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HomeMy WebLinkAbout3190; Rancho Sante Fe Road Bridge Replacement; Rancho Sante Fe Road Bridge Replacement; 2001-11-01M ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ADDENDUM TO m « VISUAL ASSESSMENT OF * RANCHO SANTA FE ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT « City of Cartsbad Project No. 3190 m Prepared for: CITY OF CARLSBAD 1635 Faraday Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 *J Prepared by: Frofessioiud Teams for Complex Projecti ta III • 605 Third Street p Encinitas, Ca 92024 " November 2001 TABLE or CONTENTS Page No. 1.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 1 1.1 Topography/Visual Resources 1 1.2 Project Description 1 1.3 Applicable Pianning Documents 4 2.0 ASSESSMENT METHOD 4 2.1 Project Setting 5 2.2 Landscape Units 5 PK 2.3 Project Viewshed 5 k 2.4 FHWA Method of Visual Resource Analysis 5 2.5 Existing Visual Resources 6 f* 2.6 Existing Visual Character 6 2.7 Existing Visual Quality 12 IP, 2.8 Methods of Predicting Viewer Response 13 ll 2.9 Existing Viewer Sensitivity 14 2.10 Existing Viewer Exposure 14 ta • 3.0 VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 15 -l 3.1 Method of Assessing Project Impacts 15 § 3.2 Definition of Visual Impact Levels 16 3.3 Analysis of Key Views 16 2 3.4 Summary of Project Impacts 25 g 4.0 VISUAL MITIGATION 25 LIST OF FIGURES 2 Figure 1-1 Regional Map 2 Figure 1-2 Final Alignment 3 E Figure 2-1 Viewshed Boundary 7 Figure 2-2 Bridge Replacement Visual Simulation 8 Figure 2-3 View of Roadway and Bridge Looking Southbound on 2 Rancho Santa Fe Road 9 Figure 2-4 View of Roadway and Manufactured Slopes Looking E Southbound on Rancho Santa Fe Road 10 Figure 2-5 View of Roadway and Bridge from Existing Residences 11 November 13, 2000 Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement m 1.0 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT ta 1.1 Topography/Visual Resources (#s 1, 2, 9, 21, 49, 50) ta The purpose of this study is to assess the visual impacts of the proposed project and to E propose measures to mitigate any adverse visual impacts associated with the construction of phase 1 and 2 on the surrounding visual environment. The evaluation of visual changes or _ impacts was based upon an assessment of the existing visual character of the landscape seen ^ from selected key viewpoints and the degree to which the proj ect would change those views. The existing quaUty or character of views was determined by evaluating three visual C elements: vividness (the memorability of the visual impression received from contrasting landscape elements as they combine to form a striking and distinctive visual pattern); ^ intactness (the integrity of visual order in the natural and built landscape, and the extent to which the landscape is free from visual encroachment); and unity (the degree to which the visual resources of the landscape join together to form a coherent, harmonious visual pattern, ta refers to the composition harmony or inter-compatibiUty between landscape elements), ta ^ Bridge improvements and grading necessary to construct the bridge as well as intersections ^ and roadways associated with Phase 2 will impact views from the roadway, existing residences, and planned land uses as discussed below. 1.2 Project Description ta jg The City of Carlsbad proposes to realign and widen approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) of Rancho Santa Fe Road as well as replace the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge at San E Marcos Creek. Rancho Santa Fe Road would be widened from two lanes to an ultimate six- lane Prime Arterial Roadway from the La Costa Avenue/Rancho Santa Fe Road intersection _ to just north of Melrose Drive. The City proposes to construct the project in two phases. E Phase 1 will consist of the realignment of Rancho Santa Fe Road south of the San Marcos bridge crossing. Phase 2 wili consist of the bridge replacement and intersection E improvements north of the bridge. See Figure 1-1, Regional Map and Figure 1-Z, Final Alignment. Aiso ^te. Attachment A, Summary of Environmental Commitments-Visual Quality/Land _ form Alteration. E November 2001 Pfl-1 Orange County Camp Pendlelon Fallbrook Riverside County Oceanside , Carlsbad O o •z. Vista San Marcos i Project Site Rancho Sanla Fe Del Mar ^ Mira Mesa Valley Center Escondido Rancho Bernardo ^' Poway Ramonal LaJolla ' San Diego J Coronado \ flational City i Santee I La Mesa Lemon Grove Alpine 1" = 8 Miles Chula Vista Imperial Beach Otay Mesa \^ Tijuana Mexico m k Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment 8i Bridge Replacement Regional Map FIGURE 1-1 Existing Corintia Dr. Existing Single Family Residential Existing Light Industrial Park La Costa Meadows Dr. Existing Bridge CITY or OCEANSIDE Phase 1 Impact Area La Costa Ave. Scale in Feet Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement Final Alignment FIGURE 1-2 Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement 1.3 Applicable Planning Documents m k m b ta Assessment ofLcho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Project, November trporatedbyreferencetothisdocumentandisavailableforrev^^^ The visual character of the area iir^mediately surrouriding the roadway will change -it^ Ludourof the City o£ Carlsbad Ger^eral Plar.. Natural hillsides are planr^ed to be developed with a rr^ixed use developrnent irrcludir^g residerrtial and commercial uses (referred to a SLes" La Co ta) These uses would be developed adjacent to the roadway. Impact of ^he mSed u e devdopment as well as the vrsual .mpacts of the roadway were evah.ated m the mf prepared by the City in 1992. These future developments are taken mto consideration for this visual analysis. The Villages of La Costa development (VLC) project was approved by the City Council on Oc obe 23 2001 and is planned to be under construction by 2004. The crty is currently pl^an ?hectng S^^^^^ plans for the areas adjacent to Rancho Santa Fe Road whrch :s expeS to be under'construction concurrently with the Rancho Santa Fe Road project. According to the City of Carlsbad General Plan, Rancho Santa Fe Road is considered to be a ^rr^uly sLcLridor. Commumty seen, corridors rn„^^^^^^^ the present and planned Carlsbad community and are subject to the Carlsbad Scemc Cornd Guidelines Manual. 2.0 ASSESSMENT METHOD «".io?(FHWA,;Ma.ch.M.Slxp,.acipalU,.,u,,;<l»,s...s «pa« were carried out: A. Define the project setting and viewshed. B. Identify key views for visual assessment. November 2001 ta ta C. Analyze existing visual resources and viewer response. D. Depict the visual appearance of project alternatives. E. Assess the visual impacts of project alternatives. F. Propose methods to mitigate adverse visual impacts. 