Buena Park Moves to Overhaul Valley View to Make a ...

Neighborhood park with shade trees, lawn and a walking path

Buena Park Mayor Connor Traut said the rehabilitation project is going to be funded through the city's 1-cent sales tax measure adopted by voters in 2024, known...

A 2.85-mile stretch of Valley View Street running from Lincoln Avenue to Artesia Boulevard is set to undergo a major $4.7 million overhaul following an agreement between Buena Park, La Palma, and Cerritos.

The heavily traveled thoroughfare serves as a key connection to both the 91 and Interstate 5 freeways for commuters and commercial vehicles. According to Buena Park’s 2026–2032 Citywide Pavement Management Plan, Valley View Street currently holds an average Pavement Condition Index score of 65, placing it in "fair" condition, though several segments are rated "poor."

Buena Park Public Works Director Mina Mikhael noted that the street currently suffers from structural failures, extensive asphalt cracking, faded line striping, damaged landscape medians, and cracked or broken sidewalks and accessibility ramps. The overhaul aims to revitalize the corridor, extend the road's operational life, and improve conditions for motorists and pedestrians.

The scope of work includes asphalt pavement rehabilitation, fresh line striping, updated signage, traffic control planning, and the removal and replacement of damaged curbs, gutters, cross gutters, and sidewalks. Crews will also make utility adjustments, raising or lowering manholes, pull boxes, and water valves so they sit level with the new asphalt, eliminating bumps for passing vehicles. Existing non-compliant curb ramps will be brought up to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Mikhael stated that the project will not include traffic light synchronization. City staff are evaluating the potential addition of bike lanes, though Mikhael noted that the street may be too narrow to accommodate the required five- to six-foot clearance, adding that the city wants to avoid installing disjointed bike lanes that lead to nowhere. Mayor Connor Traut noted that officials are also looking into quality-of-life enhancements along the corridor, such as planting trees and flowers to improve neighborhood aesthetics and absorb traffic noise.

Buena Park will serve as the lead agency because the majority of the project falls within its city limits, taking responsibility for design, project coordination, construction, and contract administration. Buena Park’s portion of the work will be funded through Measure R, a voter-approved one-cent sales tax measure passed in 2024.

Under the cooperative agreement, La Palma’s share of the project is estimated at $900,000, while Cerritos’ share is estimated at $575,000. Both partner cities are tasked with reviewing and approving plans for their respective sections, participating in inspections, and reimbursing Buena Park once the work is complete.

Buena Park staff are currently finalizing the project design—which includes determining final signage and ADA ramp requirements—and expect to advertise for construction bids this month. Construction is projected to begin in January 2027 and will take approximately four months. To limit traffic disruptions, work will be conducted in phases, closing specific lanes at a time or taking place during off-peak hours.

Reported for The Park · Voice of OC · August 14, 2026 · Read the full story on The Park