Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-05; Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission; 03; Update on Intersection Traffic Control Options for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements ProjectMeeting Date: May 5, 2025 To: Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2766 Nathan Schmidt, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager nathan.schmidt@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2734 Subject: Update on Intersection Traffic Control Options for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project District 1 Recommended Action Receive an update on the City Council’s decision regarding the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project. Executive Summary The Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project (Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6058) is intended to enhance traffic operations, pedestrian safety, and coastal access at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue. In July 2023, the City Council approved a conceptual design for the project, featuring a roundabout, pedestrian safety improvements, and a widened sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet (Resolution No. 2023-206). Staff were directed to proceed with design and environmental permitting efforts but to defer construction approval until traffic performance data could be collected from the nearby Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road roundabout, after this project is constructed. The project is partly funded by a $1.054 million Active Transportation Program grant from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). In November 2024, the City Council authorized a request to SANDAG to amend the grant scope to exclude construction and extend the grant deadline by two years. However, two SANDAG committees subsequently recommended denying the city’s request, and the SANDAG Board has postponed further discussion. The grant is currently set to expire on May 8, 2025, unless action is taken. This report is provided in response to a minute motion by the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission from its April 7, 2025, meeting: TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY COMMISSION May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 1 of 18 Staff Report Minute motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Proulx, requesting to agendize an item for a future meeting to receive a presentation regarding the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Active Transportation Grant Program-funded Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Pedestrian Improvement Project – 6/0/1 (Coelho – Absent). Discussion Given the circumstances, staff presented three options to the City Council at its meeting on April 29, 2025: 1. Option 1 – Proceed with a roundabout as previously approved. 2. Option 2 – Shift to a traffic signal design at the intersection. 3. Option 3 – Pursue a smaller scale project focused on pedestrian and ADA improvements. Each option was analyzed based on cost, construction feasibility, consistency with transportation policies, and potential to retain grant funding. Option 3 would be the least costly (estimated $2 million), while Options 1 and 2 would cost over $17–19 million each and face longer implementation timelines. A full description of the options, fiscal impacts, and project history is provided in the attached City Council staff report (Exhibit 1). City Council Direction Following review of the staff report and consideration of public feedback, the City Council made a motion to proceed with Option 3, which includes a smaller scale project with limited improvements at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection. The motion was adopted 5/0/0. This direction was based on public comment received at the meeting and to deliver near-term safety and accessibility enhancements while minimizing project costs and avoiding further delays. City Council members acknowledged the funding constraints and uncertainty surrounding the SANDAG grant extension and determined that a streamlined project scope offered the most feasible path forward. Option 3 will allow staff to continue with environmental review, permitting, and final engineering, while preserving the opportunity to pursue additional improvements in the future. A video of the agenda item presentation and discussion of Item No. 9 is provided at: https://carlsbadca.new.swagit.com/videos/341348 Next Steps Staff will proceed with Option 3 as directed by the City Council, including coordination with SANDAG regarding grant funding, advancing environmental review and permitting, and preparing final engineering designs. Exhibits 1. April 29, 2025, City Council Staff Report May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 2 of 18 CA Review CKM Meeting Date: April 29, 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: Intersection Traffic Control Options for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project District: 1 Recommended Action 1.Adopt a resolution confirming the City Council-adopted Resolution No. 2023-206, approving a roundabout as the intersection traffic control option for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project (Exhibit 1); or 2.Adopt a resolution approving a traffic signal at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as the preferred intersection traffic control option for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project (Exhibit 2); or 3.Adopt a resolution approving a smaller scale project with limited improvements for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project (Exhibit 3) Executive Summary The city has a Capital Improvement Program project to make significant improvements to the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection based on a conceptual design the City Council approved in 2023. (See Resolution No. 2023-206 included in Exhibit 4.) That design includes a roundabout at the intersection, pedestrian safety improvements and a wider sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet. The project was to be partly funded by a $1.054 million grant from the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). On Nov. 12, 2024, the Carlsbad City Council approved a request to SANDAG to amend the scope of the grant by removing the construction phase and extending the grant by two years, so that it would apply to just the earlier phases of the project. The amendment