HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-21; City Council; ; Presentation from the San Diego Association of Governments on the Carlsbad Village and Barrio Railroad Trench AlternativesCITY COUNCIL
Staff Report
CA Review RMC
Meeting Date: July 21, 2020
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: Hossein Ajideh, Engineering Manager
hossein.ajideh@carlsbadca.gov, 760-602-2756
Subject: Presentation from the San Diego Association of Governments on the
Carlsbad Village and Barrio Railroad Trench Alternatives
Recommended Action
Receive an informational presentation from the San Diego Association of Governments on the
status of an analysis of the short trench and long trench alternatives for moving the railroad
tracks below street level in the city's Village and Barrio areas.
Executive Summary
The City of Carlsbad, SANDAG and the North County Transit District have completed an
alternatives analysis for a future railroad trench in the downtown railroad corridor. Two
alternatives, long trench and short trench, were evaluated along the coastal railroad corridor
from the Buena Vista Lagoon in the City of Oceanside to just north of the Agua Hedionda
Lagoon in the City of Carlsbad. The project would place two railroad tracks in a trench below
the level of the roadway, allowing for grade-separated crossings at various locations in the
downtown area. The primary difference between the two alternatives is that Tamarack Avenue
is a grade-separated crossing in the long trench alternative, but remains a road-level crossing in
the short trench alternative. SANDAG will provide an update for the project and the trench
alternatives study.
Discussion
The railroad tracks that run though Carlsbad are part of the nation's second busiest rail
corridor, running 351 miles along the Southern California coastline and serving six counties.
Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, the COASTER commuter train and freight trains run through Carlsbad
on this rail line, which is also known as the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo, or LOSSAN,
rail corridor.
The Carlsbad Village and Barrio double-track project would construct a second railroad track
from Cassidy Street in Oceanside south through Tamarack Avenue in Carlsbad. The two
alternatives would construct the existing track and the new second track in a trench, beneath
the existing street levels.
The first alternative, known as the short trench alternative, would construct the double-track
railroad lowered in a trench passing under vehicular overpasses at Grand Avenue, Carlsbad
July 21, 2020 Item #9 Page 1 of 3
Village Drive and Oak Avenue, with pedestrian overpasses at Beech Avenue near the Carlsbad
Village Station and at Chestnut Avenue.
The second alternative is the long trench alternative, which would construct a railroad trench
passing under vehicular overpasses at Grand Avenue, Carlsbad Village Drive, Oak Avenue,
Chestnut Avenue and Tamarack Avenue, with a pedestrian overpass at Beech Avenue near the
Carlsbad Village Station.
Both trench alternatives would require replacing the Carlsbad Boulevard overcrossing with a
new bridge spanning the tracks. The two alternatives are shown in Exhibit 1.
In 2014, the City Council decided to pursue lowering the railroad tracks through the Village and
Barrio areas due to concerns about the impacts of the increased train traffic and the addition of
a second set of tracks in these two neighborhoods. In 2014, the City of Carlsbad, SANDAG and
the transit district initiated a feasibility study to double-track the railroad tracks in the city's
downtown Village area in a railroad trench below grade. The Carlsbad Village Double Track —
Railroad Trench Alternative Economic Analysis and Feasibility Study was completed in 2017. It
reported that a trench would be feasible in the downtown Village area and would
accommodate the additional double-tracking that is necessary along the corridor.
The analysis updated the preliminary engineering designs and cost estimates. In 2019 dollars,
the short trench is estimated to cost $255 million and the long trench $386 million. City staff
developed a public outreach program for the project that included a well-attended open house
in November 2019 and several informational presentations for smaller groups. At the current
preliminary level of design, the long trench alternative would require acquiring right-of-way
from private property owners near Tamarack Avenue. Staff held meetings with the three
private landowners to inform them of this potential right-of-way acquisition.
Fiscal Analysis
This item has no fiscal impact.
Next Steps
No additional analysis is funded and scheduled at this time.
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
Receiving a presentation does not qualify as a "project" under the California Environmental
Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, as it does not result in a direct or reasonably
foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Public Notification
Public notice of this item was posted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and it was
available for public viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date.
