HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-28; City Council; 12; Semiannual Transportation ReportCA Review GH
Meeting Date: Jan. 28, 2025
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2766
Subject: Semiannual Transportation Report
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Receive the Semiannual Transportation Report.
Executive Summary
In 2018, the City Council asked staff to present updates twice a year on projects to improve
local streets and traffic flow in Carlsbad. This report provides an update on work over the
last six months through December 2024.
Staff are currently working on more than 50 projects in the 5-year Capital Improvement
Program that are in various stages of completion, from early feasibility and planning to
finishing up construction.
Explanation & Analysis
The Transportation Department is responsible for more than 100 projects identified in the
city’s Capital Improvement Program. The projects are focused on managing the city’s street
and drainage infrastructure, ranging from coordinating traffic signal timing and slowing down
traffic in neighborhoods to redesigning streets to meet modern standards outlined in the
Mobility Element in the city’s General Plan, the section focused on transportation.
Given the large number of projects and the upcoming Strategic Plan update and fiscal year
2025-26 budgeting process, staff will complete a comprehensive review of staff capacity to
complete projects. Staff will be recommending a focused approach on a shorter list of higher
priority projects such as those on the City Council’s Strategic Plan while identifying lower
priority projects to delay through reprioritization.
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 1 of 19
Past six-month accomplishments summary:
The following section highlights some of the Transportation Department’s efforts to ensure
the safety and convenience of all road users:
• Completed construction of the Emergency Trieste Slope Repair project
• Completed the emergency work in the concrete channel area for the Buena Vista
Channel Emergency Clearing project
• Substantially completed construction of Park Drive Drainage and Street Improvement
project, including building a new retaining wall, repairing the slope and adding a
painted crosswalk and rapid flashing beacons at Marina Drive
• Continued construction of Segment 2 of the Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and
pedestrian improvements, including installing the new traffic light at Avenida Encinas
and San Carlos Street
• The City Council awarded a construction contract for the widening of northbound El
Camino Real from Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Drive to add a third vehicular lane,
sidewalks and buffered bike lane, after requisite land rights were acquired
• The City Council awarded a construction contract and work started on the 2023 Slurry
Seal project for approximately 38 miles of streets
• The City Council approved plans, specifications and contract documents and
advertising for construction bids for the Beach Access Repairs and Upgrades project
which will replace the four stairways along Carlsbad Boulevard between Hemlock and
Pine avenues and widen the sidewalk between Cherry and Pine avenues
• The City Council awarded an agreement to develop engineering plans and oversee
environmental permitting for construction of two Americans with Disabilities Act, or
ADA-compliant, beach access ramps from Carlsbad Boulevard to the beach, one north
of Pine Avenue and one at the Tamarack State Beach parking lot
• Finalized design and obtained the California Department of Transportation, or
Caltrans, authorization to proceed with construction of the Barrio Traffic Circles
Phase I project, which is partially federally funded
• Completed engineering design and continued environmental assessment and
permitting process for the El Camino Real widening project from Arenal Road to La
Costa Avenue
• Completed design of the corrugated metal pipe, or CMP, replacement project on four
sites citywide
• Continued with preparing plans and specifications for Phase II of the Barrio lighting
project to add pedestrian lights, including coordinating with San Diego Gas & Electric,
or SDGE
• Continued engineering design of Segment 3 of the Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail
project, from Palomar Airport Road to the Poinsettia Coaster Station
• Continued engineering design work and environmental permitting for the Terramar
Area Coastal Improvements Project
• Initiated annual vegetation clearing and trash removal of the Buena Vista Creek
Channel Maintenance District project and submitted a Coastal Development Permit
application to the California Coastal Commission to support future channel
maintenance
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 2 of 19
• Coordinated with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, or CDFW, on renewal
of a streambed alteration agreement for channel maintenance in the Agua Hedionda
Creek between the bridges of Cannon Road and El Camino Real
• Completed hydraulic and hydrologic analysis for the draft Drainage Master Plan
Update
• Completed annual monitoring and surveying for 14 Carlsbad employers that are
required to comply with the city’s Transportation Demand Management ordinance
• Finalized the Circulation Section of the annual Growth Management Plan Monitoring
Program
• Received City Council approval for the Hope Elementary School Safe Routes to School
Plan, the first of its kind in Carlsbad
• Conducted outreach and developed conceptual plans for two additional schools
including Jefferson Elementary and Sage Creek High School
• Held monthly Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meetings to review key
Transportation Department projects and initiatives
• The City Council adopted the FY 2024-25 Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission work
plan
• Provided feedback to the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, through
participation in the SANDAG Mobility Working Group, including efforts related to the
Regional Vision Zero Plan, Active Transportation Policies, the 2025 SANDAG Regional
Plan, and the LOSSAN1 Rail Realignment Value Analysis Study
• Developed transportation strategies, including 10 greenhouse gas, or GHG, reduction
measures, as part of the Climate Action Plan update adopted by City Council in
November 2024
• Reviewed and advanced key private development projects including the Carlsbad
Village mixed-use project
• Completed construction for residential traffic safety improvements on Victoria
Avenue, Highland Drive, Nueva Castilla Way and Circulo Sequoia
• Construction in progress for residential traffic safety improvements on Park Drive,
Black Rail Road, Plum Tree Road and Carrillo Way
• Continued designing the Faraday Avenue improvements associated with the opening
of Veterans Memorial Park
• Continued designing pedestrian improvements on Paseo Del Norte, south of Palomar
Airport Road
• Completed construction and turned on the new traffic signal at Avenida
Encinas/Chick-Fil-A driveway, which has the city’s first flashing yellow left-turn signal
• Completed upgrade of traffic signal software at all 182 traffic signals
• Continued signal communications upgrade on Rancho Santa Fe Road to replace copper
interconnect with fiber optic cabling
• Continued equipment upgrades at various traffic signals to replace old infrastructure
and improve vehicle and bicycle detection
1 Los-Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor (LOSSAN Corridor) is the major rail line in Southern California
that connects San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, and San Diego, supporting both passenger and freight services. In the
City of Carlsbad, the corridor runs parallel to the coastline, serving the Carlsbad Village and Carlsbad Poinsettia
stations.