2.1 Project Setting The regional landscape establishes the general visual environment of the Foject, but the specificvisualenvironmentuponwhichthis assessmentwiU focus is determmed bydefmmg landscape units and the project viewshed. 2.2 Landscape Units A landscape unit is a portion of the regional landscape and can be thought of as an outdoor room that exhibits a distinct visual character. A landscape unit will often correspond to a place or district that is commonly known among local viewers. 2.3 Project Viewshed A viewshed is a subset of a landscape unit and is comprised of ail the surface areas visible from an observer's viewpoint. The limits of a viewshed are defined as the visual limits of the viewslocatedfromtheproposed project. Theviewshed also includes thelocationsofviewers likely to be affected by visual changes brought about by project features. E 2.4 FHWA Method of Visual Resource Analysis Identify Visual Cfc«r«cter-Visual character is descriptive and non-evaluative whichmeans it is based on defined attributes that are neither good nor bad in themselves. A change m visual character can not be described as having good or bad attributes until it is compared with the viewer response to that change. If there is pubhc preference for the es ablished visual character of a regional landscape and a resistance to a project that would contrast that character, then changes in the visual character can be evaluated. Assess Visual Quality - Visual quality is evaluated by identifying the vividness, ititactness and unity present in the viewshed. The FHWA states that this method should correlate with November 2001 E C public judgments of visual quality well enough to predict those judgments^ This approach [sparticularlyusefulinhighwayplanningbecauseitdoesnotpresumethatahighwayproiect is necessarily an eyesore. This approach to evaluating visual quality can also help ident fy specific methods for mitigating specific adverse impacts that may occur as a result of a project. The three criteria for evaluating visual quality can be defined as follows: Vividness is the visual power or memorability of landscape components as they combine in distinctive visual patterns. Intactness is the visual integrity of the natural and man-built landscape and its freedom from encroaching elements. It can be present in well-kept urban and rural landscapes, as well as in natural settings. Unity is the visua coherence and compositional harmony of the landscape considered as a whole. It frequently attests to the careful design of individual components in the landscape. 2.5 Existing Visual Resources As shown iv^Bgures Z-Z through2-5, the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road consists of two paved lanes with an asphalt berm on the west side and a combination of asphalt berm and concre curb on the east side. A truck by-pass route creates a three-plane paved road with asphalt berm on both sides in uphill areas of the stretch. San Marcos Creek is crossed by an existing bridge which is located between the Questhaven Road intersection and the Mekose Drive intersection Rancho Santa Fe Road has two northbound lanes and one southbound lane across the San Marcos Creek Bridge. The following discussion provides a narrative accompanied by figures that describe the existing visual conditions for the Rancho Santa Fe Road study area. 2.6 Existing Visual Character As shown in Figure Z-1, the topography of the proposed project site is characterized by undulating terrain that partially drains to San Marcos Creek. Urge hills -r-unding th existing roadway range from 213 meters (700 feet) above mean sea level (msl) to 427 meter (1 400 feet) above msl. The existing Rancho Santa Fe Road alignment extends through the lower elevations and level terrain 91-183 meters (300-600 feet) above msl at the base of the larger hillsides. November 2001 I I 1 A- H '\':Lak^ San Mart Project Impact Area • • • • Viewshed Boundary o Primary Open View o Partially Obstructed View o Completely Obstructed View r It BASE MAP SOURCE: USGS 7.5 Minute Series, Rancho Santa FeOuadrangle^ Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement Viewshed Boundary 1" -2000' SOURCE: Dudel< & Associates, Inc. Proposed View Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement Bridge Replacement Visual Simulation FIGURE 2-2 SOURCE: Dudel< & Associates, Inc. Proposed View Existing View Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement View of Roadway and Bridge Looking Southbound on Rancho Santa Fe Road FIGURE 2-3 SOURCE: Dudek & Associates, Inc. Proposed View Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement View of Roadway and Manufactured Slopes Looking Southbound on Rancho Santa Fe Road FIGURE 2-4 SOURCE: Dudek & Associates, Inc. Proposed View Existing View Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Rd. Realignment & Bridge Replacement View of Roadway and Bridge from Existing Residences FIGURE 2-5 Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Ml PI Mi k The hills and drainages in the proposed project vicinity are predominantly natural open space typically covered by dense chaparral vegetation. In 1996, a fire burned a majority of the area immediately to the east and southwest of the proposed project site leaving the hillsides generally clear of vegetation. Much of the burned vegetation has recovered, although it has not regained its former density, the vegetation does contribute to the natural character of the landscape. Existing urban land uses in the immediate vicinity of the proposed improvements include the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road alignment, an industrial park, and two single-family detached residential developments. The existing visual character of the project area is typified by natural open space with isolated pockets of semi-rural residential development and new semi-urban residential and commercial development. The natural landscape is the predominate visual feature on the east side of Rancho Santa Fe Road within the project area. The landscape is composed of moderate to steep hillsides and shallow valleys supporting native vegetation. With few exceptions, development has occurred west of Rancho Santa Fe Road leaving the east side relatively untouched except for isolated features such as a transmission line corridor, the face of an earthen dam structure, and water tanks on distant hilltops. Various land uses have been superimposed on this overall landscape structure west of the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road. Older rural housing is adjacent to Rancho Santa Fe Road north of the Melrose intersection. Multi-story commercial/industrial buildings are present in the valley bottom in the vicinity of the existing bridge over San Marcos Creek. Newly- built housing occurs west of Melrose that have obscured views of the existing bridge. Additional housing was built in the 1990's along the west side Rancho Santa Fe Road from the La Costa intersection extending north approximately 1/4 mile. Existing land use exhibits a semi-rural character that results from discontinuous development that is separated and surrounded by vacant lots and natural open space lands. 