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PROJECT UPDATE:
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June 4, 2026 - Upcoming Parking Lot Closure – 26th Street Lot | Begins June 8, 2026
Beginning June 8, 2026, the upper portion of the 26th Street Parking Lot is anticipated to close to accommodate construction activities for the 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project.
Why is this closure necessary? The closure is required to maintain a safe work zone for construction crews and the general public throughout the duration of the project.
What you should know:
- Additional parking options will be made available before the full closure of the parking lot takes effect.
- You will receive advance notice prior to any complete lot closure.
- We are committed to minimizing inconvenience to residents and visitors during this time.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to improve stormwater infrastructure that benefits our entire community. Further updates will be shared as the project progresses.
📞 CONTACT & PROJECT HOTLINE
We have established a dedicated Project Hotline for any questions, concerns, or construction-related issues:
Project Hotline: (310) 802-5014
Project Managers: Eduardo Pech and Lisa Naslund
Email: 28thstreetproject@manhattanbeach.gov
Manhattan Beach Police (Non-Emergency): (310) 545-4566
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to protect our ocean by improving water quality after storms.
Project Information
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Protecting Our Beaches and Ocean
When it rains, polluted stormwater from our streets currently flows directly into Santa Monica Bay through the 28th Street storm drain system and outfall. This runoff carries trash, bacteria, and other pollutants directly to the beach and ocean. See Figure 2 below.
The 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project will change that. The project is designed to divert and infiltrate stormwater before it reaches the ocean. Here’s how it works:
How the Project Protects the Bay (see Figure 3)
- The system will divert up to 0.8 inches of rainfall, which is usually the most polluted, from the 28th Street storm drain pipe.
- Through the Pre-treatment system, trash and sediment will be removed.
- The treated water will then percolate into the ground through an underground infiltration system.
- This process helps keep polluted water out of the ocean
Figure 1. System Process
Why This Project Matters
Most of the stormwater that flows into the 28th Street drain—over 99%—comes from within Manhattan Beach, making the City responsible for managing and preventing pollution from reaching the coast. (See Figure 4)
Through the Project, Manhattan Beach aims to:
- Reduce bacteria and trash entering the ocean
- Improve beach conditions
- Support marine life
- Provide community education opportunities
- Improve the 26th Street Parking Facility area
Regional Support and City Effort
This project is a top priority under the Beach Cities Watershed Management Program (WMP)—a partnership among Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District.
The WMP helps the cities work together on planning and studies to meet regional water-quality standards, while still allowing each city to decide on the projects that best meet State mandates.
Where the Water Comes From
The project drainage area is over 1,500 acres (see Figure 2). When it rains, water from this drainage area flows into the 28th Street storm drain and out into the Santa Monica Bay. The new project will divert runoff and prevent pollutants from entering directly into Santa Monica Bay.
Figure 2. 28th Street Drainage System Collection Area
What the System Will Look Like
The project will divert stormwater from the 28th Street storm drain underneath the street into an underground pump station and pre-treatment system where it can be treated then stormwater will be sent to infiltration wells to percolate naturally into the ground (instead of discharging directly to the ocean). (see Figure 3)
This hidden, underground approach protects our beaches and ocean water quality, while also maximizing land use, without changing the look and feel of the surrounding neighborhood.
Figure 3. 28th Street Infiltration System
To learn more about how this project fits into Manhattan Beach’s plan to protect our Beaches and Ocean, visit the Ocean Protections webpage.
To receive updates, please subscribe here.
Upcoming Events and Milestones and the Project Schedule to be updated regularly)
- 12/16/25 City Council Meeting - Construction award, summary of bid process and results
- February 2026 (estimated) - Notice to Proceed 1 (NTP 1) issued for drilling of pilot drywell, material procurement, scheduling confirmation, and utility verifications
- March 5, 2026 - Groundbreaking Ceremony
- March 19, 2026 - Community Meeting
- Spring 2026 - Notice to Proceed 2 (NTP 2) Start of construction
Project Schedule and Planned Improvements
The 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project will be built in several steps. Times and locations may shift depending on contractor scheduling and construction progress.
