On Monday night, the Livermore City Council approved a one-time, $2.5 million Sidewalk Slicing Project to help property owners address a significant backlog across 461 miles of uneven walkways. The project will begin this summer and improve sidewalk conditions throughout the City.
While adjacent property owners have historically been responsible for sidewalk maintenance under the California Streets and Highways Code, the City is stepping in with this special, one-time project to cover the cost of eligible slicing repairs. Sidewalk slicing smooths uneven sidewalk panels without needing to remove and replace the entire sidewalk.
“This project allows us to quickly enhance the existing quality of life in our community,” said Mayor John Marchand. “By making this investment, the City is virtually eliminating a backlog of sidewalk repairs that could otherwise take years for residents, business owners, and City staff to resolve.”
Building on ongoing municipal efforts that have addressed nearly 9,000 uneven sidewalk locations and installed or upgraded over 200 curb ramps on City-maintained infrastructure since 2020, this new project expands that momentum directly into neighborhoods.
Work is expected to begin this summer in the City’s central zone, which includes the downtown residential neighborhoods. The project will move to Springtown this fall, continue into northwest Livermore this winter, and conclude in the remaining areas by summer 2027. Once completed, the project will have addressed approximately 390 miles of residential neighborhoods, 40 miles of commercial areas, and 31 miles of industrial zones.
This one-time project focuses strictly on sidewalk slicing, addressing approximately 15,000 of 16,000 sidewalk locations. The remaining sidewalk locations require more extensive repairs than sidewalk slicing can provide. City staff will continue working directly with property owners to address these remaining locations.
In addition to the Sidewalk Slicing Project, the City continues to invest in the downtown core through the Downtown Bluestone Project, replacing existing bluestone sidewalks with a durable, easier-to-maintain stamped concrete. Approximately 15,000 square feet of bluestone sidewalk has already been replaced downtown, with the remaining 46,000 square feet scheduled for replacement starting in 2028.
