Thursday, October 1, 2026
The City of Long Beach has begun the Walks Water Main Replacement Project, a $4.8 million initiative to upgrade utility services in the Walks neighborhood.
Planning for the project dates back to 2018, and construction began late last month, after it was approved at the Sept. 3 City Council meeting. The work, which will be done by the Farmingdale-based Thomas Novelli Contracting, is scheduled to be completed by Labor Day 2025, according to city officials.
The Walks section of the city faces several challenges because of its outdated infrastructure. Water and sanitary mains were built adjacent to each other within narrow easements, leading to accessibility issues for water and gas service connected at the rear of individual properties. The electrical system is outdated, and the neighborhood’s concrete walkways are prone to water ponding, complicating utility servicing. As utility lines are installed, pavement will be excavated to facilitate the work.
Key improvements will include the installation of 3,700 linear feet of new water mains, 1,700 linear feet of gas mains as well as new sewer lines, and a new electrical system. The work is expected to enhance water pressure and reduce problems like clogging.
Separating sewer and water services, whose pipes run parallel behind homes in the Walks, is a critical component of the project. “Part of the work is to separate our sewer water services for safety reasons, public health reasons,” City Manager Dan Creighton said. “You don’t want your sewer and water next to each other. That’s really how (the project) was conceived, to make sure it was done right.”
Construction, in the area between New York Avenue and Grand Boulevard, and between West Park Avenue and West Beech Street, will take place in phases to minimize disruption, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Residents will receive written notice 48 hours before construction begins on their property. Thomas Novelli will outline the duration of work and other specifics for each property, and workers will also notify residents when access will be restricted. Those who need to leave during the workday will be asked to give workers 15 to 20 minutes’ notice to allow them to set up safe passage.
Phase A will focus on the water mains and services on West Walnut and West Olive streets, Phase B on the walkways between West Beech and West Olive streets, Phase C on those between West Walnut and West Olive, and Phase D on those between West Walnut and West Park Street.
“We looked at … doing it through the walks, because that way we can upgrade the sidewalks, we can upgrade the gas service, which is a separate contract with National Grid, so they’re installing there, and we could also upgrade the lighting,” Creighton said. “So we’ve really coordinated with every bit of service that we had.”
D&B Engineers and Architects, of Woodbury, is overseeing the project’s design and engineering. National Grid plans to work alongside Novelli, following the same phased schedule for the project.
New water service will connect to either the newly installed water mains, beneath the walkways, or to existing street mains. Water connections will be made at the property at near the rear of each home, and individual house water shutoff valves, or curb stops, will be installed for easier access. Any private property that is disturbed during the work will be restored to its original condition.
Residents were informed about the project at a community meeting on Aug. 15. Those who have more questions or concerns about the project can contact the Department of Public Works at (516) 431-1011.