Exhibit
1. Location Map - Carlsbad Village and Barrio Railroad Trench Alternatives
July 21, 2020 Item #9 Page 2 of 3
Exhibit 1
Location Map ‐ Carlsbad Village and Barrio Railroad Trench Alternatives
July 21, 2020 Item #9 Page 3 of 3
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
richard hadley <rhadley1945@gmail.com>
Sunday, July 19, 2020 10:10 AM
City Clerk
RE: Lowering the railroad tracks
All Receive - Agenda Item # I
For the Information of the:
CM' COUNCIL
Date CA CC
CM ACM ---- DCM (3)
Very much in favor of the long trench solution. The current Tamarack railroad crossing is very dangerous for several
reasons.
1. High volume of vehicular traffic.
2. High volume of pedestrian and cycling traffic using Tamarack to get to and from the beach.
3. Unusually high volume of pedestrians (many young children, teens and families) and cycling traffic entering and
exiting the coastal rail trail at Tamarack which is located right next to the Tamarack crossing gates. This situation is
extremely dangerous!
4. There obviously will be increased train traffic in the coming years.
5. When looking at the total scope of the overall cost, community safety, and the construction timeline of this project
the long trench solution really is a no brainer!
Thank you.
Richard and Donna Hadley
rhadley1945@gmail.com
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content
is safe.
1
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From: M. Curtin <mcurtin612@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 9:15 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Comment on Agenda Item 9 - PRESENTATION FROM THE SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION
OF GOVERNMENTS ON THE CARLSBAD VILLAGE AND BARRIO RAILROAD TRENCH
ALTERNATIVES
Trenching the tracks cannot happen fast enough. FULL SPEED AHEAD!!!
All Receive-Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date'-'. )1 CA CC -
CM • ACM DCM (3)
Mike Curtin
Carlsbad, CA 92008
F
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content
is safe.
1
Mia De Marzo
From: Cody Cullen <ccullen@sunsetpharma.conn>
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 8:11 AM
To: City Clerk
Cc: richard hadley; Joseph M Anguiano; Neal Butcher; JoyLynn Murray
Subject: Lowering the Train Tracks - LONG TRENCH SOLUTION All Receive - Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
crryCQUNCIL
Date 2`---42`2-tAL--' )(- CC
CM _VCM \43 DCM (3)•.p
We are in favor of the LONG TRENCH SOLUTION for the train tracks. Having an overpass for Tamarack and Carlsbad Village is the
best solution.
Cody Cullen
Carlsbad, CA 92008
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Carlsbad City,
1
Mia De Marzo
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Carlsbad City,
JoyLynn Murray <joylynn@calljandj.com >
Monday, July 20, 2020 8:43 AM
City Clerk
LONG TRENCH
All Receive - Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
DateINZI:26 cc %lc)
CM \OACM DCM (3)
We are in favor of the LONG TRENCH SOLUTION for the train tracks. Having an overpass for Tamarack and Carlsbad Village is the
best solution.
Eric and JoyLynn Murray
Carlsbad, CA 92008
JoyLynn Murray
J&J Realty I Professional Realty Services
CA DRE# 01890522
M: 760.525.8256
0: 760.683.8334
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
1
Mia De Marzo
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Correspondence.
Sheila Cobian
Monday, July 20, 2020 12:47 PM
Faviola Medina; Tammy Cloud-McMinn; Mia De Marzo
FW: Lowering the Railroad Tracks Update at City Council
All Receive - Agenda Item 14
For the Information of the:
aryzyNCIL
Date 2 LPCC.p
CM VACM 'DCM (3) -tc,
From: Paz Gomez
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 9:33 AM
To: Scott Chadwick <scott.chadwick@carlsbadca.gov>; Geoff Patnoe <Geoff.Patnoe@carlsbadca.gov>; Sheila Cobian
<Sheila.Cobian@carlsbadca.gov>; Kristina Ray <Kristina.Ray@carlsbadca.gov>; Laura Rocha <Laura.Rocha@carlsbadca.gov>;
Gary Barberio <Gary.Barberio@carlsbadca.gov>; David Graham <David.Grahann@carlsbadca.gov>
Cc: Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: FW: Lowering the Railroad Tracks Update at City Council
FYI
From: Frances Ballard On Behalf Of Transportation-Internet
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 9:29 AM
To: Nikki Matosian <Nikki.Matosian@carlsbadca.gov>; Paz Gomez <Paz.Gonnez@carlsbadca.gov>; Hossein Ajideh
<Hossein.Ajideh@carlsbadca.gov>; Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov>; Brandon Miles <Brandon.Miles@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: FW: Lowering the Railroad Tracks Update at City Council
Good morning,
Please see response regarding Railroad project.