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 3 of 19
• Continued audible pedestrian systems installation at several traffic signals
• Continued to evaluate data to better understand transportation patterns on city
streets
• Completed a minor public works contract for emergency repair adjacent to a
residence on Kelly Drive and the concrete channel behind it, Phase 1 of the channel
repairs
• Installed Interstate Highway 5 thermoplastic shields on the pavement on local roads to
help drivers navigate to the correct lanes well ahead of the interchanges
• Completed over 16,000 utility mark-outs to locate underground utilities
• Replaced over 2,000 induction streetlights with efficient LED light fixtures
• Responded to 468 graffiti abatement calls
• Removed and replaced 12,506 square feet of asphalt and concrete on streets and
sidewalks
• Responded to 419 street sign knockdowns or faded signs and refreshed 215 street
paint legends
• Logged 12,000 individual inspection service requests of city street and storm drain
assets
Anticipated progress in the next six months:
• Complete construction of the 2023 Slurry Seal Project
• Complete construction of the Park Drive Drainage and Street Improvement Project
• Complete construction of residential traffic safety improvements on Park Drive, Black
Rail Road, Plum Tree Road and Carrillo Way
• Complete construction of Segment 2 of the Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and
pedestrian improvements, including installing the new traffic light at Avenida Encinas
and San Carlos Street
• Continue construction of the El Camino Real Widening Project from Sunny Creek Road
to Jackspar Drive
• Request award of a construction contract for the Beach Access Repairs and Upgrades
Project which will replace the four stairways along Carlsbad Boulevard between
Hemlock and Pine avenues and widen the sidewalk between Cherry and Pine avenues
• Complete the plans and specifications and request award of a construction contract of
the El Camino Real Widening Project from Poinsettia Lane to Camino Via Roble
• Complete plans and specifications approval and bidding process for the Barrio Traffic
Circles Phase I Project and award a construction contract
• Complete final engineering plans and specifications for Phase II of the Barrio lighting
project to add pedestrian lights and acquire the Caltrans authorization to proceed with
construction of the partially federally funded project
• Finalize plans and specifications and request authorization to bid multiple storm drain
repair projects, including Highland-Hoover, CMP, Replacements and Carlsbad
Boulevard storm drain repair
• Complete plans and specifications, request authorization to bid and begin
construction of the Kelly Channel embankment repair project
• Complete design of the Faraday Avenue improvements associated with the opening of
the Veterans Memorial Park
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 4 of 19
• Complete design of the pedestrian improvements on Paseo Del Norte, south of
Palomar Airport Road
• Complete final design of the 2025 Concrete Repair Project
• Complete engineering design of the 2024 Sidewalk Construction Project
• Complete final engineering plans and specifications and finalize environmental
documents for the Terramar Area Coastal Improvements Project
• Complete the environmental assessment and permitting process for the El Camino
Real Widening Project from Arenal Road to La Costa Avenue
• Continue developing engineering plans and environmental permitting for construction
of two ADA-compliant beach access ramps from Carlsbad Boulevard to the beach,
north of Pine Avenue and at the Tamarack State Beach parking lot
• Continue working with SANDAG on a time extension of the grant for the Carlsbad
Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements project
• Continue design of the 2025 Streets Resurfacing project
• Finalize a feasibility study and alternatives analysis for intersection control at Kelly and
Park drives and present to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission and City Council
• Complete a preliminary study for the ADA Transition Plan
• Conduct neighborhood meetings for four residential streets that qualify for Phase II of
the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program
• Evaluate data and use insights to modify traffic signal timing plans on major corridors,
and introduce new timing on arterials/connectors, where beneficial
• Explore opportunities for traffic signal infrastructure upgrades
• Continue improvements to traffic signal network connectivity, work with the
Information Technology Department to explore third-party upgrade opportunities to
fiber optic, equipment/technology routing
• Complete channel maintenance and prepare the annual report detailing vegetation
cutting and debris removal for the Buena Vista Creek Channel Maintenance District
project and submit to the CDFW
• Complete annual vegetation cutting and trash/debris removal at the Agua Hedionda
Creek between the bridges of Cannon Road and El Camino Real, and continue to work
with the CDFW on issuance of the renewal of the streambed alteration agreement
• Complete the draft Drainage Master Plan update and circulate for staff review
• Finalize the Sustainable Mobility Implementation Plan and the city’s multimodal
transportation impact fee program
• Finalize Safe Routes to School plans for Jefferson Elementary School and Sage Creek
High School, and develop conceptual plans for Buena Vista Elementary School
• Finalize the annual Growth Management Plan Circulation Section Report
• Complete and present the citywide Active Transportation Monitoring Report
• Begin updates to the city’s Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines
• Begin the grant administration and design for the Carlsbad Traffic Safety
Improvements project including high-visibility crosswalks and speed cushions around
schools
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 5 of 19
Fiscal Analysis
This item is a presentation on the work related to management of the city’s transportation
assets and it has no fiscal impact.