2.7 Existing Visual Quality F^igh ratings were assigned in areas where the landscape exhibits well-maintained, attractive urban developments or which exhibit distinctive rural landscapes and natural open space. This would include areas of existing undisturbed mature vegetation. Examples include pg. 12 November 2001 m m in HI Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement undulating terrain associated with San Marcos Creek and surrounding hillsides. Moderate ratings were applied to areas which contain reasonably attractive development and natural features, but which are not visually distinctive or unusual within the region. These areas would have some degree of landscape vividness, intactness, or unity present and include single-family residential developments located adjacent to major roadways. Low visual quaiity ratings were not assigned to the study area. Visual quality throughout the viewshed is moderately-high due to the presence of extensive natural open space east of Rancho Santa Fe Road that gives the feeling of being on the edge of urban development within this Landscape Unit. Landscape vividness for the project area is rated moderate due to the lack prominent landmarks and natural features that standout in the landscape. Landscape intactness is rated moderate due to increased encroachment by tract homes, transmission towers, and the earthen dam associated with the Stanley Mahr reservoir. Landscape unity is rated high throughout the project area due to the large contiguous open space areas and compatible open space land uses along San Marcos Creek. Development within the project viewshed does not detract from the overall landscape character expressed by the sloping ridge lines, valleys, and native vegetation. * 2.8 Methods of Predicting Viewer Response p Viewer response is composed of two elements: viewer sensitivity and viewer exposure. These il elements combine to form a method of predicting how the public might react to visual changes brought about by the project. Viewers are defined as those individuals that are located inside the viewshed boundary for substantial periods of time. The sensitivity of viewers is dependent upon the duration of viewing time, i.e., resident populations are stationary and more sensitive to adverse visual change than are motorists who are mobile and il experience visual resources for far more brief periods of time. Figure Z-1 defines the viewshed ^ boundary for the project area. Viewer sensitivity is defined both as the viewers' concern for scenic quality and the in viewers' response to change in the visual resources that make up the view. Local values and li goals ma y confer vi sual significance on landscape components and areas that would otherwise appear unexceptional in a visual resource analysis. Even when the existing ^ appearance of a project site is uninspiring, a community may still object to projects that fall * short of its visual goals. Analysts can learn about these special resources and community pg. 13 November 2001 ^ P ii Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement aspirations for visual quality through citizen participation procedures, as well as from local pubUcations and planning documents. Viewer exposure is typically assessed by measuring the number of viewers exposed to the resource change, type of viewer activity, the duration of their view, the speed at which the viewer moves, and the position of the viewer. High viewer exposure heightens the te importance of early consideration of design, art, and architecture and their roles in managing the visual resource effects of a project. m 2.9 Existing Viewer Sensitivity P ll Viewer types in the project area viewshed include residents, recreationists, government ^ institutions, public facilities workers, commercial/industrial workers, shoppers, and " agricultural workers. Another viewer group is the Rancho Santa Fe Roadway user which would include local travelers, commuters, and tourists with regional destinations. m Although open space views are highly valued by local residents, the City of Carlsbad General Plan anticipates additional residential development adjacent to the project area. The passage 5 and implementation of the general plan indicates acceptance by a majority of the voting pubhc for this level of development and the associated affects to visual resources. Additional development will convert natural open space to semi-urban environments. Not only will this alter the visual character of the area, such development will increase the number of project viewers. However, the response of future residential viewers cannot be determined because the change of visual quality is not observed by land users that arrive subsequent to project construction. m k 2.10 Existing Viewer Exposure m Approximately 80 residences are located near the project area and include varying degrees of visual access to the proposed project. Phase 1 contains 47 residences that are adjacent to the project area and Phase 2 contains approximately 32 residences. Residents that occupy these homes are engaged in everyday life and typically spend a large portion of their time in and around these dwelling units resulting in long duration viewing periods of the local environment. November 2001 Pg.l4 ii m m P li P Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Phase 1 residential viewers are, for the most part, screened from the new road with the exception of 4 units that will have unobstructed views of the Phase 1 roadway. Two areas of residential units are present in the Phase 2 area. Approximately nine residences located between Rancho Santa Fe Road and Melrose Avenue are enclosed by an existing 5-foot concrete block wall and wood fence that limits direct viewing of Rancho Santa Fe Road. Approximately 14 residences located on Corintia Street will have distant views of the _ expanded Rancho Santa Fe Road and bridge. Approximately nine residences on Melrose Avenue have views of the proposed Rancho Santa Fe Road/Melrose Avenue intersection. ' The only other viewers with substantial views of the proposed projects will be motorists that - travel along the proposed roadway. Current