Thank you,
(City of
Carlsbad
Frances Ballard 4
Senior Office Specialist
Public Works
Streets
City of Carlsbad
405 Oak Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
www.carlsbadca.gov
760-434-29801 frances.ballard@carlsbadca.gov
Facebook 1 Twitter 1 You Tube 1 Pinterest 1Enews
From: Peter Taylor <prtaylornz@outlook.com>
Sent: Friday, July 17, 2020 4:56 PM
e74
To: Transportation-Internet <Transportation@CarlsbadCA.goy>
Subject: Re: Lowering the Railroad Tracks Update at City Council
Lower it and cover it and make the top park / picnic and outdoor dining.
We don't need this gash through the city...we have the freeway for that.
Lets get creative !
Peter.
Peter R Taylor
Email: prtaylornz@outlook.com
On Jul 17, 2020, at 4:46 PM, City of Carlsbad <transportation@carlsbadca.gov> wrote:
&t.
41
_ ,
_ _
Lowering the Railroad Tracks - Project Update
On Tuesday, July 21, the Carlsbad City Council will receive an update about the potential
project to lower the railroad tracks below street level through Carlsbad Village and Barrio.
The informational agenda item includes a status of the project and findings of the
Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Final Alternatives Analysis Report.
Carlsbad City Council
Tuesday, July 21, 3 p.m.
Agenda - Item #9
Watch the livestream
Participate in the meeting
Providing comments during the City Council meeting is available through a live by phone
option or in writing via email. To participate by phone, sign up no later than one hour
before the start of the meeting. To submit written comments as part of the record email
your comments to clerk@carlsbadca.gov.
About the Project
Train traffic through Carlsbad is expected to double by 2035. To accommodate the
increase, the San Diego Association of Governments is planning to build a second set of
train tracks along the San Diego segment of the rail corridor, from the Orange County line
to Downtown San Diego. To date, two-thirds of this segment has been double tracked.
2
Since the railroad crosses through two of Carlsbad's oldest neighborhoods, the Village
and Barrio, the planned expansion poses unique challenges to the city.
This year, the project team completed the Final Alternatives Analysis Report, which
evaluates two alternatives for lowering the railroad tracks below street level in a trench:
• A short trench running from Carlsbad Boulevard to the north side of Tamarack
Avenue
• Escalated project cost in 2026 is between $290-310 million
• 3.5 years of construction
• A long trench running from Carlsbad Boulevard to the south side of Tamarack
Avenue
• Escalated project cost in 2026 is between $445-465 million
• Four years of construction
A detailed public input report is also included in the analysis report as Attachment I,
starting on page 640. (When you load the document, you may need to scroll to the right
due to landscape formatting).
Learn more about lowering the railroad tracks through Carlsbad.
Next Steps
The project schedule is dependent on securing funding, first for further preliminary design
and environmental studies, then final design and construction. If funding is secured for the
preliminary design and environmental studies, that phase could be completed by 2023,
followed by construction.
This item will also be presented to the NCTD board of directors as an informational item,
tentatively scheduled for November 2020.
Get Updates
Sign up for updates and join the Village and Barrio Railroad Trench list
Contact us at transportation@carlsbadca.gov I 760-602-2746
Mia De Marzo
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Sheila Cobian
Monday, July 20, 2020 12:46 PM
Faviola Medina; Mia De Marzo; Tammy Cloud-McMinn
FW: Carlsbad lowering of the tracks
All Receive-Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
CITY Cp;t11: ,NCIL
Date-41201'1a' \t" CCY
CM '4) ACM •iODCM (3)
Correspondence
From: Paz Gomez
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 9:35 AM
To: Scott Chadwick <scott.chadwick@carlsbadca.gov>; Geoff Patnoe <Geoff.Patnoe@carlsbadca.gov>; Sheila Cobian
<Sheila.Cobian@carlsbadca.gov>; Tom Frank <Tom.Frank@carlsbadca.gov>; Hossein Ajideh <Hossein.Ajideh@carlsbadca.gov>;
Gary Barberio <Gary.Barberio@carlsbadca.gov>; Laura Rocha <Laura.Rocha@carlsbadca.gov>; Kristina Ray
<Kristina.Ray@carlsbadca.gov>; David Graham <David.Graham@carlsbadca.gov>; Jason Haber <Jason.Haber@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: FW: Carlsbad lowering of the tracks
FYI
From: Bob [nnailto:sukup@roadrunnercom]
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 8:39 AM
To: 'Culp, Linda' <Linda.Culp@sandag.org>; Paz Gomez <Paz.Gomez@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: Carlsbad lowering of the tracks
Linda and Paz,
I read through parts of the report. There has been a lot of work done with most of the utility problems well researched. Wow!