Next Steps
The next semiannual transportation report will be presented in approximately six months.
Environmental Evaluation
The City Planner, through the process outlined in Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 19.04.060,
has determined that the report is categorically exempt from environmental review under
California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15306, which states that information
collection activities are exempt from the provisions of the act. No exceptions to the exemption
as set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 or Carlsbad Municipal Code Section
19.04.0070 (B) apply.
Exhibit
1. Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program Project Status Update as of
Dec. 31, 2024
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 6 of 19
Exhibit 1
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
1
•College Boulevard Reach A Extension – CIP Project No. 3636
o Project is included in the City’s General Plan and Growth Management Plan
o On May 5, 2020, the City Council directed staff to pursue a city-led financing program,
planning, and environmental review for construction of the College Boulevard extension,
which would include the city undertaking a preliminary design and engineering assessment
o On Nov. 2, 2020, staff presented the scope of work to the Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission (TS&MC) and solicited the commission’s input and feedback
o On Aug. 17, 2021, the city entered into an agreement with a consultant team to complete
preliminary design and environmental services. Consultant has:
Initiated preliminary engineering and environmental review process
Initiated field investigations, including biological surveys and geotechnical
investigation
Prepared Traffic Operations Analysis report and draft cross section alternatives
for College Boulevard Extension Design Study Project
o The project has been paused per the City Council direction on June 7, 2022
•Pavement Management Program – CIP Project No. 6001
o This ongoing annual program is designed to extend the service life of city streets and to
maintain a smooth and safe driving surface for vehicles
The city utilizes a pavement management database program to determine
pavement management needs for the purpose of establishing which streets are
to be slurry sealed, overlaid or reconstructed. On a periodic basis the conditions
of the roads are field surveyed, and the pavement management database is
updated to reflect current conditions. Each year, specific pavement
management projects are defined, and funding is transferred into a pavement
management project account
o 2023 Slurry Seal Project
Awarded construction contract (July 2024) and initiated construction and Crack
Seal (September 2024). Slurry application has been delayed to March 2025 to
avoid placing slurry seal during rainy season.
o 2025 Resurfacing Project
Scope revised to combine original approximately five miles of overlay and add
approximately 50 miles of slurry seal
Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid
(mid-2025), award of construction contract (late 2025)
•Beach Access Repairs from Pine Avenue to Tamarack Avenue Project – CIP Project No. 3896
o Project will repair sidewalks, handrails, stairways, retaining walls and seawall
o Public review of the environmental document, Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND),
occurred from May 19, 2023, to June 19, 2023, and the Planning Commission approved the
project on July 19, 2023
o Coordinated with State Parks staff to obtain the right-of-entry (ROE) permit
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 7 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
2
o Tamarack Avenue stairway locations have been removed from this project and added to the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Beach Access – Pine Avenue to Tamarack Avenue
Project, as explained in greater detail below
o Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid occurred on Nov. 19, 2024
o Target schedule – award of construction contract (early 2025)
•ADA Beach Access – Pine Avenue to Tamarack Avenue Project - CIP Project No. 6065
o Project to conduct preliminary engineering for design options developed during the
feasibility stage for ADA accessibility improvements down, to, and across the sand to the
beach at both ends of the main seawall from Pine Avenue to Tamarack Avenue
o July 21, 2020, the City Council determined that voter approval was not required for this
project because Proposition C allows for general fund expenditures for these types of trail
linkages
o Request for Proposals for environmental and engineering services issued in mid-2024
o City Council approved a professional services agreement for engineering and environmental
services on Dec. 3, 2024
o Target schedule – approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (mid-2027),
award of construction contract (late 2027)
•Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project – CIP Project No.
