Long Beach Launched Studebaker Road Redesign
The city has initiated a $65 million infrastructure project to improve road safety after a rise in traffic fatalities.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Long Beach has begun a $65 million transformation of Studebaker Road aimed at reducing traffic fatalities. The project includes the construction of protected bike lanes, greenways, and raised bus stops to improve safety for all road users.
Why it matters
The redesign serves as a direct response to worsening road safety, which claimed 53 lives in Long Beach during 2025. City officials hope the infrastructure upgrades will protect vulnerable commuters and lower the current death count.
The transformation project requires a $65 million investment to modernize Studebaker Road. Additionally, the city is working toward a 2040 goal of connecting a 300-mile network of bikeways across the region.
The players
Long Beach
This is a coastal city in Southern California that is currently implementing significant municipal infrastructure projects.
The details
The project incorporates fiber-optic infrastructure, new sidewalks, and curb ramps to support diverse transit methods. Despite these safety initiatives, some residents have voiced opposition to the proposed infrastructure changes along the corridor.
Timeline
Long Beach recorded 53 traffic deaths throughout 2025.
The city recorded 36 traffic deaths through mid-September 2026.
City planners aim to link 300 miles of bikeways by 2040.
Roadmap
This project reflects a broader trend of cities deprioritizing vehicle-only lanes in favor of multimodal infrastructure. It positions Long Beach alongside other municipalities transitioning away from car-centric design to mitigate rising urban fatality rates.
Local residents and daily commuters should anticipate construction zones and potential traffic pattern changes along Studebaker Road. These infrastructure updates are intended to provide safer travel options for cyclists and pedestrians currently at risk in the area.
The takeaway
Urban infrastructure design plays a critical role in reducing the high frequency of pedestrian and cyclist accidents. Residents should track local planning updates to understand how these changes will impact their daily transit routes.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts to support sustainable transit at Electric Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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Do you support prioritizing bike lanes and pedestrian safety in your community over existing car routes?