daily traffic volume exceeds 26,000 average daily I trips (ADT). Traffic volumes are projected to increase in 2020 to 50,200 ADT. Traffic speed is expected to minimize the duration of viewer observation of foreground features associated E with Rancho Santa Fe Road within the landscape unit. Motorist attention is generally focused on traffic flow patterns and vehicle operation. However, a general sense of the _ landscape character and visual quality is achieved by motorists as these viewers pass through an area. 3.0 VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT |» 3.1 Method of Assessing Proiect Impacts ^ The visual impacts of project alternatives are determined by assessing the visual resource change due to the project and predicting viewer response to that change. Visual resource change is the sum of the change in visual character and change in visual quaUty. The first step in determining visual resource change is to assess the compatibility of the proposed project with the visual character of the existing landscape. The second step is to compare the visual quality of the existing resources with projected visual quality after the project is constructed. The viewer response to project changes is the sum of viewer exposure and viewer sensitivity to the project as determined in the preceding section. November 2001 m P Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement te 0m The resulting level of visual impact is determined by combining the severity of resource te change with the degree to which people are likely to oppose the change. ^ 3.2 Definition of Visual Impact Levels p Low - Minor adverse change to the existing visual resource, with low viewer response to il change in the visual environment. May or may not require mitigation. ^ Moderate - Moderate adverse change to the visual resource with moderate viewer response. Impact can be mitigated within five years using conventional practices. E Moderately High - Moderate adverse visual resource change with high viewer response or high adverse visual resource change with moderate viewer response. Extraordinary mitigation J practices may be required. Landscape treatment required will generally take longer than five years to mitigate. E High - A high level of adverse change to the resource or a high level of viewer response to visual change such that architectural design and landscape treatment cannot mitigate the J impacts. Viewer response level is high. An alternative project design may be required to avoid highly adverse impacts. 3.3 Analysis of Key Views Because it is not feasible to analyze all the views in which the proposed project would be seen, it is necessary to select a number of key viewpoints that would most clearly display the visual effects of the project. Key views also represent the primary viewer groups that would potentially be affected by the project. Key view points were selected to provide a range of viewing experiences. Sites were selected that provided a balanced representation of the project aUgnment in each area. Computer simulations have been prepared which show planting as part of the landscaped roadway right-of-way(Figures Z-Z through 2-5). Phase 1 The area immediately surrounding the length of the roadway within the Phase 1 impact area is planned for multi-use development by the City. As illustrated in Figures Z-3 and 2-4, the November 2001 ^^-^^ k m m k p ll Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement roadway is considered to be visually compatible with a mixed-use development planned for the project area. Planned mixed use development along with development of the Phase 1 portion of the Rancho Santa Fe Road project would change the existing visual character from semi-rural to semi-urban. ^ The project will create a new 6-lane roadway through natural open space. Roadway H construction requires several cut and fiU slopes to cross uneven terrain. These features vary in height from 6 meters (20 feet) to 18 meters (60 feet). Incorporation of iandscaping and P step/contour grading into the Phase 1 portion of the project will ensure that some visual ^ elements of the existing rural character of the project area will be carried forward. § ^ Views from the Planned Roadway P The existing Rancho Santa Fe Road offer views of the surrounding open space to the east in • the foreground, middle ground, and background. Views of residential housing are available ^ in the foreground to the west. Travel speeds vary from 72 kilometers (45 miles) per hour (mph) during of-peak hours to single-digit speeds during peak traffic hours. Foreground and middle ground views tend to be viewed at oblique angles. These views decrease in quality as travel speed increases. Background views of the natural open space create the overall setting for the project area and form the basis for the intactness and unity of this landscape unit. Upon implementation of the proposed project, views from the road for north and southbound travelers would include manufactured slopes that extend for approximately 489 meters (1,600 feet) along the western portion of the right-of-way and 366 meters (1,200 feet) of smaller (up to 5 meters [16 feet] in height) cut slopes along the eastern portion of the right-of-way (see Figure 1-Z for plan view of manufactured slopes). Travel speeds of 72 kilometers (45 miles) per hour will be achieved throughout aU hours of the day through Phase 1 of this north-south highway. This increased road speed wiU make detailed elements of foreground and middle ground views less visible. Oblique views of landscaped, contoured cut and fill slopes in the foreground and middle ground views wiU replace existing views of natural open space. Roadway realignment will remove views to residential housing, in the short term, to be replaced by future housing within the viewshed. Views to more distant natural open space will remain unchanged for this project. However, November 2001 Pg.17 p k i m Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement the planned conversion of natural open space to semi-urban land uses such as single-family residential housing, commercial and retails business will change background views and the overaU character of the landscape as these developments proceed. Daily traffic volume on the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road is estimated to be 27,800 ADT between La Costa Avenue and Questhaven Road. SimUar traffic volume can be expected to use the new road. Viewer response to the new roadway is expected to be low because most motorists using this road do not live within the project area and the project wiU ease traffic congestion and increase travel speed through aU hours of the day. The proposed