6058
o Project will widen sidewalk, add crosswalks, improve ADA access and improve traffic flow
and transit stops
o Presented at the TS&MC in February 2023 and May 2023, then presented to the City Council
in July 2023
o Final approval by the City Council on the intersection traffic control option is pending on
construction and operation of the approved roundabout at Cannon Road and Carlsbad
Boulevard
o Project involves right-of-way coordination/resolution with State Parks
o Submitted the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for part of the project within the city’s
permitting jurisdiction in November 2023 and the Planning Division has provided comments
back to the Transportation Department in December 2023
o The City Council authorized staff to submit a request to extend the SANDAG Active
Transportation Grant Program on Nov. 12, 2024. Subsequently staff submitted the grant
extension request to SANDAG
o Target schedule – approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late
2027/early 2028), award of construction contract (mid-2028)
•El Camino Real Widening from Arenal Road to La Costa Avenue Project – CIP Project No. 6051
o Project will widen southbound El Camino Real from Arenal Road to La Costa Avenue to
prime arterial standards, add sidewalk and widen bridge
o The project involves utility relocations, right-of-way acquisition, environmental mitigation
and open space boundary adjustments
o Staff have been coordinating with the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation to include two new
observation decks on the west side of El Camino Real and acquiring necessary right-of-way
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 8 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
3
o Right-of-way acquisition underway with total of four property owners
o Prepared 100%-complete improvement plans including supporting technical documents
o Staff working on final environmental documents and mitigation plan
o Target schedule – Planning Commission (mid-2025), approval of plans and specifications and
authorization to bid (mid-/late2025), award of construction contract (late 2025/early2026)
•Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Street Improvements Project – CIP Project No. 6075
o Project will provide traffic calming on Kelly Drive and Park Drive, enhance biking with
dedicated bike path, and add trails and improved pedestrian access
o Presented to the TS&MC in August 2021 and December 2022
o Conducted public outreach efforts including online surveys, email blasts, mailers, and virtual
community workshops
o Presented to the City Council for an approval of a professional services agreement for
engineering services in August 2023. The City Council directed provided additional direction
on the proposed roundabout at Kelly Drive and Park Drive. Staff will prepare a feasibility
study and return to the City Council with a recommendation and request to approve a
professional services agreement targeted for early 2025.
o Target schedule – Award an agreement to the selected consultant for engineering services
(early 2025), finalize plans and environmental documents (Initial Study (IS)/ MND) for public
review (late 2025), Planning Commission approval (early 2026), approval of plans and
specifications and authorization to bid (mid-/late 2026), award of construction contract (late
2026/early 2027)
•El Camino Real Widening from Poinsettia Lane to Camino Vida Roble Project – CIP Project No.
6072
o Project will widen El Camino Real to the city standards and provide an additional
northbound through lane from Cinnabar Way to Camino Vida Roble to increase capacity,
and add new sidewalks and medians
o A portion of this project is federally funded
o Presented to the TS&MC in November 2020, October 2022, and May 2024
o Completed engineering plans and environmental permitting
o Presented to the Planning Commission and obtained necessary city discretionary permits in
June 2022
o Completed property acquisition with owners for the necessary easements
o Completed easement with San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) and California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) for existing easement
o Received NEPA revalidation and currently certifying Right-of-Way and then can request
authorization to bid.
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (mid-2025),
award of construction contract (late 2025)
•El Camino Real Widening from Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Drive Project – CIP Project No. 6094
o Project will widen El Camino Real to the city standards and provide an additional
northbound through lane to increase capacity, and add new sidewalks
o Presented to the TS&MC in September 2021, October 2022, and November 2023
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 9 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
4
o Completed negotiations with property owners for the necessary easements
o Awarded a construction contract in October 2024
o Target schedule - Construction to begin (early 2025)
•Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and Pedestrian Improvements Project – CIP Project No. 6004
o Project will provide multimodal improvements including new bike lanes, sidewalks and
traffic calming features
o Presented to the TS&MC in May 2021, June 2021, April 2022, and August 2022
o Obtained approval from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), Caltrans and
California Transportation Commission (CTC) for state-only funding and scope change
requests. The approved state-only funding request changed the Active Transportation
Program (ATP) grant funding from a federal program to a state program. The approved
scope change request allows using the ATP grant funding for segment 2 of the project to
meet the grant requirements
o Obtained authorization from Caltrans to award construction for Segment 2
o Target schedule:
Segment 1 (between Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road): Completed
Segment 2 (between Poinsettia Station to Carlsbad Boulevard): Substantially
complete
Segment 3 (Palomar Airport Road and Poinsettia Coaster Station): Approval of plans
and specifications and authorization to bid (late 2025), award of construction
contract (early 2026)
•Barrio Lighting Project – CIP Project No. 4013
o Project has two phases as part of the Village and Barrio Master Plan which recommends
pedestrian scale lighting for the Barrio:
Phase 1 of the project installed and energized 13 streetlights to dark areas in the
Barrio
Phase 2 of the project, which will install approximately 130 pedestrian lights in the
Barrio area, is in the engineering design and permitting phase
o U.S. Representative Mike Levin secured $5 million dollars of federal funding from the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Local Transportation Priorities Account and under Highway
Infrastructure Program for Village and Barrio Traffic Circles and Barrio Lighting projects, of
which:
$4 million has been programmed for the traffic circle construction (CIP Project No.
