HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-02; Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission; 04; Grand Avenue Lane Reduction and Conversion of Parallel Parking to Diagonal ParkingMeeting Date: Feb. 2, 2026
To: Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
From: John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
Staff Contact: Miriam Jim, Senior Engineer
miriam.jim@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5796
John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
john.kim@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2757
Subject: Grand Avenue Lane Reduction and Conversion of Parallel Parking to
Diagonal Parking
District: 1
Recommended Action
Support the proposed lane reduction and conversion of parallel parking to diagonal parking on
westbound Grand Avenue between Tyler Street and Jefferson Street.
Background
As an ongoing effort to increase parking in the Village and Barrio, staff have evaluated the
opportunity to convert parallel parking to diagonal parking utilizing a reduction in the number
of lanes on westbound Grand Avenue from two to one for the stretch between Tyler Street and
Jefferson Street. A preliminary layout with the lane reduction and new diagonal parking on
Grand Avenue was then developed, taking into consideration the existing roadway width, traffic
operation and emergency response needs.
On March 18, 2025, the City Council approved a minute motion directing staff to present to the
City Council any future lane reduction design proposals for consideration. In response, staff will
present this proposed lane reduction with diagonal parking on Grand Avenue to the City
Council for consideration including the resulting action from the Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission.
Discussion
Existing Conditions
Grand Avenue is classified as Village Streets in the city’s General Plan Mobility Element and is in
the Village community located in the northwest quadrant of the city. It has a posted speed limit
of 25 miles per hour, or mph, with land uses of residential and commercial along the street.
TRAFFIC SAFETY & MOBILITY COMMISSION
Feb. 2, 2026 Item #4 Page 1 of 4
Grand Avenue between Tyler Street and Jefferson Street has a curb-to-curb width which varies
from 54 to 70 feet, accommodating two 12-foot-wide travel lanes in the westbound direction
and one 17-foot-wide travel lane in the eastbound direction. Diagonal parking is currently
provided on the south side while parallel parking is available on the north side of the street.
Lane Reduction with Diagonal Parking on Both Sides of Grand Avenue
As an on-going effort to increase parking in the Village and Barrio, the opportunity to convert
parallel parking to diagonal parking on the north side of Grand Avenue was explored. In order
to accommodate diagonal parking on the north side of Grand Avenue, the number of travel
lanes in the westbound direction would be reduced from two to one. Based on input received
from the Transportation Review Committee, composed of staff from the Traffic and Mobility
Division and the Fire and Police departments, a lane configuration consisting of one 11-foot-
wide lane in each direction and a 10-foot-wide two-way left turn lane, which could
accommodate left-turn pockets at the intersections, was proposed. A preliminary parking
layout showing the diagonal parking and one travel lane in each direction on Grand Avenue is
provided in Exhibit 1. A portion of Grand Avenue with this lane configuration is also illustrated
below.
The conversion of parallel to diagonal parking on the north side of Grand Avenue, along with
some slight improvements to the existing diagonal parking markings on the south side, would
yield a net increase of 11 parking spaces for this area. In addition, reducing the number of
travel lanes and narrowing the lanes could help manage vehicle speeds on Grand Avenue, while
the center lane provides a dedicated space for cars making left-turns at driveways and
intersections, thus enhancing traffic flow.
Feb. 2, 2026 Item #4 Page 2 of 4
General Plan Consistency
In accordance with the City of Carlsbad’s General Plan Mobility Element, the following policy
applies to the proposed lane reduction on Grand Avenue.
Policy 3-P.15 is to evaluate methods and transportation facility improvements to promote
biking, walking, safer street crossings, and attractive streetscapes. The City Council shall have
the sole discretion to approve any such road diet or vehicle traffic calming improvements that
would reduce vehicle capacity to or below a level of service, or LOS, D.
A roadway segment analysis was conducted, based on the City of Carlsbad’s Service Volume
Tables Report, dated June 2021, for the proposed lane reduction, from two to one, in the
westbound direction of Grand Avenue between Tyler Street and Jefferson Street. Based on the
LOS analysis, this segment of Grand Avenue will operate at the same LOS D under both Existing
Conditions and Conditions with Proposed Modifications, see Table 1.
