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Colorado Lagoon restoration hits unexpected underground utilities and ACMs; park reopening targeted July, roads by September 2026
Summary
Public Works and Tidelands staff reported construction delays on the Colorado Lagoon open-channel project due to previously undocumented asbestos-containing materials and many unrecorded utilities; staff said they expect to open part of Marina Vista Park in July and aim to complete streets in September 2026, and requested a contract amendment to cover change orders.
Public Works and Tidelands staff delivered a detailed update on the Colorado Lagoon open-channel restoration (Phase 4), explaining why the project's timeline extended well beyond early estimates and describing the next milestones.
Staff outlined the project history (master plan approved in 2015, prior phases included low-flow diverters and dredging), described Phase 4 scope (demolish the old culvert, construct two new bridges, relocate utilities, and restore roughly 22 acres of habitat), and presented technical complexities: ground conditions requiring extensive borings, a dense layering of utilities where crews found many undocumented lines, and multiple asbestos-containing-material (ACM) encounters that triggered regulatory abatement processes with AQMD and other agencies.
"When we encountered ACMs, we had to sample, submit abatement plans and receive permits — that review can take about 30 days per occurrence," explained project staff. Work was further delayed by weather (approximately 60 working days lost across several storms), unexpected abandoned corrugated metal pipe and the need for temporary sewer bypasses, and late redesigns required to protect active utilities. Staff said they undertook 200 additional soil and material samples during construction to validate site conditions and confirmed the site is not broadly "hazardous," although discrete ACM removals were required.
Staff summarized schedule impacts: the contractor's original 22-month schedule assumed typical conditions; after encountering unforeseen utilities, ACMs and weather, the project completion target shifted to September 2026. Staff emphasized two near-term milestones: (1) partial re-opening of Marina Vista Park targeted for July and (2) full street and curb/sidewalk completion targeted for September 2026 once the sewer siphon and remaining utility relocations are finished and pressure-tested. The sewer siphon installation — one of the deepest excavations on the project — required complex excavation and encasement and was on track for pressure testing in May'June.
Staff also requested authority to amend the Reyes Construction contract (item before council) to cover change orders and outstanding scope items; they reported total available project funding of roughly $42.6 million (including port mitigation credits and prior contributions) and described steps to accelerate remaining work where safe and feasible.
The community's response included both frustration about extended construction impacts and offers of resident technical expertise. City staff said they will continue close coordination with contractors and regulatory agencies to minimize future surprises and will provide updated timelines and progress milestones to council and the public.