Project Schedule
May 1 - 7, 2026: Pre-Construction Survey and Settlement Monitoring
Documentation of existing conditions for affected residents prior to construction. Installation of settlement monitors.
The week of May 4 - 15, 2026: Contractor Mobilization
Contractor will begin preparing for construction by installing signage, street re-striping, delivering equipment and construction fencing, closing Manhattan Avenue between 26th and 27th Streets.
May 18, 2026 - Tentative Start of Construction
Drilling activities for drywell installation will start at Bruce’s Beach, then at the 26th Street parking lot. More updates on construction activities to follow.
Project Timeline
| Project Phase | Timeframe | Key Notes / Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Design | Through Winter 2025-26 | Final design development and agency coordination – SUBSTANTIALLY COMPLETE |
| Bidding and Contractor Selection | Winter 2025–2026 | Advertisement, bidding, and award of construction contract - COMPLETE |
| Construction (Overall) | Begins Spring 2026 | Multi-phase construction activities |
| Notice to Proceed 1 (Pre-Construction) | Winter 2026 | Test drywell installation, utility location verification, contractor submittals, project schedule |
| Notice to Proceed 2 (Start of Construction) | Spring 2026 | Full construction begins; initial locations TBD |
| Project Close-Out | Summer 2027 | Final inspections, punch list, documentation, and acceptance |
How the Project Will Be Built –
May 1 - 7, 2026: Pre-Construction Survey and Settlement Monitoring
Documentation of existing conditions for affected residents prior to construction. Installation of settlement monitors.
The week of May 4 - 15, 2026: Contractor Mobilization
Contractor will begin preparing for construction by installing signage, street re-striping, delivering equipment and construction fencing, closing Manhattan Avenue between 26th and 27th Streets.
May 18, 2026 - Tentative Start of Construction
Drilling activities for drywell installation will start at Bruce’s Beach, then at the 26th Street parking lot. More updates on construction activities to follow.
To learn more about how this project fits into Manhattan Beach’s plan to protect our Beaches and Ocean, visit the Ocean Protections webpage.
To receive updates, please subscribe here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are related to Project components, impacts, and implementation. The City is available to answer additional questions or expand on the responses provided below. The Introduction and Proposed Improvements and Project Phases sections above include an overview of the 28th Street Storm Drain Infiltration Project (Project) and should be reviewed in advance of this FAQ.
Environmental and Health Concerns
How does this Project help remove trash from the water?
Water from rainstorms accumulates trash and debris as it makes its way to the ocean through our storm drain system. This mix of rainwater and trash and debris will be pumped into a trash capture and sedimentation removal device before it is conveyed to the drywells for infiltration. The trash capture and sedimentation removal system will retain trash and debris, preventing it from clogging the infiltration system. The cleaned water then will percolate into the soil below the drywells.
What happens to the trash that is removed?
Trash that is retained in the trash capture and sedimentation systems described above is removed by city crews and safely disposed of at a landfill, helping to clean our environment and protect our beaches.
Where does the clean rainwater go after it is infiltrated into the ground?
Runoff that is infiltrated is naturally cleaned as it moves through the ground/soil where it eventually meets the groundwater table. Clean water within the groundwater table can be pumped and used for beneficial uses, and remaining water may eventually reach the ocean.
Will the Project be impacted by sea level rise?
Sea level rise will not impact the Project. The elevation of the 26th Street Parking Facility is much higher than future sea levels based on the medium-high risk aversion projections from the California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance (2018). Infiltration of rainwater into the ground will protect the health of freshwater basins and resist the seawater intrusion into the fresh water.