Table 1 – Summary of Roadway Segment Analysis for Westbound Grand Avenue between
Tyler Street and Jefferson Street
Street Segment Conditions
Lanes/
Speed/
Median(1)
Segment
Capacity (2)
(veh/hr)
AM Peak Hour(3) PM Peak Hour(3)
Volume
(Veh/hr) LOS Volume
(Veh/hr) LOS
Grand
Ave
Tyler St to
Jefferson St
(westbound)
Existing
Conditions 2/25/U 550 285 D 319 D
Conditions
with Proposed
Modifications
1/25/D 500 285 D 319 D
Notes:
1.Number of lanes/posted speed limits/Divided (D) or Undivided (U) Road
2.Peak direction capacities derived using ARTPLAN 2012 software to be consistent with City of Carlsbad Service
Volume Tables Report (June 2021)
3.Count data collected May 22, 2025
Recommendations
Support the proposed lane reduction and conversion of parallel parking to diagonal parking on
westbound Grand Avenue between Tyler Street and Jefferson Street.
Next Steps
Upon receiving the resulting action from the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission, staff will
present the proposed lane reduction and conversion of parallel parking to diagonal parking on
Grand Avenue to the City Council for their consideration and approval.
Exhibits
1.Preliminary Layout - Grand Avenue Lane Reduction with Diagonal Parking
Feb. 2, 2026 Item #4 Page 3 of 4
Exhibit 1
Feb. 2, 2026 Item #4 Page 4 of 4
From:Jim
To:Traffic
Subject:I support the 4 way stop idea at Grand and Madison
Date:Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:34:49 AM
Jim LaMarca
3965 Hibiscus CirCarlsbad,
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Brad Cunningham
To:Traffic
Subject:Proposed 4 way stop on grand and Madison
Date:Tuesday, January 27, 2026 1:57:26 PM
Hi,
I wanted to provide my support for the proposed addition of a 4 way stop on Grand and
Madison.
I drive this section of road multiple times a day 4 or 5 days a week. Primarily taking mydaughter to and from dance at Carlsbad dance center located on the northwest corner of Grand
and Madison. I currently try to avoid this intersection if possible because of how dangerous itis.
I have been almost hit multiple times trying to safely drive through the intersection. In the
evenings the pedestrian crossing on the south side of Grand crossing Madison is alsodangerous and I have almost hit pedestrians there as I try to cross over the intersection and
avoid getting hit from eastbound traffic on Grand.
With the addition of the new grocery store on the northwest corner the traffic is going toincrease and become even more challenging.
So please do add this 4 way stop and do what you can to calm traffic in that area. It is
currently dangerous for drivers and pedestrians so anything that can be done to make it saferwould be a welcome change.
Thanks
--Brad
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Rancy Feldman
To:Traffic
Subject:Stop Signs at Madison and Grand
Date:Wednesday, January 28, 2026 8:17:42 AM
My husband and I fully support adding stop signs to this dangerous corner. We have had several close
calls trying to cross Grand. Yes for the stop signs!
Thank you,
--
Rancy Feldman
658 Laguna Drive
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760.272.7541
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Teryl Zarnow
To:Traffic
Subject:Grand Avenue
Date:Wednesday, January 28, 2026 4:17:21 PM
Hello ----
The traffic plans for Madison and Grand sound good, as well as the parking changes.
However, Madison already has cross-walks while those of us on Grand Avenue at Hardingcontinue to have nothing.
Stepping off the curb to cross Grand is extremely dangerous. The cars roaring from past Hopeto Jefferson have no reason to slow down for pedestrians.
So when I leave 800 Grand to my volunteer shift at the Cole Library, it is extremely dangerous
to cross the street. Not all traffic is heading toward State Street.
I understand our HOA has communicated our concerns, as I have for nearly four years now.The message we are receiving is: Yes, it's dangerous but let's wait until the construction ends
and the new building is rented (1-3 years?) and then we will see how much MORE dangerousit has become.
Please consider our traffic situation as well as Madison.
Thank you,
Teryl Zarnow
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Carol Scurlock
To:Traffic
Subject:Grand and Madison
Date:Thursday, January 29, 2026 6:11:24 PM
Four way stop is soooo very needed - the big trees darkened the street in front of the bank and
makes it very difficult to see bicyclists. Very happy to see this happening soon.carol scurlock
carlsbad 92008
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:EB Smith
To:Traffic
Subject:Please put a four way stop sign in at Grand and Madison!