4015- Village and Barrio Traffic Circles)
$1 million has been programmed for the Phase 2 construction for this project
(pedestrian lighting)
o Public outreach newsletters were mailed out in November 2020 and November 2021
o Initial outreach survey for pedestrian lighting completed in February 2022
o Existing lighting assessment was conducted in April 2022
o Initiated two new agreements for final design of Barrio Lighting Phase 2 in 2024
o Additional public outreach newsletters focused on the Phase 2 pedestrian lighting were
finalized and are planned to be mailed out January 2025
o Coordination with SDGE is nearly complete for the design
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 10 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
5
o Continued coordination efforts with the Department of Transportation to ensure the federal
funding program requirements are met
o Target schedule for Phase 2 – TS&MC (February 2025), Approval of plans and specifications
and authorization to bid (early 2025), award of construction contract (mid-2025)
•Village and Barrio Traffic Circles Project – CIP Project No. 4015oProject provides traffic calming and pedestrian improvement features at eight intersections
in the Village/Barrio area to calm traffic as shown in the Village and Barrio Master Plan
o $4 million of this project is federally funded from same funding in CIP Project No. 4013; it
required project to go through National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process and work
with Caltrans to finalize
Phase 1 - Construct five traffic circles and one high-visibility continental crosswalk;
project design is complete, requesting Caltrans’ authorization to bid
Phase 2 - two other intersections will include traffic calming improvements with
bulb-outs/curb extensions
o Additional technical studies were prepared to support National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA)
o NEPA certified in May 2023 and recertified in March 2024
o Target schedule for Phase 1 - Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid
(early 2025), award of construction contract (mid-2025)
o Target schedule for Phase 2 - Presentation to the TS&MC (mid-2025), approval of plans and
specifications and authorization to bid (mid-2025/late 2025), award of construction contract
(late 2025/early 2026)
•Village Decorative Lighting Project – CIP Project No. 4016
o Advertised RFP for engineering services in late 2024
o Received bids for design of decorative lighting on State Street, Madison Street, Roosevelt
Street, and Washington Street in December 2024
o Target schedule – Approval of professional services agreement for engineering design
services (mid-2025)
•Terramar Area Coastal Improvement Project – CIP Project No. 6054
o Project will construct a roundabout at the intersection of Cannon Road and Carlsbad
Boulevard, sidewalks and crosswalks, and increased parking and bluff improvements
o Engineering design at 100%-complete
o Coordinating street light relocations with utility companies
o Draft CEQA documents/MND was submitted in October 2024 and comments have been
returned to the design/environmental consultants
o Target schedule – Next draft CEQA document/MND submittal (early 2025), Planning
Commission approval (mid-2025), Presentation to the TS&MC (late 2025), CDP from
California Coastal Commission (late 2025/early 2026), approval of plans and specifications
and authorization to bid (mid-2026), award of construction contract (late 2026/early 2027)
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 11 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
6
•Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue Complete Streets Project – CIP Project No. 6019
o Project will construct sidewalks, bike paths, green paint street features and undergrounding
overhead utilities along a portion of Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue
o The City Council approved an agreement with SDGE for utility lines undergrounding in April
2024
o Utility undergrounding construction substantially completed fall 2025 (remaining work is
expected to take place by SDGE during 2025 school break periods)
o Coordinating ongoing outreach with the Communications Department to property owners
and school district, and coordination on design
o Target schedule – Utility undergrounding to be completed by SDGE (mid-2025), approval of
plans and specifications and authorization to bid for the Complete Streets Project (late
2025), award of construction contract (early 2026)
•Buena Vista Creek Channel Maintenance Project – CIP Project No. 6619
o Proposed removal of debris and sediment, clearing of vegetation and concrete repairs
within the Buena Vista Creek between the bridges of South Vista Way and Haymar Drive
o In response to the January and February 2024 storm events, the city declared a local
emergency on Feb. 8, 2024, to expedite the removal of the sediment and vegetation
o The US Army Corps of Engineers issued a Regional General Permit (RPG 63) to perform the
emergency channel clearing in Feb. 2024
o Emergency clearing of sediment, debris & vegetation was performed in March and
completed in April 2024
o Purchased 1.88-acres of compensatory wetland mitigation credits from the San Luis Rey
Mitigation Bank in May 2024
o Filed Notice of Completion for Emergency Work with USACE and notified RWQCB, CDFW &
USFWS June 2024
o Initiated research into Caltrans’ relinquishment and channel maintenance responsibilities
where City boundary is near the channel
o In September 2024, City Council approved proposed revision to the project
description/scope/location to update the baseline conditions, document the emergency
clearing and expand the area to include the earthen section of the channel between the
bridge at Haymar Drive and the concrete lined section
o Next Steps:
