installation Along Colorado Street: SHORING FOR UTILITY BRIDGE COMPLETED. ADDITIONAL SHORING REQUIRED FOR SEWER SIPHON REDESIGN
- Description of Work and Timing – In January, the Contractor began installing shoring (sheetpile walls) to enable the excavation and installation of the new utility bridge at Colorado Street and that work was completed in the Spring.
- However, additional shoring is expected to accommodate a redesign associated with the County sewer siphon. The public is expected to feel some moderate vibrations and sound resulting from the pile installation methods (vibratory hammer). Shoring associated with the sewer siphon installation is expected to be complete by June 2023.
- Restroom Demolition at Larry Curtis Park at Marine Stadium - COMPLETE
- Description of Work and Timing: The public restroom located at Larry Curtis Park at Marine Stadium was abated of hazardous building materials prior to its demolition.
- Temporary Pedestrian Path Re-route – NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
- Description of Work and Timing: The City’s Contractor completed the construction of the new temporary pedestrian path and pedestrian detour through Marina Vista Park.
- The pedestrian path and detour will be available while the sidewalk and bike lane along Eliot Street are closed (approximately 8 months). The path will be limited in width and will only be accessible to pedestrians and not motorists. Cyclists are asked to walk their bikes or slow down to 5 mph.
- Road Closures – REMAIN IN EFFECT
- Road closures remain in effect and are anticipated to last until Spring 2024. The City is working with the Contractor to compress the schedule and re-open the roads as soon as possible.
For monthly newsletter updates, please see the "More Information" section at the bottom of this webpage.
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March 2023 Update
Upcoming Work (April 2023)
- Central Basin Fill Activity – COMPLETE; DEMOBILIZATION COMMENCING
The work associated with the Colorado Lagoon central basin fill activities was extended to the week of March 20th for not having met design depths and elevations. Additional fill was performed, where low spots existed. For the past few months, the Contractor has been taking material from the Open Channel construction site (at Marina Vista Park) to the lagoon parking lot and hydraulically placing this fill material within the central basin to raise the bottom elevations of the central lagoon to support overall habitat as a requirement of the City’s regulatory approvals. The contractor is expected to begin demobilization in late March/April 2023.- Description of Work and Timing: Demobilization Will Commence and Continue to Mid-April 2023 – The City’s contractor will remove their equipment from the lagoon, and deconstruct their equipment and staging along the shoreline. The Contractor will be required to restore the sandy beach to its prior condition.
- *Please Note: Public access to the Colorado Lagoon Parking Lot and pedestrian bridge/floating walkway will return to normal after demobilization is complete. The parking lot and pedestrian bridge/walkway closure is only in effect during the Contractor's working hours (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).
- Description of Work and Timing: Demobilization Will Commence and Continue to Mid-April 2023 – The City’s contractor will remove their equipment from the lagoon, and deconstruct their equipment and staging along the shoreline. The Contractor will be required to restore the sandy beach to its prior condition.
- Temporary Pedestrian Path Re-Route - NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
- The City’s Contractor completed the construction of the new temporary pedestrian path and pedestrian detour through Marina Vista Park. On the same day, the Contractor fenced off the existing pathways along Eliot Street and Marine Stadium Park in preparation of Eliot Street demolition and sheet piling.
The pedestrian path and detour will be available while the sidewalk and bike lane along Eliot Street are closed (approximately 8 months). The path will be limited in width and will only be accessible to pedestrians. Cyclists are asked to walk their bikes or slow down to 5 mph. New signage coming.
- The City’s Contractor completed the construction of the new temporary pedestrian path and pedestrian detour through Marina Vista Park. On the same day, the Contractor fenced off the existing pathways along Eliot Street and Marine Stadium Park in preparation of Eliot Street demolition and sheet piling.
- Shoring Installation at Eliot Street - COMMENCING
- Description of Work and Timing: The City’s Contractor began the demolition of Eliot Street (3/27) to allow for the installation of sheet piles. The sheet piles will support the creation of a temporary water diversion structure which will connect to the existing box culvert and allow for the continued tidal flushing of the lagoon to allow the lagoon to remain healthy and thriving. In addition, this will enable the existing box culvert to be demolished and create the footprint for the new reinforced concrete boxes (RCBs) for the new bridges. The public is expected to feel some moderate vibrations and sound resulting from the pile installation methods (vibratory hammer). Installation of the shoring and diversion system is expected to last 4 weeks and be complete by April 2023. However, depending on site and soil conditions encountered, sheet pile work may extend to May 2023 if more dense materials are encountered.
