On Friday, February 23, more than 40 residents participated in the third installment of the Public Works Department’s free “Behind the Scenes” tour. This tour focused on roads, bridges, alleys, and parking lots. The tour kicked off with site visits to several past, present, and future infrastructure improvements. Following the site visits, the group stopped at the Corporate Yard for an in-depth discussion and demonstrations with Traffic & Transportation and Street Maintenance staff.
“Public Works is the backbone of the City of Huntington Beach and these Behind the Scenes tours are an opportunity for residents to learn more about the role Public Works plays in your daily life – the water that flows from your kitchen sink, the way you travel safely across town, and how you enjoy spending time with family and friends at City parks and beaches,” said Public Works Director, Chau Vu.
Highlights of the tours included:
Banning Avenue
- Landscaped medians with new parkway trees
- Reduced vehicle travel lanes
- Buffered and protected bike lanes
- Additional and enhanced crosswalks
Utica Bicycle Boulevard
- New traffic signal at Lake and Utica
- Improved mobility for HB High, Smith & Dwyer schools
- New signage and “sharrows” painted on the street surface
Corp Yard – Traffic & Transportation
- Met with staff, had a Q&A session, learned about traffic signal planning, timing, installation, maintenance
Corp Yard – Street Maintenance
- Live paving demonstration, had a Q&A session, learned about the Pavement Management Program and Zone Maintenance
The Behind the Scenes tours were created to enhance civic engagement and promote transparency while introducing citizens to the inner workings of the Public Works Department. The four-part series began in August 2023 and will conclude in May 2024. Participants can meet Public Works staff, learn more about the Department’s various Divisions, see Public Works Equipment up close, take plenty of selfies, and learn how Public Works makes Huntington Beach a fantastic place to live, work, and play.
The free series has been advertised in the SANDS magazine and via word of mouth. We average approximately 30-40 participants per session. The Public Works Department appreciates the opportunity to educate and engage residents in a fun and friendly setting. Please note that due to the popularity of the program, the May session has already reached capacity.
