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Council awards $22.6 million Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway; construction targeted for fall 2026–28
Summary
The City Council approved a $22.6 million contract to construct the Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway, a 2.66‑mile protected north–south corridor with upgraded crosswalks, bus stops and pedestrian improvements, primarily funded by a $13 million Caltrans Active Transportation Program grant.
The Long Beach City Council on June 9 awarded the construction contract for the Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway, a multimodal corridor project that will fill gaps in the city’s north–south bikeway network.
Public Works described the project as adding 2.66 miles of protected bike lanes, 15 bus stops, 10 upgraded crosswalks with rapid flashing beacons, five protected intersections and extensive sidewalk improvements. The design includes spot pavement repairs and one vegetated bioswale to treat stormwater and add green amenity. The total project budget is approximately $29.4 million with $13 million in Caltrans ATP funds among other sources; the low bidder and recommended contractor was Excel Paving Company for a contract not to exceed $22,609,202.
Staff said the project team adjusted the design after community outreach to minimize parking impacts in historic districts, to reduce the extent of green pavement treatments where residents preferred conventional white striping, and to set concrete spot repairs in sections with historic concrete streets. Councilmembers praised the safety improvements and urged timely construction, noting the grant deadlines that make timely award necessary. Staff expects mobilization in the fall, with substantial completion targeted for fall 2028.
Next steps: execute the contract, procure long‑lead materials, finalize construction phasing and notify neighborhoods about scheduled work and traffic impacts.
