Construction Begins Monday on Highland Avenue

Highland Avenue is about to receive a makeover, but not without some temporary discomfort for residents and motorists.

A long-anticipated improvement is coming to a one-and-a-half-mile stretch of the road, with construction scheduled to begin Monday, March 29. Residents may have already seen the electronic sign boards on Highland Avenue alerting drivers and commuters to the upcoming work.

City engineer Steve Finton has asked motorists to take advantage of planned detour routes (see maps) along Rosecrans and Pacific avenues, as well as Valley Drive and 15th Street.

In order to provide residents with comprehensive information on the project, city staff have prepared the following Q & A:

Q: What work does this project include?
A: The project includes:

• Cold milling and repaving of Highland Avenue from 15th to 45th streets

• Removal and replacement of damaged sidewalks, curbs and gutter

• Installation of decorative crosswalks at 34th, 35th, and 36th streets, as well as Rosecrans Avenue

• Construction of five curb extensions—similar to the ones in the downtown area at 39th, 42nd, 43rd, 44th and 45th streets—with irrigation and landscaping

Q: Will any trees be removed or planted during this project?
A: No tree work is included in this project.

Q: Why is the city undertaking this project?
A: Over the years, the existing pavement has deteriorated due to traffic wear, utility work and the environmental effects of sun and rain. This project will rehabilitate the pavement and improve ride quality. Additionally, the North Manhattan Beach Business Improvement District (NMB-BID) is providing funds to install aesthetic enhancements within the NMB-BID (32nd Place to 45th Street) such as decorative crosswalks and curb extensions to increase landscaping opportunities in the NMB-BID.

Q: What is the construction project schedule?
A: Construction is planned to start at the end of March. It is estimated that construction will take 60 working days to complete.

Q: What are the hours of construction?
A: Work hours are from 7:30am to 5pm Monday through Friday, with no work on weekends and holidays.

Q: How will traffic be affected?
A: A minimum of one lane of traffic will be open in each direction at all times during construction except during the one or two-day period when the surface layer of asphalt is placed from 15th Street to Rosecrans Avenue. The roadway south of Rosecrans Avenue is too narrow to accommodate two lanes of traffic during paving operations. During paving south of Rosecrans, the dominant direction of traffic will be maintained (northbound in the morning and southbound in the afternoon) with the other direction detoured. All traffic lanes will be opened to traffic at the end of each working day. Although every effort will be made to mitigate traffic impacts during construction, traffic disruption will be unavoidable. It is recommended that alternate routes be used if possible.

Q: How will parking on Highland Avenue be affected?
A: It is understood that parking on Highland Avenue is important to Highland Avenue businesses and residents. However, parking will be prohibited from time to time during the project. The contractor will be required to do much of the work in phases, and as much parking will be available during the day as possible. All parking spaces will be available after working hours. Parking restrictions will be posted 72 hours prior to the work period. Please observe all parking restrictions as this will help complete the project more quickly.

Q: Will access to my driveway be affected?
A: It is possible at times during construction that momentary access blockages could occur as equipment is actively working across driveways. Every effort will be made to maintain access to private properties and businesses.

Q: How much is this project going to cost and how will it be funded?
A: Project costs are estimated at $1.07 million and will be funded from Federal Surface Transportation Program funds and regional Proposition C funds.

Q: Who do I call if I have additional questions?
A: The city project manager is Ed Kao. He can be reached at 310-802-5358 (office) or 310-503-0038 (cell).