Work has begun this week on the widening of Cherry Avenue from 19th Street to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), in Long Beach south of Signal Hill, as part of a project on which the two cities have closely worked, according to the City of Long Beach. The project’s $6.7-million budget is entirely funded by Federal Highway Administration and State Transportation grants the City of Signal Hill has received.
“I’m proud that we are working collaboratively with the City of Signal Hill on this important project,” said Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia. “Not only will it benefit commuters and residents in both cities, it will also improve and beautify our infrastructure.”
The City of Signal Hill has taken the lead role on the funding, planning and construction of the project that is expected to improve the overall traffic flow through the intersection of PCH and Cherry Avenue while also reducing cut-through traffic in the adjacent residential neighborhoods.
“The project is a great example of our ongoing partnership with the City of Long Beach” said Signal Hill Mayor Edward Wilson.
Improvements include the addition of two new travel lanes from south of PCH, by 330 feet, to 19th Street, as well as a new dual-use lane for southbound traffic going straight on Cherry Avenue or turning right at PCH in addition to the existing right-turn-only lane. The project also includes demolition of old concrete paving, a new traffic signal, improved storm water drainage and new asphalt paving. A new center landscaped median is also planned along Cherry Avenue from 19th to 20th streets.
Hours of construction will be limited to weekdays from 7am to 4pm, according to Long Beach city officials. Lanes on Cherry Avenue will need to be reduced to one lane in each direction from PCH to 19th Street during the next four months. It is recommended that motorists use alternative routes in lieu of driving through the intersection of PCH and Cherry Avenue.
Both cities are working with Long Beach Transit to minimize impacts to bus patrons, as Cherry Avenue is used as a bus route, officials said. Long Beach Transit is encouraging customers to plan ahead for possible delays due to construction by taking an earlier bus or looking for alternative bus routes.
The Cherry Avenue widening project is expected to take four months to complete. For more information, contact the City of Signal Hill Public Works Department at (562) 989-7351 or visit cityofsignalhill.org, which contains a link to up-to-date project information, including recommended detours.
Meanwhile, the City of Long Beach is continuing to work on Cherry Avenue street improvements between Ocean Boulevard and PCH. This project also has been coordinated with the City of Signal Hill and is expected to be completed on schedule in March 2015.
Source: City of LB
