Orange Avenue water transmission main replacement
Long Beach
Summary
An 80-year-old water main on Orange Avenue that broke twice in 2024 will be replaced using trenchless pipe bursting — faster, quieter, and about half the cost of digging up the street. Construction runs September through November 2026, with temporary parking impacts along the route.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 1 meeting in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
The trenchless method saves an estimated $1.6 million to $1.9 million over open-cut construction.
Orange Avenue residents and water customers get a reliable main without months of trenching through their street.
Residents along Orange Avenue will temporarily lose a parking lane and see construction activity for two to three months.
Mentions & discussions (3)
Utilities Commission - Sep 17, 2026
Water mains installed in 1927 and 1931 that have burst 19 and 4 times respectively are being moved out of alleys into streets along Pacific Avenue and Spring Street, meaning fewer outages for residents and businesses.
Utilities Commission - Jul 16, 2026
A 1946-era cast iron water pipe under Orange Avenue between Bixby and Wardlow has broken repeatedly, including two breaks in October 2024 that triggered a boil-water notice. The board approved construction using trenchless pipe bursting, which saves about $1 million versus open-trench replacement and causes minimal street disruption.
Utilities Commission - Planning Committee - Apr 16, 2026
An 80-year-old water main on Orange Avenue that broke twice in 2024 will be replaced using trenchless pipe bursting — faster, quieter, and about half the cost of digging up the street. Construction runs September through November 2026, with temporary parking impacts along the route.
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