Additionally, groundwater levels, which are associated with sea levels, will not impact the infiltration systems proposed in the parking facility (drywells) during their design life. There will be adequate separation between the infrastructure and groundwater, based on the medium-high risk aversion projections from the California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance (2018).
Will the Project generate odors?
The Project is designed to prevent odors from developing. The system facilitates the movement of water through the infiltration system’s components, and the pretreatment unit captures trash, sediment, and debris from the diverted runoff. Captured trash and debris will be removed regularly as part of routine maintenance.
Structural and Community Impact
Will adjacent slopes or existing structures on nearby properties be impacted by construction of the infiltration facilities?
No, given the site topography and soil conditions, construction of the proposed improvements is not anticipated to have an impact on structures or slopes in the vicinity of the Project. A detailed Feasibility Study (PDF) was conducted and contains more detailed information pertaining to the geotechnical findings.
How will the Project affect nearby residences?
After construction is complete, there will be minimal inconveniences to adjacent residences in relation to the stormwater capture system. Stormwater capture components will be located below ground, and only access lids will be visible on the surface. Residents may observe the City conducting routine maintenance, at which time maintenance vehicles will be servicing the underground components.
Will there be a potential of ocean and groundwater contamination?
No, the Project is being constructed to improve water quality of the underground basin and to keep contamination from reaching our pristine beaches. Under existing conditions, polluted stormwater runoff is discharged directly into the Santa Monica Bay through a storm drain that outlets near 28th Street. The Project will capture runoff generated from about one inch of rainfall and prevent it (and the pollutants it carries) from reaching the beach, Santa Monica Bay, and the ocean. Trash and debris will be captured and retained in the trash capture and sedimentation system. Other pollutants will be filtered out through the infiltration process and will be broken down by microbial action in the soil over time. Similar infiltration projects are implemented throughout the Southern California over drinking water aquifers without any identified issues.
Construction Details
How long will it take to construct?
Construction is expected to last approximately 18 months. Construction will be phased, such that the full Project area is not impacted throughout the full construction duration. Impacts to the 28th Street and Manhattan Avenue intersection are expected to last around 6 months, Manhattan Avenue between 26th Street and 27th Street is expected to be closed around 6-9 months, and the parking facility is expected to be closed for around 12-15 months.
What impacts will I experience during construction?
Construction activities generally result in temporary inconveniences to the surrounding community. The City will work closely with the Contractor to minimize any impacts as much as possible during construction. Some of the impacts that can be expected during construction may include: road closures, traffic detours, parking facility closures, reduced pedestrian access, noise, dust/debris, and limited street parking – all of which will be mitigated through strict construction requirements specified by the City.
What are the expected noise levels during construction?
A detailed noise study was prepared during the design process to identify anticipated noise levels during construction. Results of the noise study were included in the Mitigated Negative Declaration(See link above). Mitigation measures were recommended for use during construction.
The Contractor will monitor noise levels and implement noise-reducing measures to reduce the noise to meet the Municipal Code. The Mitigated Negative Declaration mentions the potential use of noise barriers, noise control curtains, and/or noise enclosures to meet noise level requirements. Construction will be permitted Monday through Friday only. No work will be permitted on weekends or holidays. Construction activities will comply with exterior noise standards defined in the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code, Section 5.48.160.
What will the impact on traffic and parking be for nearby residents?
Traffic detours will be used during construction to route traffic around lane closures and/or full roadway closures. Signage and electronic message boards will be used in advance of, and during, closures to alert commuters in advance so that alternative routes can be taken.
What dust control measures will be used at the construction site?
Dust mitigation measures will be implemented pursuant to Rule 403 of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, as documented in the Mitigated Negative Declaration. Water application techniques will be used to mitigate the impact of dust particles, and grading operations will be suspended when winds exceed 25 mph.
Financial and Logistical Information
What is the cost and how will it be paid?
The cost estimate for the construction of the diversion and infiltration system as well as the improvements to the 26th Street Parking Facility is approximately $27 Million.
