Santa Monica Completed Broadway Safety Project

The city installed 1.6 miles of concrete-curb protected bike lanes spanning from 5th Street to 26th Street.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Civic Engagement

Isometric editorial illustration showing a concrete curb divider separating a bike lane from a street, representing urban transit infrastructure. — Santa Monica has officially completed the Broadway Safety Project, adding 1.6 miles of protected bike lanes to link commuters with the Metro E Line. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Santa Monica has finished construction on the Broadway Safety Project, which features 1.6 miles of concrete-curb protected bike lanes. The new infrastructure runs from 5th Street to 26th Street, providing crucial transit connections for cyclists.

Why it matters

The project serves as a key transit link for commuters by providing first and last mile connections to the Metro E Line. It represents a significant expansion of the city's commitment to multi-modal transportation safety.

The Broadway bikeway now stands as the longest continuous concrete-curb-protected bike lane in Los Angeles County. Installation of the concrete barriers was completed using a specialized extrusion machine.

The players

Santa Monica

This coastal city serves as a major hub for employment and tourism within Los Angeles County.

Metro E Line

This light rail service connects Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles and surrounding transit networks.

Streetsblog

This news organization focuses on urban planning, sustainable transportation, and city infrastructure.

The details

In addition to the protected bike lanes, the project included significant streetscape improvements such as road resurfacing and reconfigured parking. Officials also integrated upgraded pedestrian signals and crosswalks to enhance safety for all road users.

Construction for the Broadway Safety Project took place in 2026.
Streetsblog visited the completed project site on October 4, 2026.

Political Context

This project surpasses the length of the Pomona Valley Boulevard bike facility, establishing a new regional standard for protected bike infrastructure. Critics of similar urban initiatives often raise concerns regarding the loss of on-street parking and the potential for increased traffic congestion during peak commuting hours.

Residents and commuters can expect safer, clearly defined pathways for cycling that connect directly to major regional transit routes. The project may impact local traffic flow and parking availability for drivers navigating between 5th and 26th Street.

The takeaway

This development underscores the growing priority of integrating protected cycling infrastructure into established city corridors. Residents should monitor local transit schedules as these new improvements aim to streamline connections to the Metro E Line.