Has anybody considered tunneling? I hate to see a big canyon dividing the city with a tremendous amount of useable land lost
with multitudes of possibilities.
I ennailed "The Boring Company" which is Elan Musk's Company but no response. I kind of expected that.
Many years ago I worked for HNTB. I saw in the paper they were working on Coaster realignment studies that included tunnels. I
called the person mentioned in the paper but was no help on the tunneling subject.
How about precast panels like they do for tilt up buildings, then place a concrete lid on it, backfill it, and regain all that land for
passive and active uses. It would be great.
If you find a minute, let me know your thoughts.
A second thanks to both of you for taking time to speak to us at our North County Civil Engineers & Land Surveyor's Association
dinner meetings a while ago.
Bob Sukup
RCE 28302
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
1
Mia De Marzo
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lori Parks <Iparks876@gmail.com >
Monday, July 20, 2020 11:49 AM
City Clerk
train tracks
All Receive - Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
CITY_CWCIL
Date I-CCA ‘y- CC'
CM \Q ACM `(-' DCM (3)1)
Good afternoon,
I live on Chestnut Avenue and it baffles me why we don't have a pedestrian crossing to the beach. I support the long trench plan
for this very reason but I have to ask, why would there have to be car access as well? The high volume of traffic on Chestnut
poses a danger to pedestrians and bicyclists as it is--especially when school is in session.
On a side note: I also think we should have speed bumps on Chestnut as a deterrent for drivers who come barreling down the
hill at great speeds. I was told this wasn't possible because of the current speed limit so why not lower it? It seems like common
sense to me.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my opinions.
Lori Parks
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
1
Mia De Marzo
From: stoneyb <bstoneyj86@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, July 20, 2020 3:44 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench
All Receive -Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
, CITY COUNCIL
Datell 46144 CA `tf? CC
CM \,t9 ACM \to DCM (3) sy:,
Please include this in correspondence for Item 9, City Council Meeting July 21.
Carlsbad City Council:
Thank you for this opportunity to address the Carlsbad City Council on the lowering of the railroad tracks south through Carlsbad Village.
I am in support of the option for a long trench running from Carlsbad Boulevard to the south side of Tamarack Avenue. There are several
reasons why this alternative makes the most sense for our community. First and foremost, this option optimizes safety and security by
minimizing the interface of trains with pedestrians and vehicles. As noted in the overview, train traffic is expected to double by 2035. It is
logical to assume that there will be a commensurate increase in both vehicular and pedestrian traffic with the resultant increased opportunity for
more accidents of the type that Carlsbad has unfortunately already experienced.
Secondly, with the increased train traffic comes the increase in required train horns blowing through some of the most heavily populated areas
in our community This will have a profound effect on the quality of life in these areas, impacting both the health and well-being of the
residents and as well as property values. Trenching the trains will alleviate the need for horns and will reduce the overall sound of the trains as
they move through the community
Lastly, opting for the short trench alternative would be very short-sighted, as the long trench can be completed in only a six months' additional
construction time frame and for a relatively low additional cost.
To see the benefits of the long trench option, one needs only to look a few miles south to Solana Beach, where the train trench runs almost the
entire length of the city, with very little impact on the community while minimizing noise and enhancing safety. Carlsbad deserves no less.
Respectfully,
Bradford Jacobs
Carlsbad Resident
Brad Jacobs
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
1
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From: Larry Weinberger <larryweinberger@gmail.com >
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 7:42 AM
All Receive - Agenda Item # To: City Clerk For the Information of the: Subject: Item #9- railroad tracks CITY COUNCIL
Date / a CA CC
CM ACM v DCM (3) v
Hi! Thanks for continuing with the work for the hopeful lowering of the tracks in the fuETre. It is my understanding that
nothing is being done to make the area in and around Carlsbad Village a "quiet zone". If that is true, why can't both
ideas be tracked simultaneously so the "quiet zone" can become a reality way before the track lowering is begun, if
ever.