Date:Thursday, January 29, 2026 6:11:58 PM
Hello!
We are strongly in favor of installation of a four-way stop sign at Madison and Grand. For years I have said that this
is the worst intersection in all of the Village. It's nearly impossible to see cross traffic on Grand coming from
Madison (particularly from the south) and cars often end up stalled in the crosswalk trying to safely creep out into
the intersection, potentially imperiling pedestrians who aren't sure how to get around the cars blocking the
crosswalk.
Thanks!
Emily and Kevin Sladek
3495 Madison St
Carlsbad CA 92008
Sent from my iPhone
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
From:Shelley Grossman
To:Traffic
Subject:All way stop at Grand and Madison
Date:Friday, January 30, 2026 11:38:18 AM
As a 40 resident I’m all for this much needed change. My big hope is that drivers who never
stop at other stop signs will stop at this one.
~Shelley Grossman 1387 Basswood Avenue
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Carolyn Rodosta
To:Traffic
Date:Friday, January 30, 2026 1:53:47 PM
Grand and Madison 4 way stop. I am in favor of this.
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Darcy Thompson
To:Traffic
Subject:All Way Stop Madison & Grand
Date:Friday, January 30, 2026 2:40:28 PM
Thank you, thank you for considering the four way stop at Madison and Grand! This is much needed at this
intersection. I work near this area and use this crosswalk often. I also have clients that visit me that use this
crosswalk. It’s always stressful wondering if drivers are paying attention and will stop for you. There have been
many near misses (especially at night). Speeding is a problem also in this section, this will help with that as well.
I’m also thankful you’re adding additional parking.
Darcy Thompson
Business owner Carlsbad
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
From:Debbie DeSilva
To:Traffic
Subject:All-way stop on Madison and Grand & Grand Avenue lane reduction
Date:Saturday, January 31, 2026 1:12:56 PM
Hello,
I reside on Madison Street in Carlsbad Village, and I strongly support the conceptof an all-way stop at Grand Avenue and Madison Street as well as the reduction of
one lane of westbound travel on Grand Ave between Jefferson and Tyler streets.
As a resident of Madison Street, I often have to cross Grand, and many timesdrivers do not see me. I haven't felt safe crossing the street at the Madison-Grandintersection since we moved to the Village in 2018. As a result, I usually walk up
to Jefferson in order to cross with a traffic light. Frankly, I would prefer a traffic
light at the Madison-Grand intersection, but I'm happy to settle for an all-way stop.
The reduction of one lane on westbound Grand will also make the Village safer, in
my opinion, especially after Barons Market opens.
You have my full support, and thank you for your work.
Best,
~Debbie DeSilva
Deborah M. DeSilva2668 Madison StreetCarlsbad, CA 92008
760.613.3563
debdesilva@gmail.com
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Sondra and Brian
To:Traffic
Subject:Grand Avenue @ Madison Street Improvements
Date:Saturday, January 31, 2026 2:47:34 PM
We are strongly in support of four way stop signs at Grand Avenue and Madison Street. This
is a very dangerous intersection for both pedestrians and vehicles.
As walkers who live on Madison Street, 2664, we never cross Grand Avenue at MadisonStreet. Instead we cross at either Roosevelt Street or Jefferson Street due to safety issues.
Both of these intersections have traffic lights and pedestrian crossing lights.
We strongly suggest that you add lighted pedestrian crossings on Grand Avenue at Madison. Grand Avenue is very wide at this location and is heavily travelled primarily by automobiles.
As drivers we also never cross Grand Avenue at Madison Street, also due to safety issues. We
will either drive to Arbuckle and up to Jefferson, or to Laguna to go east or west in a safermanner.
The improvements, four way stop signs and illuminated pedestrian crossings, are needed even
more due to the anticipated increase in both pedestrians and vehicles when Barron's Marketopens.
We've seen many near misses with both pedestrians and automobiles at the Grand Avenue and
Madison Street intersection, not to mention the sound of many horns too.
