HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-07-05; Traffic and Mobility Commission; ; Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping between Manzano Drive and Island Way, Bike Lane Improvements at Five Locations on Carlsbad Boulevard and Three Sustainable Mobility Plan BikMeeting Date: July 5, 2022
To: Traffic and Mobility Commission
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: Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping between Manzano Drive and Island Way,
Bike Lane Improvements at Five Locations on Carlsbad Boulevard and
Three Sustainable Mobility Plan Bike Enhancement Projects
Recommended Action
Receive a presentation and provide direction to staff regarding Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping
between Manzano Drive and Island Way, bike lane improvements at five locations on Carlsbad
Boulevard (CIP Project No. 6096), and Three Sustainable Mobility Plan Bike Enhancement
Projects - La Costa Avenue at the intersections of Piraeus; Saxony and El Camino Real, (CIP
Project No. 6101); Jefferson Street between Las Flores Drive and I-5 Overpass, (CIP Project No.
6100); and Paseo Del Norte and Cannon Road intersection, (CIP Project No. 6095).
Background
City of Carlsbad is currently working on the grant-funded South Carlsbad Boulevard Climate
Adaptation Project. This project will propose conceptual designs to move the current roadway
between Palomar Airport Road and Island Way to the east to avoid the impacts caused by
predicted sea level rise. The conceptual design will accommodate both directions of travel in
what is currently the northbound roadbed, effectively moving the roadway to the east.
As an interim effort to address climate adaptation along South Carlsbad Boulevard, the City is
proposing to restripe southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Manzano Drive to Island Way,
including a reduction from two lanes to one lane while maintaining the bike lane and on-street
parking that exists today. Reducing the number of travel lanes on southbound Carlsbad
Boulevard would provide width on the roadway to shift traffic to the east, away from the coast,
and provide enhancements to the existing bike lane and additional on-street parking on west
side of the street.
Carlsbad Boulevard is a Coastal Street typology in the City Mobility Element of the General Plan.
Primary purpose is to move people along the city’s ocean waterfront and connect people to the
beach, recreation, businesses and residences in close proximity to the waterfront. The street
July 5, 2022 Item #2 1
serves as a destination for people who seek to drive, walk and bicycle along the ocean
waterfront. Other preferred attributes are described on page 3-13 of the Mobility Element. Its
important to note, that Carlsbad Boulevard is subject to Multimodal Level of Service Standards
for pedestrian and bicyclists, but not for vehicles or public transit.
In December 2020, the city executed an agreement with Michael Baker International to prepare
a design package for the Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping Project to restripe southbound Carlsbad
Boulevard between Manzano Drive and Island Way. As part of the project, the consultant will
also provide design for bike lane improvements at five intersections on Carlsbad Boulevard, at
Lanika Lane, Breakwater Road, Poinsettia Lane, Ponto Road and Avenida Encinas.
In March 2022, the agreement with Michael Baker International was amended to include design
for three SMP bike enhancement CIP projects. These projects are located on La Costa Avenue at
the intersections of Piraeus, Saxony and El Camino Real, Jefferson Street between Las Flores
Drive and I-5 Overpass and at Paseo Del Norte and Cannon Road intersection.
All of the work for this proposed project is signing and striping only.
Discussion
Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping Project
Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard has one travel lane from Manzano Drive to Solamar Drive and
transitions to two lanes at the intersection of Solamar Drive. The approximately 1.3-mile long
segment has two 10-foot travel lanes and an 8-foot bike lane between Solamar Drive and Island
Way. A 2-foot buffer adjacent to the bike lane is provided for approximately 0.4 mile of the
segment. Angled on-street parking is provided along the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard for
approximately 360 feet. There is no sidewalk on Carlsbad Boulevard between Manzano Drive
and Island Way. However, pedestrians have been observed utilizing the existing bike lane along
the segment of Carlsbad Boulevard to access the coast.
This project will feature the following interim improvements on Carlsbad Boulevard between
Manzano Drive and Island Way. The 90% project design plans are provided in Exhibit 2.
• Stripe one 10-foot travel lane, a 2-foot buffer and an 8-foot bike lane on southbound
Carlsbad Boulevard between Manzano Drive and Island Way.
• Provide a 1 to 8-foot wide shoulder along the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard.
• Add dashed green paint bike lane to highlight conflict areas.
