Long Beach Advances Peninsula Repairs and Sand Replenishment Efforts Following Recent Storms

The City of Long Beach is making significant progress on emergency repairs and coastal protection efforts along the Peninsula following a series of powerful storms that brought damaging waves, high tides and flooding to the area. From repairing damaged infrastructure to replenishing sand along the shoreline, City crews are working hard to strengthen coastal defenses, protect homes and businesses and help the community recover while preparing for future weather events.

Boardwalk and Bulkhead Repairs

After Post Tropical Storm Rachel caused extensive damage to the Peninsula boardwalk and bulkhead, the City has been conducting emergency repairs between 64th and 66th Places on Seaside Walk. Crews are working during morning and evening low tides to stabilize the damaged infrastructure and prevent further deterioration. Repairs will continue until the work is complete, with schedules subject to change based on tides and safety conditions. The City also placed approximately 1,000 sandbags at the bulkhead at 64th place to fortify the area and prevent further impact damage.

The estimated cost of the emergency repair project has increased from an initial $1 million to $1.5 million to approximately $1.5 million to more than $3.6 million due to the extent of the damage. The City will continue refining the estimate as crews assess how much of the boardwalk and bulkhead has been lost. Repairs are being funded through the Tidelands Emergency Reserve, with no City General Fund or Emergency Reserve dollars being used.

Work is also taking place between 63 Place and 68 Place to repair the boardwalk and sand berm damaged during Hurricane Marie in early September.

Strengthening the Shoreline Through Sand Replenishment

In addition to emergency repairs, the City began its $11.4 million Alamitos Bay Entrance Channel Dredging Project on Oct. 20, marking another major step toward protecting the Peninsula. The project will remove approximately 415,000 cubic yards of beach-ready sand from the Alamitos Bay entrance channel and place it along the Peninsula shoreline.

It has been more than 20 years since the entrance channel was last dredged. Over time, natural coastal processes have caused sand and sediment to build up along the shoreline and within the channel, creating shallow areas that make navigation more difficult and increase safety risks for boaters.

This effort will accomplish two important goals: restoring safe, navigable depths for vessels entering Alamitos Bay and creating a wider beach that can help absorb wave energy and reduce flooding impacts near the boardwalk.

The project is funded through $10.8 million from the Marina Fund, a self-supporting fund dedicated to the City's municipal marina system, and $600,000 from the Tidelands Fund. No City General Fund dollars will be used.

While sand replenishment will provide an important additional layer of protection, it is not a permanent solution to coastal erosion. Waves and currents will continue to move sand along the shoreline, making ongoing sand maintenance necessary. Coastal engineers are evaluating longer-term solutions, which will require permitting and approval from the California Coastal Commission before implementation.

Additional Protections and Emergency Response

City crews have also been working around the clock to reinforce vulnerable areas of the Peninsula and provide additional protection for nearby properties.

On Oct. 14, the City also deployed a crane to position approximately 74 heavy-duty sandbags, each weighing 3,000 pounds, along the bulkhead at 65th and 66th Places.

The City's Parks, Recreation and Marine Department has also been using heavy equipment, including large-haul trucks and bulldozers, to deliver sand for berm reinforcement and residential use. Additional efforts include plans to bring between 50,000 and 100,000 cubic yards of sand to reinforce the shoreline between 62nd and 70th Places.

The City is also providing sandbags to residents to protect their properties—during Post Tropical Storm Rachel, approximately 4,350 sandbags were distributed, bringing the total to approximately 32,000 distributed since Hurricane Marie impacted Long Beach. Residents can also pick up sandbags at fire stations and the City’s upcoming sandbag distribution event on Saturday, Nov. 7 at LBCC Liberal Arts College from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Building a More Resilient Peninsula

While emergency repairs and sand replenishment are important steps toward recovery, the City remains focused on identifying lasting solutions to strengthen the Peninsula against future storms and coastal flooding, including advocating for federal funding and support.

With additional coastal protection projects underway and long-term options being evaluated, Long Beach continues to prioritize public safety, infrastructure improvements and the well-being of residents impacted by recent storms.

The City encourages residents to remain vigilant, stay informed about changing coastal conditions, sign up for emergency alerts from AlertLB and follow public safety guidance as work continues. Visit longbeach.gov/emergency to read daily updates on project work, weather forecasts and other important information for this El Niño and winter storm season.

Through ongoing recovery efforts and investments in coastal resilience, Long Beach is working to protect its shoreline and build a stronger, more prepared community for the future.