If there is an active process underway to realize the "quiet zone", what is being done and what has still to be done to get
final approval? How long will the work take to complete after approval and is there likely funding for the work?
Thanks so much!
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content
is safe.
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Pete Penseyres <cyclovet11@yahoo.com>
Monday, July 20, 2020 11:13 PM
City Clerk
City Council Agenda Item #9 Comments
C
All Receive - Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date -/ 01 CA CC
CM - ACM - DCM (3) -
Honorable Mayor Hall and Council Members
Lowering the RR Tracks in the Village and Barrio
The issue appears to be settled in terms of long vs. short option. The majority favor the long option,
especially when some of those favoring the short option stated that it was because the Chestnut
overcrossing would be bikes and peds only. And some of those who supported the long option stated
specifically that the Chestnut option should not include motor vehicles.
There are a number of reasons why we believe Chestnut should only have a bikes and peds
overcrossing.
1. The Coastal Rail Trail between Tamarack and the Village, which is currently uninterrupted by
vehicle traffic, would be cut in two. How would ROW between motorists and bicyclists/pedestrians be
assigned at the new intersection? Would a traffic light be required? A roundabout? Would any trees
need to be removed to provide additional sight distance at the intersection? What other options are
feasible to reduce/eliminate car/bike and car/ped crashes at this new intersection?
2. We have been told that CalTrans has agreed to improve the Chestnut/I-5 undercrossing for non-
motorized users. Will the City designate Chestnut as a Bike Boulevard where bicycle travel is
encouraged and enhanced by discouraging cut-through motor vehicle traffic? The Village and Barrio
plan calls for this.
3. Noise levels in the Barrio on and near Chestnut would increase with a motor vehicle crossing.
4. How would encouraging more driving by including a new neighborhood cut through advance the
City efforts to meet its Climate Action Plan goals? Reduce VMT?
Please act now to approve the long trench option with a bikes/ped only crossing at Chestnut. Then
encourage that the planning be done as soon as possible by every legal and transparent means to
get the slightly modified plan shovel ready in the event that the nation provides infrastructure
improvements as a priority with new funding sources.
Thank you.
Pete Penseyres and Joan LeBlanc
Carlsbad, CA 92008
1
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Alice <vintagemap@gmail.com>
Monday, July 20, 2020 10:43 PM
City Clerk
Lowering the tracks
All Receive - Agenda Item # /
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date I CA CC
CM ----ACM DCM (3)
Hello City,
Public input regarding this issue may have already been completed, but I can't resist sending my opinion.
If the council determines trenching is best for the city, the longer the trenching and lowering the tracks the
better -- At least to the south of Tamarack. That will allow the Barrio residents to get to the coast and will
lower noise levels for those living closest to the tracks. It will also eliminate the traffic problem on Tamarack
needing to stop for 100 daily trains. If you would decide to only trench under carlsbad village drive, it would
appear that the Barrio and Tamarack is considered less important than the village. Which we know is not true.
Tamarack is a very busy street leading directly to beach parking too. Yes business is more abundant on and
near CVD but let's not only think of businesses. Let's think of our city's residents!
Thanks for reading my opinion!
Ali Pendleton
tg: Ciao for now
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe.
1
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
City Clerk
Bob <sukup@roadrunner.com>
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 11:39 AM
City Clerk
Lowering of the train tracks through Carlsbad
All Receive - Agenda Item #
For the Information of the:
arf COUNCIL
Date 2LJL CA CC -
CM - ACM DCM (3)
I would like to enter into the conversation if any consideration has been given to tunneling for the lowering of the tracks
or installing prefab concrete panels for the sides like they do in tilt up buildings, dropping a prefab lid on top of the walls,
then backfilling to existing grade elevation. It would be great to avoid this gaping canyon that cuts a division line in the
city and eliminates a tremendous amount of area that could support a wide variety of social/city/neighborhood
activities.
Thank you,
Robert Sukup
Long time Carlsbad Resident and Registered Civil Engineer
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content
is safe.
1
Tammy Cloud-McMinn
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Lin Ball <linjball@gmail.com >
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 11:52 AM
City Clerk
Railroad underground project
All Receive - Agenda Item # ci
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date )1 CA CC
CM ACM -- DCM (3)
We live in oceanpointe condos off chinquapin right at the railroad tracks. We feel the long underground
version would better than the short version. The short version won't change the behavior on tamarack of
pedestrians or drivers or decrease the train horn noise. The long version also supports the rail trail into town.