- Restroom Demolition at Larry Curtis Park at Marine Stadium - COMMENCING
- Description of Work and Timing:
- As part of the overall project, the publicrestroom located at Larry Curtis Park at Marine Stadium will be demolished. Abatement work began the week of March 27 and demolition will begin as soon as hazardous building materials abatement is complete and post-abatement testing is cleared. Work to demolish the restrooms is dependent on completion of abatement and may begin as early as April 10.
- Description of Work and Timing:
- Shoring Installation Along Colorado Street - ON HOLD
- Description of Work and Timing: In January, the Contractor began installing shoring (sheetpile walls) to enable the excavation and installation of the new utility bridge at Colorado Street. The public is expected to feel some moderate vibrations and sound resulting from the pile installation methods (vibratory hammer). Remaining sheetpile work has been placed on hold until confirmation of clearances and utility relocations.
- Utility Demolition - COMMENCING
- Description of Work and Timing: Looking ahead to April, the City’s Contractors will begin demolishing the restroom at Marine Stadium Park, and several utility relocations and removals are expected to occur. Private easements holders that maintain private oil lines along Eliot and Colorado Streets will begin the demolition and removal of those lines.
- SCE and Power Disruptions - COMMENCING
- Description of Work and Timing: The City and Contractor are in coordination with SCE related to work around existing power lines and any power line relocations or temporary adjustments. These activities may result in power shutdowns and would be limited to business hours. Prior to any temporary power disruptions, SCE will provide the requisite advisories and notices. The first anticipated power shut down is to occur on 4/11 associated with a cutover the Eliot Street duct bank to a temporary overhead line. This will only impact City buildings and facilities located along Marine Stadium. A second power disruption is expected later in the project as SCE conducts additional utility relocation.
- Road Closures - IN PROGRESS
- Road closures remain in effect and are anticipated to last until Spring 2024. The City is working with the Contractor to compress the schedule and re-open the roads as soon as possible.
- Central Basin Fill Activity – COMPLETE; DEMOBILIZATION COMMENCING
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February 2023 Update
Upcoming Work (February 2023 - March 2023)
- Central Basin Fill Activity - The Colorado Lagoon Public Parking Lot off Appian Way and the pedestrian bridge remain closed while the Contractor (Reyes Construction) continues the lagoon fill work. This work is being done to raise the bottom elevation of the Lagoon to create suitable habitat for eelgrass and improve the quality of the lagoon for plants and animals.
- Description of Work and Timing: Work is On-Going – The Contractor is hauling the fill material from the Open Channel construction site (at Marina Vista Park) to the lagoon parking lot. Using a hydraulic dredge, the material will then be placed in the lagoon. The placement of the fill began in January, expected to be complete in late February, and demobilization of construction equipment will be completed by mid-March.
- *Please note: the parking lot and pedestrian bridge/walkway closure is only in effect during the Contractor's working hours (Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).
- Description of Work and Timing: Work is On-Going – The Contractor is hauling the fill material from the Open Channel construction site (at Marina Vista Park) to the lagoon parking lot. Using a hydraulic dredge, the material will then be placed in the lagoon. The placement of the fill began in January, expected to be complete in late February, and demobilization of construction equipment will be completed by mid-March.
- Shoring Installation Along Colorado Street: Work is On-Going
- Description of Work and Timing – In January, the Contractor began installing shoring (sheetpile walls) to enable the excavation and installation of the new utility bridge at Colorado Street. The public is expected to feel some moderate vibrations and sound resulting from the pile installation methods (vibratory hammer). Installation is on-going and expected to be complete in early March.
- Shoring Installation at Eliot Street: Work Pending
- Description of Work and Timing: At the Completion of the Shoring Installation Along Colorado (expected to be complete in March 2023), the Contractor will connect the temporary diversion structure to the existing box culvert near Eliot Street to support the tidal flushing of the lagoon while the work is underway. This will enable the existing box culvert to be demolished and create the footprint for the new reinforced concrete boxes (RCBs) to be constructed. The public is expected to feel some moderate vibrations and sound resulting from the pile installation methods (vibratory hammer). Installation of the shoring and diversion system is expected to last 4 weeks.
- Temporary Pedestrian Path Re-route
- Description of Work and Timing: March 2023 – The Contractor will be installing a detour and temporary pathway for the public, while the sidewalk and bike lane along Eliot Street are closed (approximately 8 months). The path will be limited in width and will only be accessible to pedestrians.
- Description of Work and Timing: March 2023 – The Contractor will be installing a detour and temporary pathway for the public, while the sidewalk and bike lane along Eliot Street are closed (approximately 8 months). The path will be limited in width and will only be accessible to pedestrians.
- SCE and Power Disruptions: Work Pending
- The City and Contractor are in coordination with SCE as sheetpiles necessary to support the construction are located near existing power lines. These activities may result in power shutdowns and would be limited to business hours. Prior to any temporary power disruptions, SCE will provide the requisite advisories and notices. This is the first anticipated power disruption. A second power disruption is expected later in the project as SCE conducts additional utility work to support the project.