• Add approximately 300 feet of parallel on-street parking (approximately 20 20-foot long
parking spots) adjacent to the existing parking lot just north of Island Way. A 3-foot
buffer will be provided between the bike lane and this proposed parking lane. The
existing angled on-street parking just south of Solamar Drive will be maintained.
• Add dashed green paint bike lane to highlight conflict areas and add green paint along
bike lane adjacent to dedicated right-turn pocket at five intersections on Carlsbad
Boulevard. These intersections are located at Lanikai Lane, Breakwater Road, Poinsettia
Lane, Ponto Road and Avenida Encinas.
July 5, 2022 Item #2 2
Policy 3-P.15 of the Mobility Element states that, “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 LOS D. . . .” A traffic memorandum, provided in Exhibit 3, was prepared
to summarize the roadway segment analysis performed for the proposed lane reduction, from
two to one lane, on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Solamar Drive and Island Way.
The roadway segment analysis utilized the City of Carlsbad’s Service Volume Tables Report,
dated May 2021, to evaluate the segment under Existing Conditions and Conditions with
Proposed Modifications. Table 1 below summarizes the roadway segment analysis results.
Under Existing Conditions, the study segment of Carlsbad Boulevard has a roadway capacity of
1,820 vehicles during peak hour travel and the roadway operates at a Level of Service, or LOS, C
during the AM and PM peak hours on both weekdays and weekends. With the proposed
modifications, the study segment of Carlsbad Boulevard will have a roadway capacity of 910
vehicles during peak hour travel and will operate at LOS C and D during AM and PM peak hours,
respectively, on weekdays and LOS D during peak hours on weekends.
Table 1 – Summary of Roadway Segment Analysis Results for Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard
between Solamar Drive and Island Way
Weekday/
Weekend
Lanes/
Speed/
Median(1)
Segment
Capacity (2)
(veh/hr)
Mid-Day
Peak Hour AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Volume
(Veh/hr) LOS Volume
(Veh/hr) LOS Volume
(Veh/hr) LOS
Existing Conditions
Weekday 2/50/D 1,820 N/A 365 C 623 C
Weekend 2/50/D 1,820 821 C N/A
Conditions with Proposed Modifications
Weekday 1/50/D 920 N/A 365 C 623 D
Weekend 1/50/D 920 821 D N/A
(1) 1/50/D = Number of lanes, posted speed limit, Divided (D) Road (2) Source: City of Carlsbad Segment Volume Table Report
SMP Bike Enhancement Projects
Three SMP bike enhancement projects were programmed into the FY21/22 CIP. These projects
will enhance existing bike facilities with modifications to signing and striping on La Costa
Avenue at the intersections of Piraeus, Saxony and El Camino Real, Jefferson Street between
Las Flores Drive and the I-5 Overpass and at the Paseo Del Norte and Cannon Road intersection.
The 90% project design plans are provided in Exhibit 2. The proposed bike enhancements of the
three projects are provided below.
La Costa Avenue at the intersections of Piraeus, Saxony and El Camino Real, CIP Project No.
6101
The project will add a dashed green paint bike lane to highlight conflict areas and green paint to
the bike lane adjacent to the dedicated right-turn pocket on La Costa Avenue at the
intersections of Piraeus, Saxony and El Camino Real.
July 5, 2022 Item #2 3
Jefferson Street between Las Flores Drive and I-5 Overpass, CIP Project No. 6100
There are currently sharrows on Jefferson Street between Las Flores Drive and the I-5 Overpass
and a bike lane on each side of Jefferson Street east of the I-5 Overpass. The project will add a
bike lane on Jefferson Street in the northbound direction from Las Flores Drive to the I-5
Overpass which will serve as a climbing lane uphill for bikes. On-street parking is currently
allowed on both sides of the street except between the hours of 8am and 12pm on the first and
third Wednesday of the month for street sweeping. With the proposed bike lane, on-street
parking on the east side of the street will be prohibited between Las Flores Drive and the I-5
Overpass. The southbound bike lane on Jefferson Street will be extended to the crest of the
roadway at the I-5 Overpass. Center-striping on Jefferson Street between Las Flores Drive and
the I-5 Overpass will be shifted to provide room for the proposed bike lanes.