project design incorporates measures to minimize potential impacts to existing land forms and visual quality that are consistent with the Carlsbad Scenic Corridor Guidelines and Hillside Development Regulations. These measures include landscaping manufactured slopes and incorporating step/contour grading techniques to simulate natural terrain. The Project includes hydro seeding aU slopes with a native non-irrigated seed mix. Grading for the roadway project wiU occur prior to grading for the adj acent land development project referred to as the ViUages of La Costa Development (VLC). The VLC grading operations wUl further impact and re-grade the majority of the slopes graded as part of the roadway project. The VLC developer is conditioned to meet the City's HUlside Development ^ Ordinance for aU grading, and complete landscaping and irrigating of the roadway parkways ^ and slopes after grading is completed. The VLC developer is required to meet City standards for development adjacent to the project area. Current plans show planting and irrigation that exceed City standards. Trees impacted wiU be replaced at a 5:1 ratio. ^ Traffic speed and landscape treatments wiU generally moderate adverse visual changes and ^ viewer response from motorists. A moderate level of adverse change to visual resources and low viewer response are expected to occur from construction of the roadway. P b ^ Views from Existing Residences E As shown inFigure Z-1, the visual character of the area in the vicinity of the Phase 1 portion of the proposed project is characterized by natural open space east of the existing roadway P and single family residential uses located west of and adjacent to the existing Rancho Santa * Fe Road. The project is immediateiy surrounded by natural open space comprised of rugged P November 2001 ^^'^^ c c E P t Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement topography and drainages that extend from a larger hUl located to the east. The visual character of the hiUs as weU as the drainages are characterized by native vegetation that has recently grown back from a 1997 fire. Unobstructed views of the area proposed for the roadway are avaUable from these vegetated hiUside areas as well as from northernmost residences located north of the Rancho Santa Fe Road/La Costa Avenue intersection. Most views of the project from residences extending north from the Rancho Santa Fe Road/La Costa Avenue intersection wiU be blocked by a low ridge line. Approximately 47 residences are located along the existing Rancho Santa Fe Road and have the potential for views to the Phase 1 roadway. An intervening low ridge line wUi block the views from 43 (92% of existing residences facing the Phase Iproject area) of these residences to the new roadway as it climbs up the opposite vaUey. No adverse change of visual quality and a low viewer response from these residences is anticipated. Approximately four residences (8% of existing residences facing the Phase 1 project area) that — occupy the highest land in the northernmost portion of this tract wiU have unobstructed § views of the new roadway and cut and fUl slopes. A high level of adverse change to visual resources and high viewer response is expected from these residences. The character of views * from these vantage points wiU be highly altered by the roadway, visual traffic during daylight and nighttime hours, and land form alterations that wiU inciude cut slopes up to 18 meters ^ (60 feet) high. ^ The visual character of the area surrounding the southern portion of the proposed alignment wUl change as the City General Plan is built out. As discussed above, the southern portion of the roadway alignment is currently surrounded by natural open space. These natural open ^ space areas wUl eventually be developed with single family residential uses in accordance with ^ the City of Cadsbad General Plan. The General Plan designates Low Density Residential (0- 1.5 DU/acre) for the area to the east of the roadway. The natural open space area ^ immediately to the west of the roadway wUl eventually be developed with Low-Medium Density Residential (0-4 DU/acre) uses. ^ With only eight percent of residential viewers that wiU experience an adverse change to visual quality, the effect of Phase 1 on existing residential viewers wUl result in a moderate level of g adverse change and low viewer response. November 2001 Pg.19 te k Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement Phase 2 Phase 2 includes the replacement of the bridge over San Marcos Creek, expansion of Rancho Santa Fe Road from a two-lane to six-lane road, and relocation of the Rancho Santa Fe Road/Melrose Avenue intersection. As Ulustrated m Figure Z-1, a majority of the area immediately surroundi ng th e si te consi sts of na turally vegeta ted h illsides. Generally unobstructed views of portions or all of the roadway are avaUable from these hUlsides. Views of the site from the more level San Marcos Creek area to the east of the site are partially to completely obscured by intervening topography, vegetation, and structures. As Ulustrated in Figure 1-Z, the site is visible from the eastern units located within the residential development adjacent to Corintia Avenue. Unobstructed views of the site are avaUable from the three industrial and office structures that are located adjacent to the existing roadway to the east as weU as from a portion of the residential development located between Melrose Avenue and Rancho Santa Fe Road. The grading that is necessary to construct the bridge design as weU as the intersections associated with Phase 2 would involve the use of fUl and cut slopes. Two fiU slopes ranging in height from 5 to 6 meters (15 to 20 feet) are proposed immediately to the south and north of the proposed bridge. Minor fill slopes (< 3 meters [10 feet] in height) are proposed in association with improvements to Questhaven and La Costa Meadows Drive. Grading along the western portion of the road alignment would involve construction of three cut slopes of 5, 12 and 15 meters (16, 40 and 50 feet) in height. Bridge improvements would include replacement of the existing bridge with a single bridge. The new surface of the bridge would be approximately 2 to 4 meters (7-12 feet) taller than the existing facility. The appearance of the bridge as well as grading associated with bridge improvements is iUustrated in Figure 1-Z. The bridge facUity would be relocated east of the existing bridge and involve removal of existing mature trees. The existmg bridge is approximately 14 meters (45 feet) wide and 3 meters (11 feet) higher than the elevation at the floor of San Marcos Creek drainage (approximately 100 meters [327 