We are very happy that this dangerous intersection is finally being addressed by the City andthe Traffic Commission.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Sondra Morison and Brian Watts2664 Madison St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Bob Burson
To:Traffic
Subject:Mission & Grand
Date:Saturday, January 31, 2026 5:49:01 PM
To whom it may concern,
My daughter goes to dance studio right next to the intersection of Mission & Grand and I use
it all the time. It is a very unsafe intersection and I am glad the city is considering adding a 4way stop.
I wanted to suggest that the city consider adding a roundabout as well. A roundabout would
reduce the accident risk and allow for traffic to continue flowing on that street.
Thank you.
Bob Burson 661-350-5445
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Dancin Soul
To:Traffic
Subject:all way stop at Grand and Madison
Date:Monday, February 2, 2026 8:25:12 AM
Hello,
As a business owner and frequent driver in the village, I am writing to express my full support
for the addition of a four-way stop at the intersection of Grand and Madison.
Currently, that intersection is difficult to navigate for both vehicles and pedestrians.Implementing a four-way stop will significantly improve safety and ease of travel throughout
the village, whether traveling by car or on foot.
Thank you for taking this action.
Della Stewart, Ownerdellastewart4@gmail.com
Dancin' Soul Boutique
620 Grand Ave Ste A
Carlsbad CA 92008760-913-9139
www.dancinsoul.comhttps://www.facebook.com/dancinsoulboutique
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
From:Michael Stewart
To:Traffic
Subject:Potential All-way Stop and Lane Reduction
Date:Monday, February 2, 2026 11:25:56 AM
I am writing to express my strong support for the idea of an all-way stop at the intersection of
Grand and Madison. As an owner of a business in the immediate vicinity, and traveling in thearea regularly, I have regularly witnessed pedestrians have a challenging time crossing. It is
also very difficult while driving to cross Grand, or turn, from Madison. I have often seen"close calls" with both cars and pedestrians which could largely reduced.
I also support the idea of reducing the traffic lanes on Grand as this will also help with traffic
flow through the area, reduce unsafe speeds, and the additional parking will be beneficial.
Thank you,MIchael Stewart
Carlsbad resident and business owner
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and
know the content is safe.
1
Lovelynne Magalued
From:Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov
Subject:FW: Stop signs or lights@ Grand&Madison 92008
-----Original Message-----
From: Vondell White <vondellwhite@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 2, 2026 9:47 AM
To: Council Internet Email <Council@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Stop signs or lights@ Grand&Madison 92008
Stop Signs or lights Grand & Madison would prevent accidents, especially Baron Grocery opening!
Sent from my iPhone
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe.
1
Lovelynne Magalued
From:Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov
Subject:FW: Stop Sign Grand & Madison
-----Original Message-----
From: Dean <dkatsiyiannis@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, February 2, 2026 9:38 AM
To: Council Internet Email <council@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Stop Sign at Grand & Madison
Dear Council Members,
Please vote to place a stop sign at the intersection of Grand Ave and Madison Street.
My residence is at the corner of that intersection (731 Grand Ave) and I’ve witnessed over the past 6 years cars and
trucks moving at high rates of speed along Grand Ave in both directions making it dangerous for traffic turning onto
Grand Ave from Madison Street!
When there are green lights either at Jefferson Street (vehicles moving west from Harding) or at Roosevelt (moving
east from State Street), cars and trucks are generating several blocks of speed.
In contrast, Carlsbad Village Drive (parallel street) has traffic lights at each one of the intersections that have the
potential to slow traffic to the posted speed limit.
Again, please vote to place a stop sign on the intersection of Grand and Madison.
Thank you,
Dean
Dean Katsiyiannis
Colonel, US Army (retired)
(951)553-4381
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe.
1
Lovelynne Magalued
From:Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov
Subject:FW: Stop Sign Madison and Grand
-----Original Message-----
From: Barbara Britton <bj_britton@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, February 2, 2026 10:49 AM
To: Council Internet Email <Council@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Stop Sign Madison and Grand
Dear Council members,
I am a resident at 741 Grand Avenue and writing to encourage you to approve a four-way stop sign at the
intersection of Madison and Grand.
It is an extremely dangerous crossing which will only be made worst with the opening of Barton’s market. The
number of near-misses that I have witnessed from this intersection are very concerning not to mention the actual
accidents.
Thank you for your consideration and your service to our community.
