Public Works

Downtown Walkable Corners Project

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

Background

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 unforseen circumstances.

Objectives

• Enhance safety for roadway users by reducing speeds and conflicts between vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, as per the City’s Safe Streets Long Beach Initiative, Mobility Element General Plan, and High-Injury Network principals

• Improve accessibility and ADA complianceper Downtown and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Pedestrian Master Plan - Downtown and TOD Pedestrian Master Plan 

• Reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and support multimodal travel options as per the Long Beach Climate Action Plan (LB CAP) and Bicycle Master Plan(BMP)

Project Features

• Infrastructure and Accessibility Improvements

  • Safer Sidewalks: Wider, clearer pedestrian pathways.

  • ADA-Compliant Ramps: More than 200 ramps upgraded or installed to meet accessibility standards.

  • Refuge Medians: 19 upgraded pedestrian refuge islands along 3rd Street and Broadway for safer crossings.

• Multimodal Safety Enhancements

  • High Visibility Crosswalks: Just over 100 planned new or refreshed crosswalks that improve visibility and safety at all intersections.

  • Curb Extensions (Bulbouts): Just over 100 planned new curb extensions that shorten crossings, calm traffic, and improve visibility for both pedestrians and drivers.

  • Protected Bikeways: Upgraded protected bike lanes with raised concrete barriers on 3rd and Broadway from Magnolia to Alamitos to improve cyclist safety, and provide pedestrians with mid-block refuge when crossing the street.

• Sustainability Measures

  • Bioswales: Installation of over 80 landscaped bioswales to slow, capture, and filter stormwater runoff, reducing pollutants entering local waterways.

  • Greening and Streetscape Enhancements: New plantings and sustainable design elements to create a more attractive environment.

• Traffic and Access Considerations

  • Minimal Parking Impact: Overall parking supply will remain largely unchanged with minimal parking spaces removed to accommodate curb extensions and comply with California's Dalighting law (AB 413).

  • No Traffic Operation Impacts: The project will not significantly affect travel times.

  • Emergency Access: All designs coordinated with the Fire Department to maintain emergency vehicle access.

Project Funding

The Downtown Walkable Corners Project, with estimated project cost of just under $24 million, is supported by multiple sources, including grants from the California Active Transportation Program (ATP) and the Metro Active Transport, Transit and First/Last Mile (MAT) Program, with additional support coming from Measure A andMeasure M funds.