title
CC - CONSENT ITEM: Approval of Final Plans and Specifications and Authorization to Publish Notice Inviting Bids for Phase 1 of the Better Overland Project, CIP No. PS029.
body
Meeting Date: January 26, 2026
Contact/Dept.: Thomas Check/Public Works Department
Phone Number: (310) 253-5627
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [ ] General Fund: Yes [] No [X ]
Attachments: Yes [X] No [ ]
Public Notification: E-Mail: Meetings and Agendas - City Council (01/22/2026)
Department Approval: Yanni Demitri, Public Works Director / City Engineer (10/15/2025)
_____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends the City Council approve the final plans and specifications and authorize the publication of a notice inviting bids for the construction of Phase 1 of the Better Overland Project, CIP No. PS029.
BACKGROUND
The Better Overland Project (Project) is an active transportation improvement project along Overland Avenue from Venice Boulevard to the Fox Hills neighborhood, including the Culver City Transit Center. The City Council approved the conceptual plans for the Better Overland Project at their May 28, 2024, meeting.
The Project proposes new and enhanced sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, more than 2.5 miles of protected bike lanes, sidewalk-facing streetlighting, new traffic signals at Kelmore Avenue/Ranch Road and at Sawtelle Boulevard, and other multimodal enhancements. Together, these investments will transform Overland Avenue into an Active Transportation Corridor consistent with the City’s General Plan, creating a connected corridor that encourages walking and biking as practical and enjoyable ways to travel within the City.
DISCUSSION
Staff are implementing the Project in phases as funding becomes available. Phase 1 of the Project includes traffic calming improvements, protected bike lanes, and pedestrian safety enhancements on Overland Avenue between Culver Boulevard and the City limit near Venice Boulevard. Outside of these limits, Phase 1 also includes a new signalized pedestrian crosswalk at the Julian Dixon Library. A summary of key improvements is provided below:
• New protected bike lanes: In the southbound direction, Phase 1 of the Project will install protected bike lanes on Overland Avenue from Venice Boulevard to Culver Boulevard. In the northbound direction, new protected bike lanes will be installed on Overland Avenue between Culver Boulevard and Washington Boulevard. The northbound bike lane ends at Washington Boulevard-rather than Venice Boulevard-due to a jog in the Culver City/City of Los Angeles boundary on Overland Avenue between Venice Boulevard and Washington Boulevard. The bike lanes will be constructed using lower cost materials, such as flexible bollards.
• Painted curb extensions: Phase 1 of the Project will install painted curb extensions at Overland Avenue & Washington Boulevard and Overland Avenue & Culver Boulevard. The curb extensions are intended to shorten pedestrian crossing distances and improve visibility of those crossing the street.
• Signalized pedestrian crosswalk: Phase 1 of the Project also includes a new, fully signalized pedestrian crosswalk at the Julian Dixon Library.
To accommodate the improvements included in Phase 1, adjustments to the existing road configuration are necessary. A summary of key adjustments is provided below:
• Vehicle lane modifications: Phase 1 of the Project maintains two vehicular lanes in each direction and includes a center-running left-turn lane. At Overland Avenue & Washington Boulevard and Overland Avenue & Culver Bouelvard, the dedicated southbound right-turn lanes are proposed to be removed to make space for the proposed improvements. However, right turns will still be permitted at these locations through a shared through/right turn lane.
• Median removal: Phase 1 will remove the median on Overland Avenue between Palm Court Way and Culver Boulevard to accommodate the proposed improvements and to maintain on-street parking on the east side of Overland Avenue.
• Tree removals: Five trees in the median on Overland Avenue between Palm Court Way and Culver Boulevard are proposed to be removed in conjunction with the median removal. Further, to accommodate the new signalized pedestrian crosswalk, one tree directly in front of the Julian Dixon Library is proposed to be removed. Tree removals are being processed in accordance with the process outlined in the Municipal Code, and City staff are working with the City Arborist to identify locations to plant replacement trees at a 2:1 ratio.
Due to limited budget available for Phase 1, improvements are being constructed using low-cost materials, such as flexible bollards, when possible. Other improvements, such as the installation of sidewalk-facing streetlighting, reconstructing curb/ADA ramps, and extensive signal modifications, are omitted from Phase 1 of the Project due to cost. These improvements will be constructed in a later phase of the Project if funding becomes available.
On January 16, 2025, Phase 1 of the Project was presented to the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). Staff provided formal updates regarding the design of Phase 1, and the Committee provided feedback on the design elements. The Committee expressed strong support for the Project.
On July 23, 2025, Phase 1 of the Project was presented to the Mobility Subcommittee. Staff provided formal updates regarding the design of Phase 1. The Subcommittee expressed strong support for the Project.
On June 17, 2025, and July 8, 2025, City staff hosted community engagement events that provided Project updates to residents.
Throughout the design development process, staff also engaged key stakeholders along the corridor and have made modifications to the Phase 1 design whenever feasible to accommodate stakeholder feedback.
Staff recommends the City Council approve the final plans and specifications and authorize the publication of a notice inviting bids for Better Overland Phase 1, CIP No. PS029. If approved, construction is expected to commence in Spring 2026.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 includes $1,224,796 for the Project in CIP No. PS029 (Overland-Playa Ped/Bicycle Imp) as shown in the Capital Improvement Plan Schedule on page 597 of the budget book. The funding breakdown of PS029 includes $1 million from Fund 437 (Mobility Improvement Fund) and $224,796 from Fund 423 (Capital Grants Fund).
The Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 included $250,000 from Fund 420 (General Fund) and $750,000 from Fund 437 (Mobility Improvement Fund). On September 8, 2025, City Council approved a budget amendment moving the $250,000 allocation from Fund 420 to Fund 437. This increased the allocation from Fund 437 to $1 million.
ATTACHMENTS
The final plans are available on the City’s website at www.culvercity.gov/betteroverland <http://www.culvercity.gov/betteroverland>.
recommended action
MOTION
That the City Council:
Approve the final plans and specifications and authorize the publication of a notice inviting bids for Better Overland Phase 1, CIP No. PS029.