Perform research and prepare report summarizing potential habitat mitigation
opportunities citywide and at applicable Mitigation Banks
Perform Biological Assessment and prepare Biology Report to assess baseline
conditions and existing habitat
Coordinate with Jurisdictional Agencies on the scope, environmental permitting and
habitat mitigation requirements to help develop a program for long-term channel
maintenance
Develop White Paper Section for partnering with the City of Oceanside for the
section of the channel located in Oceanside
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 12 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
7
•Park Drive Street and Drainage Improvements Project – CIP Project No. 6611
o Project will remove and replace 500 feet of existing retaining wall and repair back slope with
2,000 cubic yards of imported fill. Project also includes brow ditch and storm drain
improvements, and sidewalk replacement
o 0.75 acre of compensatory habitat mitigation required offsite due to impacts to coastal sage
scrub. Five-year maintenance and monitoring required upon completion of initial planning
and six-month plant establishment period
o Minor Conditional Use Permit, Minor Hillside Development and Minor Habitat Mitigation
Plan permit applications approved by the city’s Community Development Department on
March 30, 2022
o Obtained Coastal Development Permit from the California Coastal Commission
o Construction contract awarded March 2024
o Target schedule - Complete construction late 2024/early 2025
•Citywide Drainage Improvement Program – CIP Project No. 6608
o Drainage Master Plan Project BCB – Magnolia Avenue Drainage Improvements Project
Project proposed 30-inch diameter storm drain pipeline on Magnolia Avenue from
Brady Circle to Monroe Street
Project split into two separate phases that will be constructed during the summer
months due to the proximity of several nearby schools
•Phase I completed in mid-2022, constructed the main trunk of the storm
drain on Magnolia Avenue and replaced/relocated several sections of
potable water main
•Phase II will provide full street pavement resurfacing, speed humps, curb
bulb-out/extensions and a storm drain lateral section on Valley Street
Target schedule:
•Phase II – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid
(early 2025), award of construction contract (mid-2025)
o 2024 Surface Drainage Improvements Project
Project improved surface drainage conditions on several streets within the
northwest quadrant area of the city. Improvements included installation of concrete
curbs, gutters, swales and gravel to reduce erosion and improve drainage
Phase 1 of Citywide Drainage Improvements complete: Final Drainage Technical
Memo.
Request for proposal of Phase 2 has been sent out to consultants.
Phase 2 to include final design plans and studies for each site.
Target schedule:
•Selection of consultant to complete Phase 2 final design (early 2025)
•Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late 2025)
•Award of construction contract (early 2026)
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 13 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
8
o Merwin Drive Storm Drain Improvements Project
Project will improve surface drainage conditions and reduce the potential for
ponding on Merwin Drive during and following storm events
Existing storm drain assessment and pipe cleaning was performed in February 2024
Subsurface utility report was prepared February 2024
Early Assessment review of 30%-complete design and supporting
reports/documentation completed in July 2024
Geotechnical Investigation was performed in September 2024 underground utility
research (potholing) performed in November 2024
Target schedule:
•Final engineering design (early/mid-2025)
•Environmental processing and permitting including a to be city reviewed
Coastal Development Permit (early/mid-2025)
•Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (mid-/late
2025)
•Award of construction contract (late 2025)
•Drainage Master Plan Update – CIP Project No. 6623
o Project provides updates to the city’s 2008 Drainage Master Plan (DMP) including updating
the list of master planned projects, creating a new fee schedule and amending existing PEIR
document
o Completed Geographic Information System (GIS) updates to the city’s drainage inventory in
fall 2020. Drainage modeling supported by the GIS update, providing an updated analysis of
proposed projects from the 2008 DMP and a recommended list of new projects to be added
to the plan
o Received Early Assessment comment letter from the city’s Planning Division on draft
Drainage Master Plan update in October 2022. Staff comments on draft Drainage Master
Plan provided to consultant in November 2022
o Negotiated a new task order to perform revised Basin BJ technical evaluation (currently
under review and expected completion by mid-2024)
o Third party review of the DMP has been performed resulting in further technical revisions
with the consultant (mid-2024)
o Revised hydraulic & hydrologic modeling performed by consultant in June 2024
o Updated fiscal and environmental analysis to be completed by early 2025
o Target schedule – Submittal of Final Drainage Master Plan (mid-2025), City Council adoption
of the Drainage Master Plan update (late 2025)
•Agua Hedionda Creek Vegetation Maintenance Project – CIP Project No. 6629
o Project includes vegetation clearing and removal within the section of the Agua Hedionda
Creek confined by the bridges of El Camino Real and Cannon Road. This maintenance event
improves flood capacity of the stream, thereby increasing flood protection. The permit
agency confirmed in fiscal year 2020-21 that the creek can be cleared multiple times per
year. The budget update reflects three vegetation clearing events per year.