was intended to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding scope and extend it for two years. This is consistent with the City Council’s direction to postpone construction of the project until more data can be collected and evaluated on how traffic is performing at the nearby roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection, as the City Council had previously directed. April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 1 of 16 Exhibit 1 May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 3 of 18 Two SANDAG committees have since recommended against supporting the request, and the SANDAG Board of Directors have postponed a discussion on the issue. This delay presents an opportunity for the City Council to re-evaluate the project’s scope and implementation approach. If no action is taken by the City Council and SANDAG, the grant will expire on May 8, 2025. Staff are requesting the City Council’s decision on whether to follow the City Council’s previous direction to proceed with the design and environmental permitting of a roundabout and wait before proceeding with construction until five months after completion of the Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road roundabout, which would likely mean the city would not receive the approximately $455,000 remaining in the grant funds, or to take another approach. Explanation & Analysis Timeline The City Council authorized the Public Works Director to apply for a grant from SANDAG under the Active Transportation Grant Program for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project (Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6058), accepting the terms of the grant agreement, on March 10, 2015, • The Public Works Director signed the original grant for $1,054,000 on May 9, 2016. • SANDAG provided two extensions to the grant term to allow the city more time to collaborate on the project details with California State Parks, which owns land immediately adjacent to the project area. o Amendment No. 1 to the grant was approved by SANDAG On April 17, 2019, extending the grant termination date to May 9, 2022. o Amendment No. 2 to the grant was approved by SANDAG On May 3, 2022, extending the grant termination date to May 8, 2025. • On July 18, 2023, the City Council approved the conceptual design of the project, which includes a roundabout at the intersection, pedestrian safety improvements and widening the sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet. (See Resolution No. 2023-206 included in Exhibit 4.) The City Council authorized staff to proceed with the project’s next steps, which include its final design and environmental permitting, and directed staff to return with information on five months of traffic performance at the coastal roundabout project at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road before seeking the City Council’s approval for construction. That roundabout is expected to be completed in 2028. The staff report is provided in Exhibit 4. • On Nov. 12, 2024, the City Council authorized staff to ask SANDAG to amend the scope of work to remove the construction phase and request a 24-month time extension of the grant for the project. (Resolution No. 2024-245.) • On Feb. 12, 2025, SANDAG’s TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request. Committee members expressed concern that the city’s request was unrealistic due to too many uncertainties, such as the lack of a California Coastal Commission permit and environmental clearance for the project, and stated it was unlikely that the project could be completed in the timeframe the city has requested. April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 2 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 4 of 18 • On March 21, 2025, the SANDAG Transportation Committee also recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request. Some Transportation Committee members expressed support for the project and noted it has region-wide benefits but also had concerns about the progress to date, the absence of funding to construct the project and the City Council’s decision to wait to approve the final design until another roundabout project is completed and studied, which they said leaves the project’s design and construction timeline uncertain. • SANDAG’s Board of Directors were scheduled to discuss the grant at its March 28, 2025, meeting, but the item was removed from the meeting’s agenda, to be scheduled at a later date. Grant terms The grant was initially approved in the amount of $1,054,000, requiring a 42% local match by the city to result in a total cost of $1,804,000. The city has so far invoiced SANDAG for reimbursement of $599,186, which includes two pending invoices totaling $10,896. The city has received $531,415 in cash payments because SANDAG retains 10% of each payment to the city. Those retained funds are to be released to the city after the project is completed. The remaining balance of the grant is approximately $455,000. Options Staff offer the following options for the City Council’s consideration: 1. Adopt a resolution confirming the City Council’s previous direction in Resolution No. 2023- 206 approving a roundabout as the intersection traffic control option at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project. (Exhibit 1. Additional information on this option and a copy of Resolution No. 2023-206 can be found in the July 18, 2023, staff report provided as Exhibit 4.) Pros • Roundabouts can reduce vehicle conflict points with other vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles as well as reduce vehicular speeds • The roundabout option will result in the shortest delay for drivers, which means traffic will move more efficiently through the roundabout compared to the intersection with a traffic signal • Roundabouts force cars to slow down and slower speeds tend to reduce the severity of injury collisions • Roundabouts are self-enforcing, meaning the design causes drivers to use more caution • Roundabouts result in less air pollution and electricity usage • Roundabouts decrease acceleration noise from motorcycles and other loud vehicles along the coast • Meets the City Council’s policies related to traffic safety, mobility and environmental sustainability • The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission recommended the roundabout option on May 1, 2023 April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 3 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 