feet] above msl) at the lowest point. Based on the conceptual roadway design, the surface of the proposed faciHties would be approximately 38 meters (126 feet) wide and located at an elevation of 105 to 107 meters (345-350 feet) msi, which is approximately 6 to 7 meters (18-23 feet) higher than the lowest elevation of the San Marcos Creek drainage. November 2001 ^^"^^ mi E E G m m Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement ^ Views from the Planned Roadway Views from the proposed roadway are iUustrated in Figures Z-3 and 2-4- The vantage point for the simulation in Figure Z-3 is from the proposed roadway approximately 152 meters (500 feet) north of the bridge looking south. The vantage point for the simulation in Figure 2-4 is from the proposed roadway immediately south of the bridge looking south. The existing visual character of Phase 2 is typified by the vaUey through which San Marcos Creek flows. This shaUow valley is surrounded by low rolling hUls that support native chaparral vegetation. The valley bottom is relatively wide and gently sloped. Commercial office buildings are present with associated ornamental landscaping. San Marcos Creek supports a band of mature riparian vegetation composed of native wetland trees (willow and sycamore) and eucalyptus trees that merges with existing ornamental landscape. Two residential developments of various ages occur in the vaUey near Melrose Avenue and Rancho Santa Fe Road within the project area. Two vacant lots of considerable size are present at the Melrose Avenue/Rancho Santa Fe Road intersection. The overaU character of the area is semi-rural. Vividness is low due to the lack of distinctive landforms and buUdings. Intactness and unity are moderate base on the overall setting and the low density of development within the area. Views of the proposed bridge improvements and associated manufactured slopes from southbound travelers on Rancho Santa Fe Road are iUustrated in Figure Z-3. Views of this area from the roadway currently include industrial structures and the bridge and roadway facilities. WhUe the proposed bridge would represent an increase in scale from the existing structure, the bridge structure would not block or obscure any views of natural features such as the hiUsides and the creek from motorists. Measures have been incorporated into the design of the proposed project to reduce the impacts of fiU slopes including landscaping in accordance with City standards, contour P grading of slopes to simulate natural terrain and use of erosion control measures. The bridge design wUl increase the scale of the structure while preserving the character of adjacent riparian vegetation and vaUey topography. InstaUation of the bridge would involve removal of mature trees primarily eucalyptus in vicinity of the bridge. Approximately 6-8 mature trees would be removed. All trees removed would be replaced at a ratio of 5:1 with wUlows and sycamore trees in accordance with City of Carlsbad standards. Trees wiU be planted on the slopes graded adjacent to the San Marcos Creek between the planned VLC project and existing developments. This includes the east side of the roadway south of the creek to E November 2001 k m k m k Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement m, existing San Elijo Road; and also the west side of the roadway north to existing residential J area. Irrigation wUl be provided to ensure the trees are estabUshed. As shown on Figure Z-3, some existing mature trees surrounding the creek and located at the base of the hiU to the P northwest of the creek in the area would remain following bridge construction. By replacing impacted trees, some visual elements of the existing semi-rural character of the area wiU be carried forward. Motorists on Rancho Santa Fe Road wiU achieve speeds up to 72 kilometers (45 mUes) per hour in Phase 2. Oblique views of cut and fUl slopes and to more distant slopes surrounding the valley wUl define the motorist experience. Low viewer response is anticipated due to the high-speed character of the activity and level of visual changes adjacent to the roadway that wiU be discernable by motorists. Implementation of the bridge and slope improvements would have a moderate impact to visual resources, changing the existing visual quality and character from medium to medium- low. ^ Views from Existing Residences Two housmg areas are present that have views of the Phase 2 area. Approximately 22 homes in the residential area north of Corintia (see Figure 1-Z for location of existing residences north of Corintia) overlooks the bridge and roadway. An additional 10 homes backed up to Rancho Santa Fe Road north of Melrose Avenue have views toward the roadway only. The visual character as viewed from these residences is a semi-rural landscape with vacant lots in the foreground, the creek vegetation running through the vaUey bottom forms the middle ground view, and open vegetated hUisides dominate background views. Five existing industrial and office buUdings located near the bridge reduce landscape intactness and unity. The overaU visual quality is moderate due to the presence of vacant, disced lots, and the k urban forms of industrial/office buildings that distract from the overaU natural open space landscape character. The existing view includes a bridge and roadway facUities that are simUar but smaUer than that proposed. Views of the bridge from the Corintia residential area would be partially * obscured by existing project landscape trees, mature eucalyptus trees, and the riparian vegetation associated with San Marcos Creek. Road grades wUl remain essentially the same i as the existing road through the valley resulting in no additionai side slopes. Based on the ll * November 2001 ^^'^^ p I* p p te te te m Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement p, distance of the residential area from the bridge facUities (approximately 305 to 457 meters U [1,000 to 1,500 feet]), the change would affect only middle ground views of the valley bottom. Views for homes backing up to Rancho Santa Fe Road are situated slightly below the existing roadway elevation. The road is partially screened from view by a wooden or concrete fence. The project wUl not alter views from these houses because the road grades would remain essentially unchanged and a new block waU would provide additional screenmg. Construction of the bridge and roadway expansion wiU change the semi-rural character of the valley to semi-urban. Moderate adverse effects to visual quality would result from the increased paved area and bridge width. Protection of riparian vegetation and tree replacement wiU preserve aspects of the rural character. Approximately 32 