Barbara Britton
Sent from my iPhone
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe.
1
Lovelynne Magalued
From:Lovelynne.Magalued@carlsbadca.gov
Subject:FW: Stop sign on Grand and Madison
-----Original Message-----
From: Robyn Kerr <robynkerr64@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, February 2, 2026 11:01 AM
To: Council Internet Email <Council@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Stop sign on Grand and Madison
Dear Council members,
I live at Grand and Madison and daily see the cars and motorcycles driving through that intersection at excessive
speeds. Daily there are near miss accidents as it is difficult to see oncoming traffic if you are trying to turn left, right
or go through that intersection due to the diagonal parking on Grand. It’s also difficult to see the cars, driving
through that intersection as most are speeding. There are horns honking daily at the cars trying to get through this
intersection. Trying to cross the street can be a problem too. Although the yellow street crossing signs are there,
cars will speed through as you cross the street.
Please vote yes to the 4 way stop sign on Grand and Madison.
Sincerely,
Robyn Kerr
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe.
Grand Avenue Lane Reduction and
Diagonal Parking
John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
Miriam Jim, Senior Engineer
Feb. 2, 2026
RECOMMENDED ACTION
2
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
•Support the proposed lane reduction and
conversion of parallel to diagonal parking on
westbound Grand Avenue between Tyler Street
Alley and Jefferson Street
3
•On-going effort to look for opportunities to increase
parking in the Village and the Barrio
•Convert parallel to diagonal parking utilizing a
reduction in the number of lanes from two to one
on Grand Avenue was explored
BACKGROUND
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
4
•On March 18, 2025, City Council approved a minute
motion directing staff to present to the City Council
any future lane reduction design proposals for
consideration
BACKGROUND
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
PARKING ASSESSMENT
5
Pine Ave
Community
Park
Parking Assessment Area
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
GRAND AVE
6
•Village Streets in the
city’s General Plan
Mobility Element
•WB: 2 – 12’ lanes;
EB: 1 – 17’ lane
•WB: Parallel parking;
EB: Diagonal parking 12’12’17’
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
EXISTING CONDITIONS
7
Parallel Parking Parallel Parking
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
EBWBWB
LANE REDUCTION WITH DIAGONAL PARKING
8
New Sidewalk Existing utilities to remain
7 diagonal parking stalls
Diagonal Parking Diagonal Parking
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
EBWB
8
ADDED PARKING SPACES
9
New Sidewalk Existing utilities to remain
7 diagonal parking stalls
A net gain of 11 parking spaces
+6
+1
+1
+1 +2
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
9
ENHANCE TRAFFIC FLOW
10
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
EBWB
Proposed Grand Ave lane configuration
11’11’10’
•Narrower lanes could help
manage vehicle speeds
•Two-way left-turn lane
provide dedicated spaces for
left-turn vehicles, which
enhance traffic flow
ROADWAY SEGMENT ANALYSIS
11
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
•Grand Ave between Tyler Street Alley and Jefferson Street will continue
to operate at an acceptable LOS D with the proposed lane reduction
Street Segment Conditions
Lanes/
Speed/
Median(1)
Segment
Capacity (2)
(veh/hr)
AM Peak Hour(3)PM Peak Hour(3)
Volume
(Veh/hr)LOS Volume
(Veh/hr)LOS
Grand Ave
Tyler St Alley
to Jefferson St
(westbound)
Existing
Conditions 2/25/U 550 285 D 319 D
Conditions with
Proposed
Modifications
1/25/D 500 285 D 319 D
Notes:
1.Number of lanes/posted speed limits/Divided (D) or Undivided (U) Road
2.Peak direction capacities derived using ARTPLAN 2012 software to be consistent with City of Carlsbad Service Volume Tables Report (June 2021)
3.Count data collected May 22, 2025
12
•Staff will present the preliminary layout for
converting parallel to diagonal parking with
lane reduction on Grand Avenue for City
Council’s approval
NEXT STEPS
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
RECOMMENDED ACTION
13
ITEM 4: GRAND AVE PARKING IMPROVEMENT
•Support the proposed lane reduction and
conversion of parallel to diagonal parking on
westbound Grand Avenue between Tyler Street
Alley and Jefferson Street
THANK YOU!
14