5 of 18 • The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition supports the roundabout option as the best design for cyclists of all types Cons • No construction funding has been identified for this option, which is estimated to cost over $19 million • Roundabouts are relatively new to Carlsbad, and some community members have expressed concerns regarding a roundabout at this location due to the large number of visitors and residents who use the intersection • Construction may not start until 2029 because, in keeping with the City Council’s direction, the final approval of this option is contingent upon review for five months and satisfactory performance of the roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road, which is targeted to be completed in 2028 • The SANDAG Board could decide not to support the city’s request for the grant extension for the reasons cited by the two SANDAG committees, which include the City Council’s decision to wait to approve the final design until another roundabout is completed and studied, thereby leaving the project’s design and construction timeline uncertain 2. Adopt a resolution approving a traffic signal at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as the preferred intersection traffic control option for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project. (Exhibit 2. Additional information can be found in the July 18, 2023, staff report provided as Exhibit 4.) Pros • Also meets the City Council’s policies related to traffic safety, mobility and environmental sustainability • Enhances safety compared to the existing conditions • Projections show the traffic signal would satisfactorily accommodate future traffic flow until 2035 • Drivers are more accustomed to traffic signals Cons • No construction funding has been identified for this option, which is estimated to cost over $17 million 3. Adopt a resolution approving a smaller scale project with limited intersection improvements for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project. (Exhibit 3.) Pros • The project design would be simpler and could be designed, permitted and constructed faster • The improvements would include an enhanced pedestrian pathway and crosswalks and upgraded curb ramps to meet the current Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, standards • The estimated cost of $2 million is significantly lower than the first two options, which would depend on the grade changes associated with creating pedestrian pathways conforming to the current ADA standards April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 4 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 6 of 18 • This option may help secure the remaining SANDAG grant and future grant funds by providing a streamlined target delivery schedule that is not contingent upon other projects and providing additional support documenting that the city is committed to completing improvements at the intersection within a shorter time frame Cons  Not all the construction funding has been identified for this option • Provides limited enhancements compared with Options 1 and 2 Fiscal Analysis All three options would require additional appropriations at a future date. Option 3 is the least expensive option, with a current cost estimate of $2 million as compared to over $19 million for Option 1 and over $17 million for Option 2. Amending the scope of the grant for Option 3 may allow the city to maximize the use of the remaining grant funding, which is approximately $455,000. SANDAG would still need to approve the requested 24-month time extension and the change in the project’s scope, but the construction phase would still be included. Next Steps Upon the City Council’s direction, staff will work with SANDAG staff and submit a revised request to amend the grant agreement, depending on which option is selected. Staff will also work on the environmental review and permitting and final engineering design consistent with the City Council-approved design option. If the City Council takes no action and the SANDAG Board does not approve the amendment to the grant agreement so that the requested time extension and scope change are not approved prior to the grant expiring on May 8, 2025, staff would proceed with the City Council’s prior direction in Resolution No. 2023-206 of continuing with design and environmental permitting of the roundabout option and would request additional funding for design and environmental permitting of approximately $455,000 at a future date, if needed. Staff would also return to the City Council with its evaluation of the performance results of the Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road roundabout five months after its construction completion and request a budget appropriation for construction of the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project roundabout option once the designs are completed. Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6058 Total appropriation to date $2,908,569 Total expenditures and encumbrances to date -$1,861,117 Total available funding $1,047,452 Expiring grant (estimated) -$455,000 Remaining balance (estimated, if grant extension is not approved) $592,452 April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 5 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 7 of 18 Environmental Evaluation The proposed action to either confirm the roundabout option or approve a new preferred intersection control option is statutorily exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. Exhibits 1. City Council resolution - Option 1 2. City Council resolution - Option 2 3. City Council resolution - Option 3 4. July 18, 2023, City Council staff report (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 6 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 8 of 18 Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, CONFIRMING THE CITY COUNCIL-ADOPTED RESOLUTION NO. 2023-206, APPROVING A ROUNDABOUT AS THE INTERSECTION TRAFFIC CONTROL OPTION FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WHEREAS, on July 18, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-206, approving the conceptual design of the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 6058, or Project, which includes a roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue, pedestrian safety improvements, and widening the sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet; and WHEREAS, the City Council also authorized staff to proceed with the next steps of final design and environmental permitting with the roundabout option of the Project and directed staff to return with performance data of another coastal roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road five months after its construction completion before seeking the City Council approval for construction of the Project; and WHEREAS, on May 9, 2016, the city was awarded a $1,054,000 grant as part of the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, Active Transportation Grant Program; and WHEREAS, the grant was extended twice with a current expiration date of May 8, 2025; and WHEREAS, on Nov. 