residential units have views that wiU be altered to varying degrees by the proposed proj ect. Viewer response is expected to be moderate within Phase 2 residential areas due to the distance of viewers from the bridge and existing limited views of the roadway. The project would have a moderate impact to existing visual quahty from medium to medium-low with a change to the visual character from semi-rural to semi-urban ^ Visual Impact to Planned Surrounding Land Uses Planned residential uses northeast of the Rancho Santa Fe Road/ Melrose Drive intersections located in proximity to the roadway would have unobstructed views of the bridge replacement and roadway. However, the foreground views from the planned residences would be similar to the foreground and distant views from the residences and vehicles on the roadway (see Figures 2-3 and 2-5). Viewer response cannot be established for viewers that are not present before changes to visual character and quality occur. However, a low viewer response to the roadway is lUcely because the roadway is compatible with the character of future proposed development that would house these viewers. Pa 23 November 2001 ^ m k p E E Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement • Noise Sound Wall According to the Noise Technical Report prepared for this project, a noise attenuation measure that may be used to reduce project-generated noise is the construction of a sound waU adjacent to three residences. The proposed location and height of the waU is described in the Acoustical Assessment Report - Rancho Santa Fe Road Project - Phase 2 (Dudek & Associates, Inc., July 2001). The decision to construct a waU or other measures achieving equivalent noise mitigation wiU be made during the final approval of the project. Should the sound noise waU be incorporated into the project, special attention wUl be given to the architectural style of the sound waU and planting and irrigation, ensuring CompatibUity with community values and guidelines and for graffiti abatement. Tree and vine planting is included along the entire length of the wall and additional planting wUl be located in areas where room aUows. Starting from the La Costa Avenue intersection, the first 91 meters (300 Unear feet) of the waU includes pUasters spaced approximately 9 meters (30 feet) apart. The slump block is planned to be an earth tone light brown color. This section of masonry waU is limited to tree and vine planting only, on the east side of the wall adjacent to the roadway, due to the limited space between the sidewalk and the sound waU. Modifications to the sidewalk are required to accommodate the tree planters. The west side of the wall, adjacent to the existing residential area, includes the replacement of an existing 0.9 meters (3 feet) high wooden fence and grading along the 2:1 slope. The existing slope is currently covered with iceplant and wiU be replaced if disturbed during construction. The remaining sound waU, approximately 168 meters (550 feet) wiU consist of a masonry waU with pUasters spaced approximately 8.5 meters (28 feet) apart with enclosures, or pop- outs, that WiU provide a niche set back from the sidewalk to provide room for planting trees on the east side of the wall adjacent to the roadway. This waU wUl also consist of an earth tone light brown colored slump block, and wiU aiso include vines trained to the waU. Additional ground cover and flower planting and irrigation wUl be provided between the sidewalk and the sound waU. Views immediately aiong the roadway would be obstructed should the sound waU be incorporated into the project for a distance of approximately 137 meters (450 feet). The proposed sound wall would represent a visual extension of existing sound walls along the alignment and therefore is considered to have a moderate impact to visual resources mainly due to the change of fence materials from wood to concrete block. P ll * November 2001 ^^'^^ p p E Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement f" ~ Pf 3.4 Summary of Project Impacts k _ Combined Evaluation for Phases 1 and 2 E Phases 1 and 2 of the project would change the visual quahty of the immediate area from medium-high to medium-low and would change the visual character of the viewshed from semi-rural to semi-urban. These changes would a result of the conversion of natural open space to human features including a substantial increase in paved roadway surface, cut and fiU slopes, removal of mature riparian trees and eucalyptus, and the introduction of urban built forms such as the proposed bridge and sound waU. However, as provided inAttachment A, Summary of Environmental Commitments, the project has incorporated a number of measures to reduce impacts to visual resources. Incorporation of landscaping, step/contour grading and special architectural treatments wiU ensure that visual elements of the existing visual character of the project area wiU be carried forward. Therefore, overaU impacts to visual resources from implementing both Phases 1 and 2 of the proposed project are considered to E be moderate. P» 4.0 VISUAL MITIGATION k « Caltrans and the FHWA mandate that a qualitative/aesthetic approach should be taken to E mitigate for visual quality loss in the project area. This approach fulfiUs the letter and the spirit of FHWA requirements because it addresses the actual cumulative loss of visual quahty B that wiU occur in the project viewshed when the project is implemented. It also constitutes mitigation that can more readily generate public acceptance of the project. ^ Visual mitigation for adverse project impacts addressed in the key view assessments and summarized in the previous section wUi consist of adhering to the mitigating design P requirements in cooperation with the District 11 Landscape Architect. These requirements • include contour grading, landscaped slopes and median, replacement trees at a 5:1 ratio to those removed, preservation of riparian vegetation outside the bridge construction area, and 2 the use of sound waUs to screen undesirable views. All visual mitigation wiU be designed and implemented with the concurrence of the District 11 Landscape Architect. m te r November 2001 ^^-^^ Iff m P k k i k ATTACHMCNT A Summary of Environmental Commitments Visual Quality/Land form Alteration Professiatuii Teams for Complex Projects im m Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement m p P k Pt Visual Quality/Landform Alteration k • AU grading shaU conform with recommendations of the Carisbad Grading 5 Ordinance and HiUside development regulations. • Proposed manufactured slopes shall not exceed the maximum heights anticipated in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (maximum 