How is the Project funded?
Local and State grants are the primary funding source for the Project. The City was awarded up to $17.6 Million from the Safe, Clean Water Program (Measure W) administered by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, $8.5 Million from the State Water Resources Control Board Proposition 1 Storm Water Fund, and $4.9 Million from the Proposition 68 Urban Flood Reduction program administered by the California Natural Resources Agency.
Additional Questions
Who is the contact person for more information or concerns?
Please see the Project Manager contact information below.
Construction related concerns:
Project Managers
Eduardo Pech and Lisa Naslund
Project Hotline: (310) 802-5014
28thstreetproject@manhattanbeach.gov
How can the residents stay informed about Project updates?
Notices will be hand delivered or mailed at the beginning of construction and at various stages throughout and this website will be updated monthly. Additionally, please contact Lisa Naslund at (310) 802-5368 or lnaslund@manhattanbeach.gov and request to be added to the bi-weekly email update.
Download FAQs (PDF)
Public Meeting Notices
Beginning June 8, 2026, the upper portion of the 26th Street Parking Lot is anticipated to close to support construction of the 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project.
The closure is necessary to maintain a safe work area for construction activities and the public. Additional parking options will be available before the complete closure of the parking lot, and advance notice will be provided.
Download the 26th Street Parking Lot Closure Notice (PDF).
The City would like to inform you of upcoming utility work and related traffic impacts in your area.
Utility Work (Water System Maintenance)
The City’s Utilities Division will be performing work on Thursday in the vicinity of 28th Street and Manhattan Avenue. This work includes excavation and lane closures and is necessary for routine system maintenance, including upgrading and replacing water valves. This work is not related to the Stormwater Infiltration Project.
As part of this work, temporary water service interruptions may occur. Affected properties were notified via door hangers, and future interruptions will include at least 48 hours advance notice.
The anticipated water interruption window is 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Traffic Impacts – Utility Work
- Manhattan Avenue (northbound lane only) between 27th Street and 28th Street will be closed from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
If there are any changes to the work schedule, the Utilities Division will provide updates. If you have any questions, please contact the City’s Utilities Division at (310) 802-5300.
28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project – Traffic Updates
In addition, construction activities related to the 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project will result in the following traffic impacts:
- Thursday & Friday (this week):
Limited lane closures on Ocean Drive between 26th Street and 27th Street during working hours of 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. - Following this work:
Ocean Drive between 26th Street and 27th Street will be converted to one-way northbound traffic. - Beginning Monday, May 11:
Full closure of Manhattan Avenue between 26th Street and 27th Street is planned.
These improvements are part of a major infrastructure project designed to capture and treat stormwater, helping reduce pollutants entering Santa Monica Bay and improve local water quality.
We appreciate your patience during this important work. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Project Management team at 310-802-5014 or email at 28thstreetproject@manhattanbeach.gov
Download the 28th Street Important Project Dates Postcard (PDF)
Community Meeting: 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project
Thursday, March 19, 2026
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (new meeting start time 7:00 PM)
Joslyn Community Center
1601 North Valley Drive
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
The City is hosting a community meeting to provide detailed information about the construction schedule, anticipated traffic and parking impacts, and to answer residents' questions.
City staff and project representatives will be available to discuss construction sequencing, mitigation measures, and ways to minimize neighborhood impacts. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide input.
For more information, please visit the 28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project webpage.
Download the 28th St Infiltration March 2026 Community Meeting postcard (PDF).
Groundbreaking Ceremony
Thursday, March 5, 2026
11:00 AM
26th Street and Manhattan Avenue
The City of Manhattan Beach invites you to mark a milestone in our commitment to environmental stewardship — the groundbreaking of the
28th Street Stormwater Infiltration Project.
This exciting initiative will capture and filter stormwater runoff, protecting the waters of Bruce's Beach and our coastline for generations to come. Join us as we break ground on a cleaner, healthier ocean.