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 14 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
9
o A Year 10 Monitoring Report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
(CDFW) May 2024
o Met with CDFW regarding new Streambed Alteration Agreement June 2024 and submitted
the application in August 2024
o Target Schedule:
Execute a new Streambed Alteration Agreement with CDFW (early 2025)
Perform vegetation and debris clearing (early/mid-2025)
Submit Annual Report under new SAA to CDFW (mid/late 2025)
•Buena Vista Creek Assessment District – Operating Budget No. 1636312
o City provides annual channel maintenance on behalf of the Buena Vista Creek Channel
Maintenance District. Maintenance occurs in the creek between South Vista Way and
Jefferson and includes vegetation cutting and trash/debris removals. Year 5 Monitoring
Report submitted to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) May 2024
o Prepared Coastal Development Permit (CDP) application and submitted to California Coastal
Commission (CCC) October 2024
o Performed first round of non-native vegetation cutting and trash/debris removals for 2024
maintenance cycle October 2024
o Target Schedule:
Obtain Coastal Development Permit (CDP) from California Coastal Commission
(early/mid-2025)
Execute a new Streambed Alteration Agreement with CDFW (early/mid-2025)
Complete annual vegetation clearing (late 2024/early 2025)
•Drainage Master Plan BFB-Upper Project – CIP Project No. 6622
o Project includes drainage improvements and slope stabilization to an existing city-owned
earthen drainage channel on the east side of El Camino Real from Chestnut Avenue to
Tamarack Avenue
o Objective of the project is to restore the channel by stabilizing slopes to mitigate against
erosion during storm events and help reduce sediment transport to the Agua Hedionda
Lagoon
o Engineering design contract fully executed with the City Council approval in September 2021
o Geotechnical exploration completed in December 2022
o Conceptual grading, geotechnical, biological, hydrological/hydraulics and alternatives
analysis performed in June 2023
o Review on an Early Assessment submittal including 30% design plans was completed in
December 2023
o Revisions to site plan per the adjacent Trieste slope repair emergency project, 50% plans to
incorporate these now existing site conditions in June 2024
o Target schedule:
Final engineering design and environmental processing and permitting (late 2025)
Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (early 2026)
Award of construction contract (mid-2026)
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 15 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
10
•Storm Drain System Rehabilitation and Repair Program – CIP Project No. 6607
o Corrugated Metal Pipe (CMP) Replacement North of Encinas Creek Project
Removal of 200 feet of CMP and replacement with reinforced concrete pipe storm
drain within Carlsbad Boulevard north of Encinas Creek. Project includes installation
of one standard curb inlet, pipe replacement, outlet improvements and slope
repair/stabilization.
Final design completed in March 2022
Combine plans and specifications with the revised design for the Highland-Hoover
Storm Drain Improvements and the 2024 Storm Drain Repair Projects to create a CIP
Project No. 6607 bundle package
Target schedule:
•Approve plans and specifications and authorization to bid (early/mid-2025)
•Award construction contract (mid/late 2025)
o Highland-Hoover Storm Drain Realignment Project
Project will re-align and extend the existing storm drain to better convey
stormwater runoff through private properties and city right-of-way
Obtained City Manager’s approval of acceptance of storm drain easements and right
of entry agreements in March 2023
Fully executed storm drain easements recorded in April 2023
Design has been revised to extend proposed storm drain to existing inlet on Adams
St based on input received from the homeowners, Maintenance, and Construction
Management & Inspection team
Combine plans and specifications with the revised design for the Highland-Hoover
Storm Drain Improvements and the 2024 Storm Drain Repair Projects to create a CIP
Project No. 6607 bundle package
Target schedule:
•Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (early/mid-
2025)
•Award construction contract (mid/late 2025)
o 2024 Storm Drain Maintenance and Repair Project
Removal of four CMP drainage systems throughout the city and replacement with
reinforced concrete pipe or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) systems
Combine final plans and specifications with the revised design for the CMP
Replacement North of Encinas Creek and the Highland-Hoover Storm Drain
Improvements to create a CIP Project No. 6607 bundle package
Target schedule:
•Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (early/mid-
2025)
•Award construction contract (mid/late 2025)
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 16 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
11
o 2025 Storm Drain Maintenance and Repair Project
Identify storm drains throughout the city to be replaced and/or repaired based on
previous assessment efforts
Target schedule:
•Send out request for proposal for engineering services (early 2025)
•Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late 2025)
•Award construction contract (early 2026)
•Storm Drain Condition Assessment Program – CIP Project No. 6620
o Program is used to manage storm drain assets and help identify/prioritize future storm drain
inspections and repairs; also used for as-needed inspections
o Inspection results create list of repair and maintenance projects to be executed by CIP
Project No. 6607, Storm Drain System Rehabilitation and Repair Program
o In January 2024, conducted evaluations, inspections, and cleaning of storm drains across
various locations in support of CIP Project Nos. 6607 (Storm Drain System Rehabilitation and
Repair Program), 6608 (Citywide Drainage Improvement Program), and 6626 (Trash
Amendment Compliance Program). Analysis of such inspections completed
o Recommendations for storm drains to be repaired and/or replaced completed. New storm
drains to be inspected via CCTV
o Target schedule:
Prepare list of sites for the 2025 Storm Drain Condition Assessment and pipe
cleaning (mid-2025)
Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late 2025/early 2026)
Award construction contract (early 2026)
•Sidewalks Improvement Program – CIP Project No. 6002
o Program is to design and construct missing links of sidewalk throughout the city
o Negotiated contract with consultant to perform engineering design services for 2024
Sidewalk Construction Project
o Revised scope of project sites included within program per site specific constraints and
resident input on Garfield St.
