Politics & Government
Redondo's Signature Street Gets a Facelift
Long-delayed improvement project aims to create more inviting and appealing frontage for the city's iconic beach vistas.
Somebody at Redondo Beach City Hall had a cinematographer's vision when they scheduled today's groundbreaking for the Esplanade Improvements Project for 4 p.m.
The long awaited ceremony was bathed in the flattering light of what Hollywood calls "magic hour," as the setting sun spent its last 45 minutes creating a picture perfect coastal view.
The Esplanade Streetscape Improvements Project seeks to make Redondo's famous coastal bluff boulevard as camera-worthy as the view it offers of the Pacific to the west.
Find out what's happening in Redondo Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The improvements coming to the Esplanade include new wider sidewalks with artistic pavers and bulb-outs to better accommodate the crowds of runners, pedestrians, moms with baby strollers, dog walkers with their canines, tourists posing for photos, people doing yoga, and those just standing and staring at the ocean.
The entire Esplanade road will be resurfaced, the street gutters and storm drains will be rehabilitated and curbs and gutters are being moved to create more space for new landscaping.
Find out what's happening in Redondo Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The South Bay bicycle community is especially excited about the new, wider stripe-painted bike lanes the improved Esplanade will sport. Redondo Beach Capital Improvements Program Manager Brad Lindhal said these bike lanes are in response to the "Gimmie 3" campaign request from L.A. area bicyclists for 3' of clearance from the open doors of parked cars. That space is considered a lifesaver by bikers, according to Jim Hannon, President of the Beach Cities Cycling Club and USA Level 2 Certified Cycling Coach. Hannon rode his bike to the groundbreaking with some fellow cyclists to show their support for the project.
The groundbreaking ceremony drew a large and enthusiastic turnout of community supporters, city officials and staff, past and present Redondo Beach City Council members and representatives of county and state elected offices.
Redondo Beach City Councilman Steve Aspel, who has spent almost a decade championing the Esplanade Improvements project from the local to the national level, was the featured speaker and he took the audience through the long, uphill route he and cohorts had to navigate to reach this day. Aspel entertained the audience, employing his well known frank and direct approach as he detailed the sources of the $2.9 million in project funding with his usual shoot from the lip style.
Work on the improvement project actually began on Monday and is scheduled to be completed by April 1, 2011.
To avoid construction delays motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are being advised to use Catalina Boulevard or PCH as alternative routes.
