Long Beach Transit Safeguards Route 173 Service
Route 173 detours begin March 6 due to Studebaker Road construction through May 31
Long Beach Transit Route 173 Faces Detours
Long Beach Transit riders using Route 173 will encounter detours and temporary bus stop closures starting in March. Construction on Studebaker Road between Los Coyotes Diagonal and the 405 Freeway will force service adjustments for nearly three months, transit officials said. The work affects a key corridor for Route 173 passengers, with Long Beach Transit classifying this as a high-severity alert due to substantial impacts on regular bus operations.
Construction Timeline and Service Impact
The detours and bus stop closures take effect Friday, March 6, 2026, and continue through Sunday, May 31, 2026, according to Long Beach Transit. The construction spans a critical section of Studebaker Road, requiring Route 173 to bypass its normal path for nearly three months. Transit officials said the road improvements are necessary infrastructure work, though they'll disrupt regular service patterns. Riders should expect longer travel times and different boarding locations throughout the construction period.
Alternative Boarding Locations Planned
Long Beach Transit will post signs at all affected bus stops directing customers to alternative boarding locations, officials said. The transit agency hasn't specified exactly how many stops will close or where all temporary stops will be located. Passengers can contact Long Beach Transit's Customer Care team at 562.591.2301 for personalized assistance with route planning during the construction. Officials said detailed information about specific alternative stops is available but didn't provide those details in the initial announcement.
Implementation Begins Early March
The service changes begin Friday, March 6, 2026, giving riders several weeks to prepare for the adjustments. Long Beach Transit officials said signs will be posted before the construction starts to help passengers locate alternative boarding points. The detours remain in place through the end of May 2026, with normal Route 173 service resuming after construction wraps up on Studebaker Road.
Riders Urged to Plan Ahead
Passengers should allow extra time for their journeys during the three-month construction period, transit officials said. Long Beach Transit encourages riders to plan trips in advance and familiarize themselves with alternative boarding locations before March 6. Moovit provides real-time updates for Long Beach Transit routes, helping passengers navigate the temporary service changes and find the nearest alternative stops during the Studebaker Road construction.
