Council approves fence, traffic signal and downtown sewer projects to begin construction or bidding

The Montebello City Council approved three public works actions aimed at infrastructure repair and traffic safety: awarding a fence contract for the Rio Hondo Coastal Spreading Grounds, authorizing plans and bid advertisement for a traffic signal at Whittier Boulevard and Sixth Street, and awarding a construction contract for a downtown sewer replacement project.

Rio Hondo fence: council approved award agreement No. 4377 to J & A Engineering Corporation for the Rio Hondo Coastal Spreading Grounds fence replacement. Public Works described a heavier, more structurally sound 10-foot-panel fence to replace existing, easily damaged chain-link and said work will start at Bluff and Sycamore and proceed north as far as funds allow. Staff told the council the city previously received a state grant (staff cited $935,000) and the city added local funds (staff referenced an additional $300,000); staff also described the project's goal to maximize the grant and begin fabrication promptly. The motion to award passed 5–0 (mover: Council member Alonso; second: Council member Peralta).

Traffic signal at Whittier & Sixth: council authorized plans, specifications and the engineer's estimate and directed staff to advertise for bids for a signal project at Whittier Boulevard and Sixth Street. Public Works said the community has long sought a signal at that intersection and added the project includes an art crosswalk piece. The motion to proceed to bid advertising passed 5–0 (mover: Council member Peralta; second: Council member Alonso).

Downtown sewer replacement: council awarded construction contract agreement No. 4371 to CEM Construction Corporation for the downtown sewer replacement. Staff said the project is supported by a $2.1 million state grant and that the contractor may be asked to use two shifts to meet a February 2026 completion requirement. The award passed 5–0 (mover: Council member Alonso; second: Council member Romero).

Why it matters: staff characterized the fence replacement as a public-safety and anti-dumping measure for the Bluff Road corridor and said the sewer replacement is preventive infrastructure work to avoid larger service failures; the traffic-signal project responds to longstanding resident requests for safety improvements.

Ending: Public Works said it will do outreach to affected businesses and residents ahead of construction and asked the contractors to coordinate work to minimize disruptions.