The tarmac at Long Beach Airport isn't just for planes anymore. After a year-long construction effort, the airport has officially completed upgrades to improve the comings and goings of its terrestrial traffic. According to an announcement by city officials, LGB has given the green light to an advanced roadway system that promises to swiftly ferry travelers from arrival to departure points.
Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson was quoted in the city's press release, stating, "Our award-winning Long Beach Airport is making it even easier for travelers to get on their way with these roadway upgrades." He emphasized the airport's legacy of over a century in ensuring smooth travels, a tradition that the new improvements are set to bolster for future passengers.
The $16.6 million Terminal Roadway Improvements Project, which began in January 2024, sought to enhance vehicular and pedestrian movement alike. A significant portion of the expenditure, approximately $10.6 million, came from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), with the remainder supported by the airport's revenue streams.
Among the upgrades heralded by the project are those that make LGB more accessible for all flyers. "At Long Beach Airport, we like to say 'the going is easy'—and now, it's even easier," Airport Director Cynthia Guidry mentioned in the press release. Indeed, the project has implemented Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant features, which include new curb space, crosswalks, ramps, handrails, signage, and improved lighting.
Fifth District Councilwoman Megan Kerr lauded the airport's ongoing commitment to modernizing its infrastructure, anticipating that travelers will "experience better traffic flow and improved pedestrian access" thanks to the terminal enhancements.