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-245, approving the submittal of a request to SANDAG to amend the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years for the Project; and WHEREAS, staff submitted the amendment request to SANDAG staff to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years to comply with the City Council direction to postpone construction of the project to a later date when additional data related to the performance of the roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection can be obtained and evaluated; and WHEREAS, on Feb. 12, 2025, the SANDAG TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee, or ITOC, recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request because ITOC members expressed concern that the city’s request was unrealistic due to too many uncertainties; and April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 7 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 9 of 18 WHEREAS, on March 21, 2025, the SANDAG Transportation Committee recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request due to concerns about the progress to date and the absence of funding to construct the Project, while some members expressed support for the roundabout in the Project and noted its region-wide benefits; and WHEREAS, on March 28, 2025, SANDAG pulled the item for the grant from the SANDAG Board meeting agenda, to be scheduled at a later date; and WHEREAS, on April 29, 2025, the City Council reviewed three options and selected Option 1 to confirm Resolution No. 2023-206, approving a roundabout as the intersection traffic control option at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection and authorizing staff to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and final engineering design of the Project, and waiting until the roundabout at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection is completed and performance data analyzed before seeking approval for construction of the Project; and WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed at this time but staff will return with a request for additional design funding if the SANDAG grant is not extended and at a future date for funding of the construction phase. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 2. That the proposed action to approve a preferred traffic control design option is statutorily exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. 3. That the City Council confirms Resolution No. 2023-206, approving a roundabout as the intersection traffic control option at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection and authorizing staff to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and final engineering design of the Project, and waiting until the roundabout at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection is completed and performance data analyzed before seeking approval for construction of the Project. April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 8 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 10 of 18 4. That staff are authorized to move forward with environmental review, permitting and final engineering for the roundabout option for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, CIP Project No. 6058. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2025, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ______________________________________ KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor ______________________________________ SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk (SEAL) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 9 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 11 of 18 Exhibit 2 RESOLUTION NO. . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AT THE INTERSECTION OF CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE AS THE PREFERRED INTERSECTION TRAFFIC CONTROL OPTION FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that it is necessary, desirable and in the public interest to make improvements to the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 6058, or Project; and WHEREAS, a traffic signal and additional improvements as a part of this Project would enhance coastal access, improve walking and biking infrastructure, and improve traffic flow along Carlsbad’s coastline; and WHEREAS, the Project team has completed conceptual design options, traffic technical studies, and is ready to move forward with completing the environmental review, permitting and final engineering for the Project; and WHEREAS, on July 18, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-206, approving the conceptual design of the Project, which includes a roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue, pedestrian safety improvements, and widening the sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet; and WHEREAS, the City Council also authorized staff to proceed with the next steps of the roundabout option of the Project and directed staff to return with performance data of another coastal roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road before seeking the City Council approval for construction of the Project; and WHEREAS, on Nov. 