Construction on 7th Street Starts Mid-July

Renovations planned for a portion of 7th Street beginning mid-July are expected to improve both road conditions and traffic.

In the meantime, however, lane closures and delays are expected and city officials are urging motorists to use alternate routes when possible.

Starting mid-July and scheduled for completion by October, a nearly one-mile portion of 7th Street between Alamitos and Junipero avenues will be upgraded with new asphalt, pavement, paver crosswalks and the extension of a traffic signal interconnect system, according to a statement from city officials.
  
“This infrastructure improvement project along a major arterial street will improve driving conditions and help keep Long Beach moving,” Mayor Bob Foster said in a statement.  

Drivers will not be the only ones benefitting from the project. In addition to renovating sidewalks, curbs and gutters, all curb ramps will be brought to regulation to accomodate access for disabled persons and all bus stops within the project’s zone will receive new bus pads, according to city officials.

Also, new concrete paver crosswalks will be constructed on 7th Street at the following intersections: Alamitos, Cerritos, Orange, Nebraska, Walnut, Cherry and Junipero Avenues. Pavers consist of interlocking cement segments.

Materials to be used consist of recycled concrete, road, sand, asphalt and even scrap tire rubber, according to a statement from city officials. As some improvements require the removal of damaged asphalt and concrete, leftover materials from the upcoming project will be also recycled for future construction.

“This project will be very sustainable, with a significant recycling component that will serve us well into the future,” said Vice Mayor Suja Lowenthal, who represents the 2nd Council District, in a statement.

The funding for the project comes from Proposition C, which was approved by voters in 1991 to provide funding for critical transportation projects and programs, according to Metro.

In the decades since its passing, Propostion C has been repsonsible for car pool lanes, stranded motorists services and more by instituting a half-cent sales tax. 

"Business and residents will benefit from improved streets and better synchronization of traffic signals,” said Councilmember Robert Garcia, who represents the 1st Council District, in a statement. "This project will greatly enhance the entrance to downtown."