o 2024 Sidewalk locations at 100% design with an expected final engineering design by early
2025
•Concrete Repairs Program – CIP Project No. 6013
o Program addresses miscellaneous concrete repairs to sidewalks, curb and gutter, pedestrian
ramps, driveway approaches and cross gutters
o Currently working on the planning level assessment to select locations for the 2025
Concrete Repair Project
(a) Build new ADA ramps alongside overlay portion of the 2025 Street Resurfacing
(b) Panel replacements remaining from 2023 slurry seal areas
(c) Concrete repairs alongside 2025 resurfacing areas
(d) Carlsbad Boulevard lower seawall repairs
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 17 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
12
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (mid-2025),
award of construction contract (late 2025)
•ADA Ramp Improvement Program – CIP Project No. 6049
o Update to the city’s ADA Implementation Plan is in progress
o Negotiated scope and fee for the 2024 ADA Improvement Project with consultant in early
2024
o The 2024 ADA Improvements Project, including approximately 300 locations citywide
o Initiated design with consultant team, expecting 30% plans late 2024
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (mid-2025)
award of construction contract (late 2025)
•Parking Lot Maintenance Program – CIP Project No. 6052
o Program plans for maintenance of the city’s parking lots and driveways to provide access to
the city parks, fire stations, libraries and facilities
o Finalized list locations, initiated design phase in September 2024
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (mid-2025),
award of construction contract (late 2025)
•Trash Capture Amendment Compliance Program – CIP Project No. 6626
o Program is to design and construct Trash Capture Best Management Practices (TCBMPs) to
improve storm water quality, achieve compliance with watershed permit and reduce
maintenance costs
o Prepared conceptual TCBMP designs at six to 10 locations in early 2022
o Selected following six potential sites for 1st round of program:
State Street – proposed regional downstream TCBMP
Agua Hedionda discharge – proposed regional downstream TCBMP
Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte – retrofit four existing TCBMPs
o Issued a new task order to consultant for engineering design and environmental review
services in May 2023 for State Street TCBMP
o Completed Early Assessment review of submittal package with 50% design plans and
supporting reports/documentation July 2024
o Initiated Environmental Studies November 2024
o Initiated Geotechnical Investigation December 2024
o Target schedule:
State Street TCBMP
•Finalize geotechnical investigation (early 2024)
•Environmental processing and permitting (mid/late 2025)
•Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (early 2026)
•Award of construction contract (mid-2026)
Agua Hedionda TCBMP
•Issue a contract for engineering design and environmental review (early
2026)
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 18 of 19
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of December 31, 2024
13
•Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program – CIP Project No. 6066
o Program performs preventative maintenance activities such as deck sealing, concrete
patching, and repairing spalls to increase the life of the bridge structures
o Prepared and finalized field review and documentation memorandum of the 21 city’s
bridges so all bridges within the city are now 3rd party field reviewed beyond what Caltrans
provides
o A contract was initiated for additional bridge design within the Bridge Preventative
Maintenance Program. These included the Ponto Drive Undercrossing [Carlsbad Boulevard
northbound] (Bridge No. 57C-0212), the Las Encinas Creek Bridge at Carlsbad Boulevard
(Bridge No. 57C-0214R), and the Palomar Airport Road Overcrossing spanning Interstate 5
(Bridge No. 57-0556)
o 2024 Bridge Preventative Maintenance Project
The project will include the bridges located on Cannon Road (Macario Canyon
Bridges) and Rancho Santa Fe Road (San Marcos Creek Bridges) and the Palomar
Airport Bridge over Interstate 5
Continued coordination with Caltrans is required for the Palomar Airport Bridge
over Interstate 5
Target schedule – Approved plans and specifications and authorized to bid (late
2025), award construction contract (early 2026)
o 2025 Bridge Preventative Maintenance Project
Includes the Ponto Drive Undercrossing and the Las Encinas Creek Bridge at
Carlsbad Boulevard
Target schedule – Approve plans and specifications and authorized to bid (mid/late
2026), award construction contract (early 2027)
•Kelly Drive Channel Repair – CIP Project No. 6606
o Repair project to re-establish a concrete portion of the Kelly Drive Channel that has slipped
from the embankment causing erosive condition to an exposed slope.
Target schedule:
•Finalize agency permitting (late 2024)
•Bid and award of construction contract (early 2025)
•Complete construction repair (mid-2025)
Jan. 28, 2025 Item #12 Page 19 of 19
Semiannual Transportation Report
Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
Jan. 28, 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1.Receive the Semiannual Transportation Report
ITEM 12: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
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Benefits
•Safety
•Less delay
•More flexible
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NEXT SIX-MONTH HIGHLIGHTS
•Complete construction of the Park Drive drainage
and street improvements project
•Continue construction of slurry seal project for ~40 miles
•Begin construction of widening El Camino Real from
Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Drive
•Award construction contract for Barrio traffic circles
•Meet with four more neighborhoods for potential
residential traffic calming plans
•Complete engineering plans for Terramar area coastal
improvements
•Use additional data to optimize traffic signal timing plans
on major corridors
ITEM 12: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
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CONSTRUCTION MAP
carlsbadca.gov/construction
ITEM 12: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
1.Receive the Semiannual Transportation Report
ITEM 12: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
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TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY
COMMISSION
•Peter Kohl
ITEM 12: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
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