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Long Beach Invites Community Input on Pacific Avenue Transformation Project
By Staff Writer
Published on Fri, Mar 27, 2026
A major transformation is in the works for one of Long Beach’s busiest corridors and the City is inviting residents to help shape what comes next.
The Long Beach Department of Public Works will host a community meeting on Thursday, April 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Billie Jean King Main Library to share plans for the proposed Pacific Avenue Transformation Project. The project aims to make more than 1.5 miles of Pacific Avenue, stretching from Ocean Boulevard to Pacific Coast Highway, safer, more accessible and better connected for everyone who uses it.
Rooted in the City’s Safe Streets Long Beach Action Plan and a broader commitment to Vision Zero and Complete Streets, the project takes a fresh look at how the corridor functions today and how it can better serve drivers, transit riders, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
At the meeting, residents will get an inside look at what’s planned, including design concepts, safety improvements and the project timeline, with construction currently anticipated to begin in fall 2026. Attendees will also have the chance to connect directly with the project team, explore visual displays and ask questions. Interpretation services will be available in Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog.
What’s Changing on Pacific Avenue
The proposed improvements are designed with safety and accessibility at the forefront. Plans include:
- Physically separated bike lanes and protected intersections
- High-visibility crosswalks and upgraded curb ramps
- New bus boarding areas and shelters
- Sidewalk and signal enhancements
The redesign will also reduce the current five-lane roadway to one travel lane in each direction, a change aimed at slowing traffic and reducing the risk of serious crashes—while maintaining efficient travel times.
Pacific Avenue has been identified as part of the City’s High-Injury Network, with a history of severe crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists. By rethinking the layout of the street, the project seeks to create a safer environment for everyone and strengthen connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks and transit.
Beyond safety, the project will support the City’s Bicycle Master Plan by helping close a key gap in Long Beach’s bicycle network, linking to existing east–west routes on 3rd Street, Broadway and 14th Street. It will also improve access to major transit options, including the Metro A Line and local bus services, making it easier for residents to get where they need to go.
The corridor serves several important community destinations, including Washington Middle School, 14th Street Park and the Billie Jean King Main Library, making these upgrades especially impactful for daily life in the area.
The project builds on other recent and ongoing corridor improvements across the city and represents another step toward a safer, more connected transportation network.
Looking ahead, additional improvements for the northern segment of Pacific Avenue—from Pacific Coast Highway to Wardlow Road—are also planned as part of a separate project expected to begin in late 2026.
Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting, learn more and share their input. For additional details or to submit questions in advance, visit lbcity.info/pacificavesouth.