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-245, approving the submittal of a request to the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, to amend the grant in the Active Transportation Grant Program to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years for the Project; and WHEREAS, staff submitted the amendment request to SANDAG staff to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years to comply with the City Council direction to postpone construction of the Project to a later date when additional data April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 10 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 12 of 18 related to the performance of the roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection can be obtained and evaluated; and WHEREAS, on Feb. 12, 2025, the SANDAG TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee, or ITOC, recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request because ITOC members expressed concern that the city’s request was unrealistic due to too many uncertainties; and WHEREAS, on March 21, 2025, the SANDAG Transportation Committee recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request due to concerns about the progress to date and the absence of funding to construct the Project, while some members expressed support for the roundabout in the Project and noted its region-wide benefits; and WHEREAS, on March 28, 2025, SANDAG pulled the item for the grant from the SANDAG Board meeting agenda, to be scheduled at a later date; and WHEREAS, on April 29, 2025, the City Council reviewed three options and selected Option 2, which includes a traffic signal at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as the preferred intersection traffic control option, and authorized staff to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and final engineering design of the Project; and WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed at this time but staff will return with a request for additional design funding if the SANDAG grant is not extended and at a future date for funding of the construction phase. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 2. That the proposed action to approve a preferred traffic control design option is statutorily exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. 3. That the City Council approves a traffic signal at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection as the preferred intersection traffic control design option. 4. That staff are authorized to move forward with environmental review, permitting and final engineering for the selected design option of a traffic signal for the Carlsbad April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 11 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 13 of 18 Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, CIP Project No. 6058. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2025, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ______________________________________ KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor ______________________________________ SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk (SEAL) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 12 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 14 of 18 Exhibit 3 RESOLUTION NO. . A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING A SMALLER SCALE PROJECT WITH LIMITED IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE CARLSBAD BOULEVARD AND TAMARACK AVENUE INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined that it is necessary, desirable and in the public interest to make improvements to the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection, Capital Improvement Program, or CIP, Project No. 6058, or Project; and WHEREAS, a smaller scale project with limited improvements at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as a part of this Project would enhance coastal access, and improve walking and biking infrastructure along Carlsbad’s coastline; and WHEREAS, the Project team has completed conceptual design options, traffic technical studies, and is ready to move forward with completing the environmental review, permitting and final engineering for the Project; and WHEREAS, on July 18, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2023-206, approving the conceptual design of the Project, which includes a roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue, pedestrian safety improvements, and widening the sidewalk on the bridge over the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet; and WHEREAS, the City Council also authorized staff to proceed with the next steps with the roundabout option of the Project and directed staff to return with performance data on another coastal roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road before seeking the City Council approval for construction of the Project; and WHEREAS, on Nov. 12, 2024, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-245, approving the submittal of a request to the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, to amend the grant in the Active Transportation Grant Program to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years for the Project; and WHEREAS, staff submitted the amendment request to SANDAG staff to change the grant scope to remove the construction phase from the grant funding and extend it for two years to comply with the City Council direction to postpone construction of the Project to a later date when additional data related to the performance of the roundabout at Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road intersection can be obtained and evaluated; and April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 13 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 15 of 18 WHEREAS, on Feb. 12, 2025, the SANDAG TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee, or ITOC, recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request because ITOC members expressed concern that the city’s request was unrealistic due to too many uncertainties; and WHEREAS, on March 21, 2025, the SANDAG Transportation Committee recommended that the SANDAG Board reject the city’s request due to concerns about the progress to date and the absence of funding to construct the Project, while some members expressed support for the roundabout in the Project and noted its region-wide benefits; and WHEREAS, on March 28, 2025, SANDAG pulled the item for the grant from the SANDAG Board meeting agenda, to be scheduled at a later date; and WHEREAS, on April 29, 2025, the City Council reviewed three options and selected Option 3, which includes a smaller scale project with limited improvements at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue as the preferred option, and authorized staff to move forward with the environmental review, permitting and final engineering design of the Project; and WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed at this time but staff will return with a request for additional design funding if the SANDAG grant is not extended and at a future date for funding of the construction phase. