Long Beach is taking swift action to defend its vulnerable Peninsula as Hurricane Polo approaches with the threat of high surf and coastal flooding. Early Friday, city crews began installing a temporary barrier made of oversized geotextile sandbags along the bulkhead wall.
How the sandbag system works
Each sandbag weighs roughly 3,000 pounds and is designed to absorb wave energy before it strikes the century‑old seawall. Dozens of the bags have been positioned near 66th Place and fastened together to form a continuous line.
“We’ll see how they do through this Hurricane Polo swell event. If they do well, we’ll look at the possibility of adding more,” said Long Beach Marine Bureau Manager Todd Leland.
Why the barrier is needed
The Peninsula’s natural protection was severely reduced during the last major storm, when an estimated 60 to 70 feet of beach was washed away, leaving little sand between the ocean and the aging bulkhead. Leland noted that the seawall is “old, dated… and it needs repair.”
Long‑term coastal plan
City officials plan to begin major repairs in the coming weeks, including replacing critical sections of the bulkhead wall and fixing damaged portions of the boardwalk. In mid‑October, Long Beach expects to place about 415,000 cubic yards of dredged sand onto the Peninsula, which could add roughly 200 feet of beach in some locations.
“That project alone is coming in at around $11.4 million. It’s completely funded,” Leland said, explaining that the money will come from the city’s Tidelands Capital Fund, a separate pool from the general fund, which currently faces a $60 million budget deficit.
Future coastal resilience efforts
The city’s long‑term strategy includes studying additional sand replenishment, dune construction, rock structures, and other coastal defense measures to safeguard the Peninsula for years to come.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the storm’s progress and follow any evacuation or safety advisories issued by local authorities.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