All are welcome — come celebrate with us!
The event is ceremonial and will not include any construction activity.
Download the 28th Street Groundbreaking Invitation Postcard (PDF)
December 2, 2025: City Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: City Council Chambers in Manhattan Beach City Hall
At the December 2, 2025, City Council Meeting, staff will present the recommended construction award and a summary of the competitive bid process and results.
28th Street Community Notice Postcard (PDF)
February 6, 2025 Community Meeting
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Manhattan Heights Community Center
Learn how this project is helping to protect our ocean and how Manhattan Beach is improving ocean quality through this and other initiatives. For more information about these initiatives, please visit the Ocean Protection webpage.
28th Street Community Notice Postcard (PDF)
Presentation Slides from Feb 6 2025 Community Meeting (PDF)
February 15, 2024 Community Meeting
Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Manhattan Heights Community Center
Interested community members were invited to attend this project overview and CEQA discussion.
28th Street Community Notice Postcard (PDF)
Presentation Slides from Feb 15 2024 Community Meeting (PDF)
October 10, 2023 - 28th St Stormwater Infiltration Project Community Outreach Pop-up Event
Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: 26th Street and Manhattan Avenue
Additional Info: This event was held outdoors at the location of the proposed improvements. Interested community members were invited to stop by any time between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM to receive information and ask questions about the project.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following terms used in the Introduction, Proposed Improvements and Project Phases and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sections above are defined with additional detail.
Drywell
A drywell is an underground structure that can be used to capture, store, and infiltrate stormwater and urban runoff. Drywells typically include a vertical shaft that is impervious near the ground surface (does not allow water through it) and pervious at the bottom (allows water to infiltrate). The pervious bottom portion is filled with gravel and allows the water to infiltrate downward and through all sides of the well.
The depth of a typical drywell varies from a few feet to over 50 feet deep. It is estimated that the drywells installed in conjunction with this project will be on the order of 30 feet deep.
One benefit of drywells over other types of infiltration structures is that they require a small surface footprint, yet they provide a large surface area for infiltration (all sides of the pervious shaft).
Pervious Pavement
Pervious, or permeable, pavement contains a network of interconnected void spaces which allows water to percolate through the pavement and into the ground below. These types of pavement are typically constructed of asphalt, concrete, or pavers, and are commonly used in parking lots, sidewalks, and bike paths to improve water quality and reduce the quantity of runoff reaching the storm drain system. The images below illustrate the direction of water flow associated with typical pavement and pervious pavement.
Pretreatment System
In developed areas like Manhattan Beach, stormwater and urban runoff (rainfall and irrigation overspray) commonly carry pollutants, sediments, yard waste, trash, and debris to the local drainage system.
If runoff is pumped together with the trash and debris, over time, the trash and debris damage the pump system. If runoff is carried into an infiltration system together with sediment, trash, and debris, over time, the system will clog and lose effectiveness. The Project intends to capture the runoff in the storm drain system, and a pretreatment system would remove trash, debris, and other large particles (such as sediment) from captured runoff before it is carried downstream to the pump station and infiltration systems.
Pretreatment systems can vary, depending on the need. A simple steel grate can be used for some pretreatment systems (as shown in the first image below), or vortex technology can be used (as shown in the second image below).
A vortex-type system is anticipated for this Project. Runoff enters the system, which creates a swirling action that results in the trash, debris, and sediment dropping to a pit at the bottom of the unit, while the pretreated water leaves the system. The accumulated trash and debris is typically removed from the pretreatment system twice yearly during routine maintenance
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Project Manager Information
PROJECT HOTLINE
Phone: (310) 802-5014
Email: 28thstreetproject@manhattanbeach.gov
Eduardo Pech, P.E.
Phone: (310) 802-5340
Email: epech@manhattanbeach.gov
Lisa Naslund
Phone: (310) 802-5368
Email: lnaslund@manhattanbeach.gov
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