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows: 1. That the above recitations are true and correct. 2. That the proposed action to approve a preferred intersection design option is statutorily exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 as it involves only feasibility or planning studies, including consideration of environmental factors, for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted or funded. The proposed action does not have a legally binding effect on any possible future discretionary action. 3. That the City Council approves a smaller scale project with limited improvements at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection as the preferred intersection design option. 4. That staff are authorized to move forward with environmental review, permitting, and final engineering for the selected design option of a smaller scale project with limited intersection improvements for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project, CIP Project No. 6058. April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 14 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 16 of 18 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2025, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: ______________________________________ KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor ______________________________________ SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk (SEAL) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 15 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 17 of 18 Exhibit 4 July 18, 2023, City Council staff report (on file in the Office of the City Clerk) April 29, 2025 Item #9 Page 16 of 16May 5, 2025 Item #3 Page 18 of 18 From:Steve Linke To:Traffic Subject:Public comment on 5/5/2025 Item #3 (Carlsbad Blvd/Tamarack Ave intersection control) Date:Friday, May 2, 2025 2:29:49 PM Traffic Commissioners: I encourage you to read all of the correspondence received (Item #9) for the 4/29/2025 City Council meeting on this item, as well as watch the meeting itself. There are numerous verythoughtful comments. While on your commission, I supported multiple roundabouts and traffic circles. However, the proposed one at Tamarack Avenue is very problematic. In addition, the North Countyroundabouts in the same class have had terrible collision and injury histories, including the one at State Street in Carlsbad and El Portal Street in Encinitas--each with the highest collisionrates in their respective cities, including numerous pedestrian and bicycle involved collisions and numerous severe injuries. I covered this in my presentation at the City Council meeting inthe link above. Best regards, Steve Linke CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer May 5, 2025 Carlsbad Blvd and Tamarack Ave Intersection Improvement Options 1 { City of Carlsbad RECOMMENDED ACTION ITEM 3: CARLSBAD BLVD & TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 2 Receive an update on the City Council’s decision regarding the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvement Project 3 • • tG ~ GRANT TIMELINE 2016 July 18, 2023 City Council approved roundabout with condition on Cannon roundabout completion Nov. 12, 2024 City Council approved request to SANDAG to amend scope and request 2-year time extension April 29, 2025 City Council discussion Feb., March 2025 Two SANDAG committees recommend against amendment May 8, 2025 Grant expiresMay 9, 2016 SANDAG grant signed 2019 and 2022 Two grant amendments and timeline extensions approved by SANDAG 4 ITEM 3: CARLSBAD BLVD & TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION PROJECT OPTIONS 1. Confirm roundabout option 2. Approve traffic signal option 5 3. Approve smaller scale project 5 ITEM 3: CARLSBAD BLVD & TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION { City of Carlsbad Option 1 - Roundabout 6 OPTION 1 - ROUNDABOUT Pros Cons Moves traffic more efficiently No construction funding identified - $19 million + Reduces the number of conflict points with other cars, pedestrians and bikes Community concerns over location with large number of visitors Manages speeding along the coast Construction anticipated for 2029, after roundabout at Cannon Road built Results in less air pollution and noise Possibly loses remaining grant funds Recommended by the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission, bike coalition ITEM 3: CARLSBAD BLVD & TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 7 { City of Carlsbad Option 2 – Traffic signal 8 PR OTECT IN PLACE PUBLIC RESTR OO M PR OPOSE D RETAINING WALL MAX HEIGHT=S' OPTION 2 – TRAFFIC SIGNAL Pros Cons Meets City Council policies related to traffic safety, mobility, environmental sustainability No construction funding identified – Less than $17 million for 4 lane alternative. Enhances safety compared to current conditions Possibly loses remaining grant funds Manages traffic flow until 2035 Drivers more familiar to traffic signals ITEM 3: CARLSBAD BLVD & TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 9 { City of Carlsbad OPTION 3 – SMALLER SCALE PROJECT, LIMITED INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS 10 Remove guardrail New ADA ramps Improved medians with new ADA pathways and pedestrian signal Remove bench New high visibility crosswalks OPTION 3 – SMALLER SCALE PROJECT, LIMITED INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Pros Cons Simpler design with faster permits and construction Not all construction funding identified Enhanced pedestrian pathways and crosswalks, ADA-compliant Limited enhancements compared to Options 1 and 2 Lower cost, $2 million Still needs SANDAG approval of extension for construction phase May help retain SANDAG grant's remaining $455,000 funds to complete construction ITEM 3: CARLSBAD BLVD & TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION 11 { City of Carlsbad CITY COUNCIL DECISION 12 1.Proceed with Option #3 (Smaller Scale Project) 2.Based on public comment and to deliver near-term safety and accessibility enhancements 3.Minimize project costs and avoid further delays ITEM 3: CARLSBAD BLVD & TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION •Grant deadline – May 8, 2025 •Work with SANDAG staff based on City Council direction •Work on the environmental review and permitting and final engineering design consistent with the City Council-approved design option 13 ITEM 3: CARLSBAD BLVD & TAMARACK AVE INTERSECTION NEST STEPS { City of Carlsbad Thank you 14 ••••••••• •••••• --