Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway
Protected Intersection Concept
Protected Intersection Concept 2
Cross Section Concept
Current intersection at Orange and Bixby
Additional project updates and information will be published on an on-going basis.
Click here for project updates.
Project Background
The Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway project will transform Orange Avenue, a north-south active transportation corridor from Downtown Long Beach to North Long Beach, into a smoother, safer, and more accessible multi-modal road. The project will rehabilitate the pavement, implement innovative pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure enhancements, and improve pedestrian and traffic safety.
The project supports the City’s Safe Streets Long Beach plan, building upon previous mobility and safety improvements completed, including sections between 72nd to 52nd Street, Spring Street to 29th Street, and Pacific Coast Highway to Ocean Boulevard. This next phase will advance similar enhancements between 52nd Street to Wardlow Road and Hill Street to Pacific Coast Highway.
The City will continue working with the City of Signal Hill on future Orange Avenue improvements to complete a continuous north-south active transportation corridor, creating a true bike backbone.
This major corridor project is planned under Elevate ’28, a comprehensive five-year infrastructure investment plan to revitalize parks and community facilities while enhancing accessibility and multimodal transportation throughout Long Beach. More information about the historic infrastructure investment currently underway is available at lbelevate28.com.
Timeline
| Community Feedback | Fall 2024 - Winter 2025 |
| Design | Winter 2026 |
| Bid | Spring 2026 |
| Construction Start | Fall 2026 |
Project timeline is set barring weather delays and other unforeseen circumstances.
Objectives
- Enhance safety for roadway users by reducing speeds and conflicts between vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, as per the City’s Safe Streets Long Beach Initiative and High-Injury Network principals
- Improve accessibility and ADA compliance
- Reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions and support multimodal travel options as per the City’s Climate Action Plan (LB CAP) and Bicycle Master Plan (BMP)
- Improve road surface quality, as per the City’s Pavement Management Plan (PMP) and Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Project Features
- Pavement rehabilitation
- Closes gaps in bikeway infrastructure along Orange Ave and Alamitos Ave, establishing bikeways for the entire City limits
- Continuity between intersecting bikeway corridors
- Protected intersections
- Traffic signal upgrades
- Highly visible crosswalks
- Bus islands (dedicated transit boarding areas) and curb extensions
- Sidewalk and accessibility improvements including curb ramps, driveway and sidewalk repair
- Pavement rehabilitation
- Enhanced wayfinding signage
Project Funding
The project is supported through a combination of local, state, and regional transportation and infrastructure funds, including a grant awarded from the Caltrans Active Transportation Program (ATP), AB2766, Measure A, Measure M, Proposition A, Proposition C, Transportation Development Act, and Traffic Impact Fees. Public Works is also exploring the use of specific ADA and Measure W funds to support eligible improvements.
More Information
Project Alternatives For Section Between Wardlow and Bixby Roads
- Alternative One
- Alternative Two - Final decision based on community feedback and grant scope
- Alternative Three
Presentation(s)
- 02.13.25 Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway Community Meeting
- 11.19.25 Mobility, Port and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Update
Project Updates
October 2025
After reviewing community feedback, the City has decided to move forward with Alternative 2, which balances mobility and safety with community priorities.
February 2025
The Public Works team hosted a community meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 for feedback as the project enters the design phase. Click here to review the PowerPoint that was shared.
November 2024
Thank you to our community members who joined us for our first two Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway community meetings last November. We appreciate your time, input and support for this important project. Handouts provided at the Bixby Knolls community meeting, detailing alternative design options and project safety features, are linked below for your awareness and consideration.
Stay tuned for details about our upcoming community meeting, where you will have the opportunity to discuss the project further with the project team!
Useful Links
Contact Public Works
411 W. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Phone: (562) 570-5000
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