Paseo Del Norte and Cannon Road Intersection, CIP No. 6095
On March 1, 2021, the Traffic & Mobility Commission provided comments on the preliminary
design for bike improvements on Cannon Road at Paseo Del Norte to reduce vehicle/bike
conflicts on westbound Cannon Road approaching the I-5 northbound ramp intersection. This
project incorporated comments received from the commission and proposes the following bike
improvements at the intersection:
• Narrow the eastbound travel lanes from 12 to 11 feet and provide a 7-foot bike lane in
the eastbound direction of Cannon Road between the I-5 northbound ramps and Paseo
Del Norte.
• Add sharrows on the middle of the three northbound lanes on Paseo Del Norte and on
the middle lane of the three westbound lanes on Cannon Road approaching the I-5
northbound ramp intersection.
• Modify the existing bike lane on westbound Cannon Road at the intersection of Paseo
Del Norte to better position bikers to ride in the middle of the three lanes approaching
the I-5 northbound ramp intersection.
Necessary Council Action
City Council approval will be required for the proposed lane reduction on southbound Carlsbad
Boulevard per General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.15 (“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
LOS D.”).
City Council approval and authorization to solicit and receive bids to construct the projects will
be required because construction of all the projects is estimated to cost $480,000.
Next Steps
Upon receiving input from the Traffic & Mobility Commission, staff will finalize the design
package for the projects. Staff plan to present the final design plans to the Traffic & Mobility
Commission in summer 2022 and then to the City Council for approval and authorization to
solicit bids to construct the projects.
July 5, 2022 Item #2 4
Exhibits
1. Location Map
2. 90% Project Design Plans
3. Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping Traffic Memorandum
July 5, 2022 Item #2 5
1
LOCATION MAP
PROJECT LOCATIONS
1. CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT, CIP PROJECT No. 6096
2. LA COSTA AVE, CIP PROJECT No. 6101
3. JEFFERSON ST, CIP PROJECT No. 6100
4. PASEO DEL NORTE AND CANNON RD, CIP PROJECT No. 6095
3
2
4
1
July 5, 2022 Item #2 6
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
VICINITY MAP
SIGNING AND STRIPING NOTES
"DECLARATION OF RESPONSIBLE CHARGE"
SIGNING AND STRIPING PLANS
CITY OF CARLSBAD
CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA
CONTRACT NO. XXXX
FOR
SHEET INDEX
WORK TO BE DONE
PROJECT LOCATION
CITY COUNCIL
DETAIL A - WORD AND ARROW
BIKE LANE MARKING
DETAIL B - GREEN BIKE LANE SKIP
SIGN LEGEND
1
LANE
ENDS
RIGHTDO
NOT
PASS
NO
BEGIN END
PARK
PARALLEL
DETAIL C - CARLSBAD BLVD RED CURB
“”“”“”
“”
“”
MUST
TURN RIGHT
RIGHT LANE
PROJECT LOCATIONS
CARLSBAD BOULEVARD FROM MANZANO DRIVE TO ISLAND WAY
JEFFERSON STREET AT I-5 OVERPASS
LA COSTA AVENUE AT PIRAEUS STREET, SAXONY ROAD, AND EL CAMINO REAL
CANNON ROAD FROM I-5 TO EAST OF PASEO DEL NORTE
LIMIT
SPEED NO
ONLY
RIGHT LANE
FREEWAY ONLY
RIGHT LANE
FREEWAY
AHEAD
Exhibit 2
July 5, 2022 Item #2 7
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
TAPER LENGTH CALCULATION
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
®
2
®
July 5, 2022 Item #2 8
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
3
TAPER LENGTH CALCULATION
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
July 5, 2022 Item #2 9
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
TAPER LENGTH CALCULATION
®
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
4
®
July 5, 2022 Item #2 10
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
5
July 5, 2022 Item #2 11
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
6
July 5, 2022 Item #2 12
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
7TAPER LENGTH CALCULATION
®
July 5, 2022 Item #2 13
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
8
July 5, 2022 Item #2 14
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
9
TAPER LENGTH CALCULATION
®
July 5, 2022 Item #2 15
SIGNING AND STRIPING LEGEND:
5050 Avenida Encinas
Suite 260
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Phone: (760) 476-9193
MBAKERINTL.COM
10
CARLSBAD STRIPING IMPROVEMENTS
10
July 5, 2022 Item #2 16
5050 Avenida Encinas, Suite 260 | Carlsbad, CA 92008
Office: 760-476-9193 | Fax: 760-476-9198 | mbakerintl.com MBAKERINTL.COM
November 9, 2021
John T. Kim, PE, TE
City Traffic Engineer
Traffic & Mobility Division
City of Carlsbad
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Re: Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping (PSA21-1350TRAN) – Roadway Segment Analysis
Michael Baker International (Michael Baker) conducted a roadway segment level of service (LOS)
analysis for southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Solamar Drive to Island Way. In efforts to
address climate adaptation along this segment of Carlsbad Boulevard, the City is planning to
restripe the southbound travel lanes from two lanes to one lane while maintaining the bicycle
lane and on-street parking that exists today. The City of Carlsbad Service Volume Tables Report
dated May 2021 was used to evaluate southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Solamar Drive to
Island Way under Existing Conditions and conditions with Proposed Modifications.
