After confronting a slew of setbacks that have turned what was meant to be a 90-day traffic-alleviation project at one of the city’s busiest intersections into a year-long construction zone, the City announced yesterday that the end is near. 

Officials say that work is now entering into the final phase on the project, which reconstructed portions of southbound Pacific Coast Highway at Second Street, and is expected to be completed November 9. Once the cones are removed and the trenches filled in, southbound PCH will have a second left turn lane and an outlet to provide room for right turns onto Second St., two additions which will remove much of the congestion plaguing the intersection.

Earlier work on the project included upgrading fire suppression systems for neighboring business, installing a new storm drain system, coordinating and relocating conflicting underground utilities and oil pipelines to accommodate the new storm drain system and upgrading lighting and installing new landscaping.

The remaining work to be done includes reconstructing driveways, rehabilitating the pavement and installing detection loops in the pavement to activate traffic signals.

“It has been a long and painful process, and had many obstacles to overcome. I look forward to having this project completed and enjoying the benefits of improved traffic flow at one of the busiest intersections in the City of Long Beach,” said Councilmember Gary DeLong, who represents the 3rd District.

According to DeLong’s office, obstacles included dealing with CalTrans’ jurisdiction over PCH (a state highway), Southern California Edison’s stake in the movement of electrical connections, unexpected pipelines that needed to be worked around and issues with several contractors.  

Until November, traffic controls will be in place to provide safety for motorists and workers. And though the roads will stay open during working hours, motorists can expect some traffic delays and are encouraged to use alternative routes when possible.