Thanks for listening.
Lin and Joe Ball
Carlsbad 92008
Linjball@gmail.com
Sent from my iPhone
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe.
Tammy Cloud-McMinn ( All Receive - Agenda Item # i
For the Information of the:
From: AM Lafferty <alaff.nsad@gmail.com> CITY COUNCIL
Sent: Tuesday, July 21, 2020 1:04 PM Date /0-1 CA v7 CC '
To: City Clerk CM ,.-----ACM --DCM (3) ---
Cc: Don Neu
Subject: City Council meeting - 7/21/2020 - Item #9 - SAN DAG rail trench
PLEASE READ AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY — THANK YOU
Dear Mayor Hall and Carlsbad City Council Members,
Regarding agenda item number 9, the presentation from San Diego Association of Governments on the Carlsbad
Village and Barrio railroad trench alternatives:
Please add my support to the selection of the Long Trench option, running from Carlsbad Boulevard to the south
side of Tamarack Avenue.
Resulting from the redefined zoning in the Village and Barrio Masterplan, the allowable residential density planned
shall increase. Understanding the SANDAG report identifies a preference for a pedestrian and bicycle crossing at
Chestnut, please note there is currently limited vehicular egress from the Barrio, due to the following boundaries:
West (between Tamarack and Carlsbad Village Drive due to the railroad tracks and rail trail),
South (limited egress at the intersection of Jefferson between Magnolia and Anchor), and
North (Chestnut is the only 1-5 freeway underpass between Tamarack and Carlsbad Village Drive).
Including another method to provide at least emergency services to the Barrio should be considered within this
proposal. A bridge at Chestnut, including cars, could alleviate the currently restricted access to the Barrio
neighborhood and provide additional egress for future development.
Thank you for pursuing this study and for continuing to plan for Carlsbad's future.
Sincerely,
Alicia Lafferty
Carlsbad CA 92008
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content
is safe.
1
Carlsbad Village Railroad Trench Alternatives Analysis
City of Carlsbad | July 21, 2020
S. a ••o·•G _:gJJ ~~ NORTH COUNTY -..::::-4llllllii ~•-J .a ,,.,,.,..,. TRANSIT DISTRICT -
LOSSAN ---I~
Coastal Rail Corridor ~-_____.::,~c....=!.._!
\
• \Cc ityof
Carlsbad
Cal i fornia
KeepSanOiegoMoving.com
LOSSAN Rail Corridor –San Diego
Progress Report
Funding:
•Total amount funded: $884M
•Total funds required: $1.0B
•Current schedule projected through 2030
32 Total Projects:
•14 open to public
•5 in construction
•9 in design/environmental
•4 projects in planning
2SAIVDAG NORTH COUNff -.,_ 4iiliiii
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
San Mateo Creek Bridge
San Onofre Creek Double Track :,\ Camp Pendleton
San Onofre Bridge Replacements ~ Mag~;/0 rps
North Green Beach --...,. ~g
San Onofre to Pulgas Double Track P1 ~-~-
San Onofre to Pulgas Double Track P2 ~
Santa Margarita River Bridge
Eastbrook to Shell Double Track --~,
Oceanside Through Track -➔ •♦. 0 .d
C I b dv.11 T h ~~ oeansI e ars a I age renc • -~
Carlsbad Village Double Track -----'~(\ '-=-' "-
Carlsbad Double Track ---~,\Carl bad
:>oinse1 a S " I0n ·o eI Ie s ~~
Batiquitos Lagoon Double Track ....__ \\
La Costa to Encinitas Double Track -~ W
El Portal Pedestrian Crossing ---.. E . "t f0 Santa Fe Pedestrian Crossing --:-.: ~,nc~ as
San Elijo Lagoon Double Track -~\S-olana Beach
Chesterfield Drive Crossing Improvements /...,, \ \ Del M ~
San D1egu1to Double Track a_nd Platform ~;iii ~ f
Del Mar BluffsStab11izat1on Ill ~•w Mira ar
Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization IV & V •• ,.
