Public Works

Crest Alley Improvements

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

Background

The unpaved alley between Crest Drive and Pepper Drive/Pine Ave. (southwest of Interstate 405) experienced frequent erosion during storms, threatening the stability of the lane. Through the Crest Alley Improvements Project, the City of Long Beach Public Works Department made several improvements to reduce erosion, minimize landslide risk and introduce sustainable stormwater management practices.

• The dirt lane was replaced with a stabilized, gravel surface that allows rain and other water to soak into the ground, minimizing erosion and improving surface conditions.
• A new retaining curb supports the surface and ground beneath to strengthen the overall integrity of the alley.
• Beneath the surface, a pipe with small holes on top catches and delivers water to nearby gutters that lead to storm drains.
• The gravel and holes in the pipe naturally filter debris and contaminants, preventing them from flowing into the City’s stormwater system, rivers and oceans. Water filtered by the gravel but not captured by the pipe soaks into the ground and provides clean water to replenish ground water stores.

Project Schedule

Objectives

• Minimize erosion
• Stabilize the alley
• Pilot sustainable stormwater infrastructure
• Reduce debris and contaminants that enter the City’s stormwater system

Project Features

• New retaining curbs to keep the ground stable
• Perforated subdrain (pipe with small holes to capture water) to direct stormwater to nearby gutters
• Gravel covering over the perforated subdrain to minimize erosion and catch stormwater debris

Project Funding

This project is funded by an investment of $2.7 million from Measure W. Measure W is a voter-approved initiative that allocates funds for critical infrastructure improvements throughout the City. By utilizing Measure W funds, the City can address long-standing drainage issues, pilot innovative solutions and ultimately create more environmentally-friendly and resilient infrastructure throughout Long Beach.

Project Contact Information

City of Long Beach Public Works, Stormwater Division
562-570-6691
(stormwater@longbeach.gov)

 Latest Updates - December 2024

Several improvements have been completed:

• New retaining walls and fences act as a barrier to keep the slope stabilized and direct rainwater into a pipe that takes it to gutters and storm drains.
• New underground drainage system with perforated pipes which filter large debris before it can enter the City’s storm drain system
• Reconstructed driveways, sidewalks, and curbs for ADA accessibility compliance, pedestrian and vehicle safety, and flow of stormwater into the City’s storm drain system
• Storm drain cleanout installations, allowing for future storm drain system c leaning and inspections
• Top layer gravel surface placement in the alley
• Chain-link fence installation

Before:


After:

More Information

• Crest Alley Improvements Project Construction Notice (English, Spanish, Khmer, Tagalog)
• Crest Alley Improvements Project Community Meeting Presentation - September 16, 2021