Downey moves forward on major roadway and alley upgrades

Construction crews work along Firestone Boulevard as the city advances roadway improvements that are part of a broader effort to rehabilitate streets and alleys across Downey.

DOWNEY – The Downey City Council approved a professional services agreement with RKA Consulting Group to provide design engineering services for a series of roadway and alley rehabilitation projects across the city.

The council approved the agreement earlier this month in the amount of $770,480 for design work, along with $3,000 for contract administration and project management, bringing the total authorized cost to $773,480.

City officials said the work will improve drainage, extend pavement life, reduce long-term maintenance costs, enhance neighborhood aesthetics and improve safety.

The projects are guided by the city’s Pavement Management Program, which evaluates and prioritizes streets and alleys based on pavement condition, structural strength and field observations.

Downey’s street network includes 226 miles of roadways, including residential streets, arterials, collectors and nearly 10 miles of alleys. City staff reported the overall Pavement Condition Index for the network is 77, with upcoming projects expected to raise that figure to 83.

Design work under the approved agreement will focus on several major rehabilitation efforts, including pavement improvements along Imperial Highway, Lakewood Boulevard and Washburn Road, as well as a series of alley rehabilitation projects throughout the city.

The alley work includes multiple locations near La Reina Avenue, 5th Street, 6th Street and Firestone Boulevard.

RKA Consulting Group was selected following a competitive proposal process that included five engineering firms. A city evaluation panel ranked RKA highest based on project understanding, qualifications, technical approach, schedule and cost-effectiveness. City staff said the firm demonstrated strong experience with innovative pavement strategies that can help reduce construction time and costs.

Funding for the design work will come from Measure M and Senate Bill 1 transportation funds that were allocated as part of the city’s Fiscal Year 2025–26 Capital Improvement Program. Construction contracts for the projects will be brought to the City Council for approval at a later date.