Los Penasquitos Lagoon Bridges
Sorrento Valley Double Track •
Sorrento to Miramar I
Sorrento to Miramar 11
Rose Canyon Bridge Replacements
Br. 257.2 Replacement
E, a to arena Doi •le T ac
Tecolote/Washington St. Crossovers
Sa1 Dle!JO P •e B11dge Project in Planning
• Project in Design
• Project in Construction
• Open to Public
• ClosedOut
LOSSAN Programmatic Environmental Impact
Report/Environmental Impact Study (2009)
•Programmatic look at corridor
between Los Angeles and San Diego
•Lead Agencies: Federal Railroad
Administration (FRA) and Caltrans
•Includes both at-grade and trench
double track alternatives in City of
Carlsbad
•Both are to be carried forward in
project-level analysis prior to making
alignment decision
3SANDAG NORTH COUNTY -.., ~
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Railroad AdmlnlS1ratlon
Record of Decision
Los Angeles to San Diego, California (LOSSAN)
Proposed Rail Corridor Improvements
This Reca-d afOecisioo (ROD) records the deci9oo of the Federal R:ailroadJlr.drTinritration (FRA),
en operating admllistration of tt,e U.S. Department of Transportaticn. wih regard to the Los
1'<1geles to San Diego (LOSSANl Proposed Roil Comdor Improvements proposed t,y the
California Department of Transpcrtatioo (Oepartmenti. at Ile initial prograrrme.tic phase of
environmental review. In making thk; decis.ioo. FRA considered the information and analysis
contained in the Draft 2nd Final Frogram Environmental Impact Repcrt/En\lirot'V"Aef\tal Impact
Slatement (EIRIEIS) for LOSSAN roil c-inprovements, •• well as public and a_gency
comments This ROD has been drafted In accordance wlh the Coonc,I on Environmental Quality's
(CEO) regulations rnplementlng the NoUonol Environmentol Policy I'd (NEPA) (40 CFR §
1505.2) and FRA Environmefltal Procedures (64 Fed. Reg. 26545. May 26. 1999). Specifically,
this ROD:
3ates FRA's decis.ioo on tile pr0p05ed LOSSAN reil ccrridor in1)rc:Nement optioos.
Provides baekground oo m~ proposed LOSSAJ\I rail caridor inprovements and tt,e
NEPA tiering proce5s.
Describes FRA'-s role i"l the LOSSAN rail COl'Tidor irnprovemen~ p,0!73m.
Desc,lbes the faders considered by the FAA" ma.king this dea5'0f1,
Identifies the !.Item~ con5idered by the FRA.
Surrmarizes env,ronmentat bene1\ts and adverse inpacts.
Surrrnalizes the commencs received oo the Fina1 Program EIR/EIS.
Olseusses mea.sures to mfnlmlze e-n\oironmen1a1 harm
Describes c.omplance with d her federal regulations.
Dosctlbes sane tnr.ial next st&ps 1'1 lhe tiered ertvronmentaJ re\1ew process
1. Decision
The LOSSAN Progrom EIR/EIS is the first programmatc phase of a tiered en\lironmental re~ew
process and tho FAA, r, cooperation WCll 11,e Depa~ment. Is mal<ing Intl al Md broad decisions on
th.e proposed LOSSAN cooida' mprovements. The Department is the agency ~ Ce.lifcrnls ste.te
go,,emment sef\1:0g es the State lead agency irl c~liance Mh the Califcmia Environmental
OIJal<y />;;I. (CEOA) (Cal PRC § 21000 et seq,), As Federal co-lead Oll"flCY for the Program
At-Grade Double
Track Project
Carlsbad Village Double Track Project
(At-Grade Option)
Improvements:
•Adds one mile of double track
•Enhances station platform
•Constructs pedestrian underpass at station and new Buena Vista Lagoon bridge
•All improvements within railroad right of way
Project Cost:
•$87 million ($5.7m funded)
Status:
•Preliminary Engineering/Environmental Complete
•No additional funding
5SANDAG NORTH COUNTY -..._ ~
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Double Track
Railroad Trench
Alternatives
Two Trench Alternatives
•Short Trench: 6,000 feet; 6 new overpasses
•Long Trench: 8,400 feet; 7 new overpasses; requires property acquisition
•Both:
•Construct two railroad tracks over same section as At-Grade option
•Construct least one temporary (shoofly) track at grade
•Depth between 25 and 30 feet below grade
•Require width of 55 feet across
•Replace railroad bridge across Buena Vista Lagoon
•Require reconstruction of Carlsbad Blvd overpass
7S D··G NORTH COUNTY -... 411111111111 ~ .,_ TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Two Trench Alternatives
(continued)
8
•Long trench includes
grade separation at