30.5 meters [100 feet]). • All temporary exposed manufactured slopes necessary to accommodate the roadway shaU be landscaped immediately with a hydroseed mix and jute matting. • Step grading techniques where feasible shaU be used in the construction of the three cut slopes proposed south of the replacement bridge to simulate existing terrain, as well as to better accommodate hydroseeding and planting efforts. • Grading techniques such as rounding the edges of the cut shall be used to blend the slopes in the existing terrain. • All landscaping on manufactured slopes, as weU as the roadway median shall comply with the guidelines of the City of Carlsbad Scenic Corridor Guidelines ManuaL • The Rancho Santa Fe Road Project includes hydroseeding all slopes with a native non-irrigated seed mix. Grading for the roadway project wUl occur prior to grading for the adjacent land development project referred to as the VUlages of La Costa Development (VLC). The VLC grading operations wiU further impact and re-grade the majority of the slopes graded as part of the roadway project. The VLC developer is conditioned to meet the Cit/s HiUside Development Ordinance for aU grading, and complete landscaping and irrigating of the roadway parkways and slopes after grading is completed. The VLC project is planned to be under construction by 2004. The City is currently plan-checking VLC development plans for the areas adjacent to Rancho Santa Fe Road which is expected to be under construction concurrently with the Rancho Santa Fe Road project. The VLC developer is required to meet City standards; however, current plans show planting and irrigation that exceed City standards including replacement of impacted trees at a 5:1 ratio within the project impact area. PQ 1 r November 2001 ^- k k P Id k Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement The VLC overaU planting scheme wiU reflect a naturalized informal quality through the use of random groupings of trees and irregular ground plane treatments, with tree patterns near developed areas to provide a unique identity. In the parkways, formal rows of Jacaranda wUl be used adjacent to developments. Adjacent to the Jacaranda trees and farther away from the roadway on the slopes, pine groups wUl be planted including Torrey and te Mondale Pines. Where the roadway passes through the conserved habitat area, as identified in the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) associated with this project, native shrubs, grasses and trees such as Holly Oaks wUl be planted. Where Rancho Santa Fe Road crosses the San Marcos Creek, the City is required to mitigate impacts per the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) and CaUfornia Department of Fish and Game (CDFG). These mitigations include restoring the areas directly impacted by construction at a ratio of 1:1 and providing additional mitigations along the San Marcos Creek at a location approximately 1.5 mUes northeast of the roadway project at ratios of 2:1 and 3:1. Willow and sycamore trees wiU be planted at a 5:1 ratio on the slopes graded ^ adjacent to the San Marcos Creek between the planned VLC project and ^ existing developments. This includes the east side of the roadway south of the ^ creek to existing San Elijo Road; and also the west side of the roadway north ^ to the existing residential area. Trees wUl be from 5- to 15-gallon container stock. Irrigation wUl be provided to ensure the trees are established. ^ • Planting and irrigation is included in aU Rancho Santa Fe Road Proj ect medians. Planting and irrigation for median south of La Costa Avenue is included in the ^ Rancho Santa Fe Road plans and designed to City standards. Medians in P Rancho Santa Fe Road north of La Costa Avenue wiU be planted and irrigated by adjacent developers conditioned to do so upon development of the project referred to as the VUlages of La Costa (VLC). The VLC project was approved by the City CouncU on October 23, 2001 and is planned to be under construction by 2004. The City is currently plan-checking VLC development plans for the areas adjacent to Rancho Santa Fe Road which is expected to be under construction concurrently with the Rancho Santa Fe Road project. The J VLC developer is required to meet City standards; however, current plans show planting and irrigation that exceed City standards. The City has closely coordinated with the VLC developer for many design issues inciuding landscaping and irrigation. Rancho Santa Fe Road plans include underground E E P == P * November 2001 Pg.2 Addendum to Visual Assessment for Rancho Santa Fe Road Bridge Replacement fP il E sleeves in the roadway at each median to accommodate for irrigation piping and planting the developer is required to instaU. p • Special attention wUl be given to the architectural style (color, texture and te pUasters) of the sound waU to ensure compatibUity with community values and guidelines and for graffiti abatement. Starting from the La Costa Avenue intersection, the first 300 linear feet of the waU includes pUasters spaced approximately 30 feet apart. The slump block is planned to be an earth tone light brown color. This section of masonry waU is limited to tree and vine planting only, on the east side of the waU adjacent to the roadway, due to the limited space between the sidewalk and the sound wall. Modifications to the sidewalk are required to accommodate the tree planters. The west side of the wall, adjacent to the existing residential area, includes the replacement of an existing 30-inch high wooden fence and grading along the 2:1 slope. The existing slope is currently covered with iceplant and wiU be replaced if disturbed during construction. The remaining sound waU (approximately 550 feet) wUl consist of a masonry wall with pUasters spaced approximately 28 feet apart with enclosures, or pop- outs, that wiU provide a niche setback from the sidewalk to provide room for planting trees on the east side of the waU adjacent to the roadway. This wall wUl also consist of an earth tone light brown colored slump block, and wiU also include vines trained to the waU. Additional ground cover and flower planting and irrigation wiU be provided between the sidewaU< and the sound wall. On the west side of the sound waU adjacent to the existing residential area, additional irrigation and planting wUl be provided on the 3:1 slope that wiU be graded with the roadway construction. Planting consists of trees, ground cover and flowering plants. The existing 30-inch wooden fence wUl be protected in place, or replaced wherever necessary. • Additional measures to restore native vegetation are provided under Biological Resources above. i P» te hi ' November 2001 ^