- Road Closures – Road closures remain in effect and are anticipated to last until Spring 2024. The City is working with the Contractor to compress the schedule and re-open the roads as soon as possible.
- Central Basin Fill Activity - The Colorado Lagoon Public Parking Lot off Appian Way and the pedestrian bridge remain closed while the Contractor (Reyes Construction) continues the lagoon fill work. This work is being done to raise the bottom elevation of the Lagoon to create suitable habitat for eelgrass and improve the quality of the lagoon for plants and animals.
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January 2023 Update
Project Reminders:- The Farmer's Market will remain open on Wednesdays from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
- Please continue to follow traffic detour signs.
- Eliot Street remains closed. We ask the public for their support to adhere to road closures.
Upcoming Work (January 2023 - February 2023)
Central Basin Fill Activity - The Colorado Lagoon Public Parking Lot at Appian Way, in addition to the pedestrian bridge, will be closed while the contractor prepares for the Colorado Lagoon fill work. The fill is being done to raise bottom the elevation of the Lagoon in order to create a suitable habitat for eelgrass and improve the quality of the Lagoon for plants and animals.- Beginning the Week of January 3, 2023, the contractor will begin hauling the fill material from the Open Channel Construction Site (located at Marina Vista Park) to the Lagoon Parking Lot. Using a hydraulic dredge, the material will then be placed in the Lagoon.
- *Please note: the parking lot and pedestrian bridge/walkway closure is only in effect during the Contractor's working hours (Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
Shoring Installation Along Colorado Street - The Contractor has delivered its crane and sheet piles to the project site.
- Beginning the Week of January 3, 2023, the contractor will install shoring to enable the excavation and installation of the new utility bridge at Colorado Street. The public is expected to feel some moderate vibrations and hear sounds from the pile installation methods (vibratory hammer). Installation of the shoring system is expected to last three weeks.
SCE and Power Disruptions - The City and Contractor is in coordination with Southern California Edison (SCE) as some of the piles are located near existing power lines. These activities may result in power shut downs and would be limited to business hours. Prior to any temporary power disruptions, SCE will provide requisite advisories and notices to nearby residents and businesses.
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November 2022 Update
Thank you to the community members and project partners that attended the Colorado Lagoon Open Channel Project Pre-construction Community Meeting. For sequence of events, roadway closures, and more, please review the November 7, 2022 Community Meeting Presentation. Project FAQs are forthcoming.
The City's contractor is scheduled to begin construction at Colorado Lagoon and Marina Vista Park in November 2022. Barring weather or other unforeseen delays, construction is estimated to be completed by Fall 2024.
- Contractor Start/Mobilization (November 2022)
- Colorado and Eliot Street Closures /Detour (Starting November 28 - 16 Months)
- Excavate and Fill Lagoon Central Basin (December 2022 - February 2023)
- Utility Relocation and Bridge (All of 2023)
- Habitat Restoration (Winter 2024 - Spring 2024)
- Park Rebuild (Spring 2024 - Summer 2024)
- Project Completion (Fall 2024)
The contractor encourages patrons to keep children away from the construction areas and activities.
General Overview
The Colorado Lagoon (Lagoon) is an 18-acre saltwater tidal lagoon located at 5119 East Colorado Street. It is hydraulically connected to Alamitos Bay and the Pacific Ocean through a 900-foot underground concrete box culvert located under Marina Vista Park. The Lagoon serves three primary functions: it hosts estuarine habitat, it provides public recreation (including swimming), and it retains and conveys storm water. The Lagoon site was formerly part of the vast Los Cerritos Wetlands and was naturally connected to what is now Marine Stadium.
Improvements to Colorado Lagoon are a part of a multi-phased Colorado Lagoon Restoration Plan which included previous improvements finished in 2010 and 2012. The final component of the Colorado Lagoon’s approved master restoration plan involves creating an open channel between the Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium. The City continues to work closely with its State and Federal Agency partners, as well as the Port of Long Beach, on the funding and construction of the upcoming open channel.
The most recent restoration improvements included hydraulic sediment dredging of the lagoon to ensure compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act and to meet the approved Colorado Lagoon sediment and water quality targets, as well as the creation of new subtidal and eelgrass habitats. Specific improvements on the north side of the Lagoon include installation of a new decomposed granite walking trail, pedestrian bridge improvements, reclaimed water irrigation system, replanting with native species, and a vegetated bioswale to assist with the removal of pollution from surface runoff water.
+Click photos below for larger view:
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Project Contact
tidelandscip@longbeach.gov, (310) 595-1243