Tamarack Avenue
•Grade separation at
Chestnut Avenue
proposed under both
alternatives;
bicycle/pedestrian only
under short trench
SANDAG NORTH COUNTY -..._ ~
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
---
Short Trench
Long Trench
Included in
both options
.... o'> # .. '
Typical Trench Section
9SANDAG
R/W
SAFETY FENCE
VARIES
(40' TO 70')
PROPOSED STRUTS
25.0'
MAIN
lRACK 2
CL
55'
15'
EXIS11NG
TRAO< '-
IIAAIN
TRACK 1
CL
24.5'
15.0'
VARIES
(115' TO 140')
VARIES
(25' T JO')
R/W
Typical Trench Section South of Station
Looking North
NORTH COUNff -..., ~
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Trench Structure: Constraints
•Proximity of existing utilities
•High groundwater table
•At least one temporary shoofly track during
construction
•Vertical clearance under overpass structures
•Available right-of-way
10S D··G NORTH COUNTY -... 411111111111 ~ .,_ TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Constructability
•Construction would be phased to maintain
ongoing railroad operations
•Required temporary track and station platforms
result in loss of parking during construction
•On-street traffic would be maintained
•Trench would remove 400,000-600,000 cubic
yards of earth over 8-12 months
•Overall construction duration of 4 years
11S D··G NORTH COUNTY -... 411111111111 ~ .,_ TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Project Benefits
•Roadway circulation and beach access
•Public safety and first response
•Railroad operations
•Environmental benefits
•Economic benefits
12S .... 0 •• 6 NORTH couNTY -... ~ ~-J .,_ TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Technical Evaluation of Alternatives
•Minimize Impacts to Rail Operations
•Minimize Environmental Impacts
•Maximize Community Acceptance
•Improve Local Circulation/Emergency Response
•Maximize Economic Benefit
•Minimize Construction Impacts
13S D··G NORTH COUNTY -... 411111111111 ~ .,_ TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Technical Evaluation of Alternatives
•Project Development Team (City, SANDAG, NCTD,
TYLI, BRG) developed criteria and scoring
•Long Trench scored highest based on evaluation
criteria
•One variation to Short Trench:
–Improvements to
at-grade crossing
at Tamarack Avenue
to allow for Quiet Zone
14S .... 0 •• 6 NORTH couNTY -... ~ ~-J .,_ TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Public Outreach
•November 2019, Public Workshop
•Presentations to community groups
•On-line Survey
Participants expressed support for Long Trench Alternative,
pending more information on funding
15SANDAG NORTH COUNTY -..._ ~
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Project Cost Estimates
•Estimates based on 26 feet of vertical clearance standard:
•Per NCTD, 24 feet of vertical clearance may be possible:
16
Alternative 2020 $s
Short Trench $245 -$265 million
Long Trench $375 -$395 million
Alternative Construction Cost
Savings (20 $s)
Short Trench $9 million
Long Trench $16 million
S D··G NORTH COUNTY -... 411111111111 ~ .,_ TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Existing Condition
17SANDAG NORTH COUNTY -..._ ~
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Future Condition
18SAIVDAG NORTH COUNTY -.;,. ii!iiiiill
TRANSIT DISTRICI -
Future Condition (park option)
19SANDAG NORTH COUNTY -..._ ~
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Existing Condition
20SANDAG NORTH COUNTY -..._ ~
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Future Condition
21SANDAG NORTH COUNTY -..._ ~
TRANSIT DISTRICT -
Next Steps
•Additional presentations:
–May 4, 2020, Traffic and Mobility Commission
–November 19, 2020, NCTD Board of Directors
•No additional funding has been identified for future
phases including environmental, design, or
construction
•Project will be included in upcoming rail corridor
improvement study
22S D··G NORTH COUNTY -... 411111111111 ~ .,_ TRANSIT DISTRICT -
LOSSAN Coastal Rail Corridor
23
QUESTIONS?
Project Info: KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/LOSSAN
Linda Culp, Principal Planner SANDAG. Email lcu@sandag.org or Ph 619 699 6957
S .... 0 •• 6 NORTH couNTY -... ~ ~-J .,_ TRANSIT DISTRICT -