Public Works

1st Street Pedestrian Improvements

The Public Works team hosted a community meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 5, 2025 with updates on the project. Click here to review the presentation that was shared.

Additional project updates and information will be published on an on-going basis.

Background

The 1st Street Pedestrian Improvements Project is a transformative effort to enhance the pedestrian experience and revitalize the downtown Long Beach corridor. Upgrades designed to enhance multi-modal connectivity and transform the corridor into a more dynamic and inviting space will span the length of 1st Street from Pacific Ave. to Elm Ave. The refreshed space will feature the original Metro Blue Line Rail Car (#100), the first train car to operate in Long Beach’s section of the LA Metro Blue Line (now called the A Line).

The project will also provide a pedestrian connection between Lincoln Park and the East Village Arts District, improving mobility and encouraging the use of sustainable, public transportation options. The City of Long Beach is exploring potential partnerships with the 125 Elm building, home to the City’s relocated senior center, for activation. By reimagining public spaces, the project fosters a thriving, walkable downtown, bringing heightened economic activity and strengthening community ties. 

This project is part of the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic initiative dedicated to enhancing Long Beach parks, community facilities, mobility access, and streets. Learn more at lbelevate28.com.

Timeline

The 1st Street Pedestrian Improvements Project originated as a submittal to LA Metro in 2015. Recent land use developments in downtown and the Civic Center Area led the City of Long Beach to revise the scope, and the timeline was adjusted to account for underground utility constraints, design modifications to stay within budget and the City’s acquisition of the 125 Elm building.

Project timeline is set barring weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances.

Objectives

• Enhance Connectivity: Create seamless pedestrian-friendly link between Lincoln Park and the East Village Arts District.
• Promote Alternative Transportation: Encourage use of transportation outside of personal vehicles.
• Showcase Local Transit History: Develop the Blue Line Rail Car as a destination to activate the Downtown area further.

Proposed Features

• Decorative concrete and pedestrian crossings to promote a more vibrant space and increase walkability
• Installation of the historic Blue Line Rail Car #100 with outdoor deck, ADA access, seating and vendor space
• Refreshed landscaping and accent lighting
• Updated furnishings

Project Funding

The 1st Street pedestrian Improvements are funded at the local, regional and state level. Funding sources from the City of Long Beach include Measure A, Measure M and Gas Tax funds. Other funding comes from the State of California’s Transportation Development Act and the Los Angeles County Development Authority, along with significant expected contributions from LA Metro and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. The Blue Line Rail Car was donated to the City from LA Metro in 2018. 

Draft Concepts

+Click Photos Below For Larger View

Project Contact

Amelia Bodek, Capital Projects Coordinator               
amelia.bodek@longbeach.gov | (562) 570-5696

More Information

• 03.05.25 1st Street Pedestrian Improvements Virtual Community Meeting
• 1st Street Pedestrian Improvements Draft Concepts (2023)

Project Updates

• November 2024

  In October 2024, the project completed environmental review as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the improvements proposed along 1st Street between Pacific Avenue and Long Beach Blvd. Environmental review continues for the proposed improvements at 1st Street between Long Beach Boulevard and Elm Avenue.
  
  A virtual community meeting is planned for early 2025 to provide updates on the project design, discuss anticipated potential construction impacts, and receive public feedback.

• April 2023

  The 1st Street Pedestrian Improvements Project Team tabled at the Celebrate Downtown Event on March 23, 2023 to provide information on pedestrian improvements coming soon. Conceptual designs and renderings were unveiled at the event.

• March 2023

  Please join us at these upcoming community events to learn more about this project!

  • March 23, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. (Lincoln Park) – Celebrate Downtown Event

   The project is currently in the Conceptual Design Phase, and the City team is seeking public input.

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