Construction Starts on PVDN Bike Lane Project

Commuters might wish to avoid Palos Verdes Drive North in Rolling Hills Estates for the next couple of months, as Excel Paving Co. will be working on the Palos Verdes Drive North Bike Lane & Improvement Project starting Wednesday, according to the city of Rolling Hills Estates.

Work on the 1.3-mile project—which will require traffic signal modifications; intersection changes at Silver Spur Road, Hawthorne Boulevard and Crenshaw Boulevard; new merge lanes; street resurfacing; addition of rolled curbs and gutters; installation of raised median islands; striping the bicycle lanes; and new crosswalk warning systems—will begin Wednesday at 9 a.m., though crews will be on site at 8 a.m.

Lane closures on Palos Verdes Drive North between Crenshaw Boulevard and the Rolling Hills Estates western city limits are anticipated during construction.

Crews will be working on the project Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, temporary lane closures will be limited to 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to the city. Most of the work will take place during the summer when schools aren't in session, and city staff anticipates the project will be completed in early September.

"During construction … there will be some traffic delays and other minor inconveniences," according to a memo the city of Rolling Hills Estates sent to Rancho Palos Verdes. "The City and the contractor will do everything possible to try to alleviate these inconveniences, but also asks your cooperation to obey all traffic control, detours and temporary no parking signs."

In its memo, the city of Rolling Hills Estates also noted that residents who live on or near Palos Verdes Drive North should refrain from letting water run into the street and gutter area because crews will be pouring fresh concrete.

Additionally, the city warned that equestrians who keep horses in the area should make arrangements to temporarily stable their horses as far from the work areas as possible.

"There will from time to time be sudden loud noises that could startle your animals," the city said.

Questions and concerns should be addressed to the Excel Paving Dispatch Department at 562-599-5841, extension 250. The line will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The controversial project—a petition to stop it posted on Change.org garnered 201 signatures—calls for 1.3 miles of bicycle lanes in each direction along Palos Verdes Drive North, a multiuse path, new street crossings, an in-road flashing crosswalk at Rancho Vista Elementary School and new lanes at certain intersections, among other items.

The total cost of the project is more than $4.02 million, including design services, according to the Palos Verdes Peninsula News. Excel Paving Co.'s winning bid was $3.636 million for the project, which was initially estimated to cost $2.8 million.

About $1.8 million of the funds came from a federal call for projects grant. Other funds came from the state's Safe Routes to School program, traffic impact fees, Proposition C funds, local grants, the city's general fund and Quimby fund, according to the News.

Previously:

• Poll: What Do You Think of Proposed Bike Lane Project in RHE?
• 15 Pepper Trees Removed From PVDN
• PVDN Bike Lane Project Plans Unveiled