Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway
Additional project updates and information will be published on an on-going basis.
Click here for the latest updates.
Project Background
The Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway will transform Orange Avenue from Downtown Long Beach to North Long Beach into a safer, more accessible multi-modal corridor. The project will implement innovative pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure enhancements, improve pedestrian and traffic safety, and expand connectivity for cyclists along a path that will span across the City.
An Elevate ‘28 project with an estimated budget of $30 million, the Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway improvements are driven by the City's Safe Streets Long Beach initiative with the intent to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2026.
To learn more about Elevate ’28 and the historic infrastructure investment currently underway in the City of Long Beach, visit lbelevate28.com.
The project is tentatively scheduled to go to bid in late summer 2025, with construction anticipated to begin in late winter 2025, barring unforeseen circumstances.
Click here to view the Project Corridor Map.
Project Features
- Gaps bridged along the corridor for an 8.6-mile continuous bikeway between Jackson Street and Ocean Boulevard. The Class IV Bikeway will include protective measures such as raised concrete barriers and separation from the road with vehicle parking
- Safe connections to intersecting bikeway corridors
- Protected intersections with traffic signal upgrades
- Highly visible crosswalks
- Bus islands (dedicated transit boarding areas) and curb extensions
- ADA and concrete improvements including curb ramps, driveway and sidewalk repair
- Pavement rehabilitation
- Commemorative monuments and enhanced wayfinding signage
Key Community Benefits
- Enhanced safety for all modes of transit, supporting the Long Beach Safe Streets initiative.
- The planned improvements will promote healthier and sustainable alternatives to car travel, reducing vehicular traffic and pollution while supporting active transportation options.
- The project will increase the number of accessible areas and safe streets for people of all abilities.
- Improve overall safety with measures to slow vehicular traffic.
Project Funding
The California Transportation Commission has awarded funds to the Department of Public Works for the Orange Avenue Backbone Bikeway Project as part of its California State Active Transportation Program.
Additional funding sources include Los Angeles Metro Measure M, Proposition C, AB2766 Air Quality funds, and Measure A Bonds.
Latest Updates
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.