Hermosa Avenue Improvement Project begins Monday

HERMOSA BEACH, Calif. (FOX 11) - Construction begins Monday on the Hermosa Avenue Improvement Project, aiming to repair the streets, create a more attractive streetscape and enhance access and walkability in the area.

Construction will take place along Hermosa Avenue between 10th and 26th streets. The p[roject is expected to take approximately 80 working days spread over the next five months -- avoiding weekends, holidays and the peak holiday shopping season, officials said.

Vehicles will be able to drive along the route throughout construction, and project officials said parking restrictions will be "limited to the minimal area needed to safely complete the work."

The project includes the following improvements, as well as upgrades to sidewalks and curbs along the route:

-Resurfacing Hermosa Avenue between 10th and 26th streets to remove potholes and rough surfaces and adding new lane markings and gutters. Traffic will continue to flow, with one lane open each way during the expected two weeks of resurfacing work.

-Repairing existing sidewalks and installing new access ramps at curbs to meet the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements. This will improve access for wheelchairs, strollers and others using the sidewalk between 10th and 26th streets.

-Creating a more attractive streetscape by installing new decorative crosswalks at 10th, 11th, Pier, 13th and 14th streets; as well as installing new bus shelters, benches and trash receptacles between 10th and 26th streets on Hermosa Avenue.

-Upgrading traffic signals at Hermosa Avenue and 11th, 13th and 14th streets.

"We are excited about this project because it will be a significant improvement to one of Hermosa Beach's most important thoroughfares. It will make Hermosa Avenue and its sidewalks more accessible for all," said Hermosa Beach Mayor Jeff Duclos. "Local businesses, residents and visitors will benefit from an improved road surface and more attractive new bus furniture and crosswalks, including one at Pier Avenue that will feature the Hermosa Beach logo."

The improvements to the Hermosa Avenue curb ramps will be split into multiple phases, with work occurring at three to four blocks at a time between September and November, officials said.

The resurfacing of Hermosa Avenue will take approximately two weeks in November.

Construction is scheduled to take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some crosswalk installation may happen during nighttime hours to daytime minimize traffic delays.

Read regular updates on the city's website at www.hermosabch.org/constructionupdates.