Existing Conditions:
Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard between Solamar Drive and Island Way provides two 10-foot
travel lanes, a two-foot buffer, and an 8-foot striped bicycle lane. Angled parking is currently
provided along the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard for approximately 360 feet which translates
to approximately 30 parking spaces.
New traffic counts were collected by National Data Services (NDS) on Saturday (June 12th),
Sunday (June 13th), Tuesday (June 15th), and Wednesday (June 16th) in 2021 on Carlsbad
Boulevard between Solamar Drive and Island Way. On all four days, 24-hour counts were
collected in order to obtain the peak hour volumes during the weekday and weekend. For the
weekday segment analysis, the peak hour volumes within the AM (between 7:00 and 9:00) and
PM (between 4:00 and 6:00) peak periods were used for the analysis. For the weekend segment
analysis, the mid-day peak hour volumes were used which occurred between 11:45 AM and 12:45
PM on Saturday (June 12th) and Sunday (June 13th).
Carlsbad Boulevard is not identified as a “Specific Corridor” in Table 1 (Roadway Service Volume
Table-Specific Corridor) of the City of Carlsbad Service Volume Tables Report; therefore, Table 2
(Roadway Service Volume Table – Generalized Data) of the City report was utilized to obtain
segment capacity thresholds. More specifically, the “Hourly Volume In Peak Direction” segment
capacities for Arterial Streets as specified in Table 2 of the City’s report were used for this
analysis.
Exhibit 3
July 5, 2022 Item #2 17
2
As shown in Table 1 below, a peak hour segment capacity of 1,820 vehicles was used since: 1)
the existing roadway has 2 travel lanes in the southbound direction, 2) the posted speed limit is
50 miles per hour (MPH), and 3) is divided by a landscaped median. The weekday segment
analysis shows southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Solamar Drive to Island Way is operating at
LOS C during both the AM and PM peak hours and this is considered favorable operating
conditions in the City. Table 2 shows the weekend segment analysis under Existing Conditions
with two travel lanes in the southbound direction along Carlsbad Boulevard operating at LOS C
during the mid-day peak hour.
TABLE 1
EXISTING CONDITIONS - ROADWAY SEGMENT ANALYSIS (WEEKDAY)
Segment Location Dir. Lanes/Speed
/Median1
Segment
Capacity2
(veh/hr)
Existing Conditions
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Volume
(veh/hr) LOS
Volume
(veh/hr) LOS
Carlsbad
Boulevard
Solamar Drive
to Island Way
Tuesday (June 15, 2021)
SB 2/50/D 1,820 353 C 591 C
Wednesday (June 16, 2021)
SB 2/50/D 1,820 365 C 623 C
(1)2/50/D = Number of lanes, posted speed limit, Divided (D) Road
(2) Source: City of Carlsbad Segment Volumes Tables Report (May 2021) & Table 2 - Roadway Service Volume Table -
Generalized Data (LOS E threshold)
TABLE 2
EXISTING CONDITIONS - ROADWAY SEGMENT ANALYSIS (WEEKEND)
Segment Location Dir. Lanes/Speed/
Median1
Segment
Capacity2
(veh/hr)
Existing Conditions
Mid-Day Peak Hour
Volume
(veh/hr) LOS
Carlsbad
Boulevard
Solamar Drive
to Island Way
Saturday (June 12, 2021)
SB 2/50/D 1820 821 C
Sunday (June 13, 2021)
SB 2/50/D 1820 667 C
(1)2/50/D = Number of lanes, posted speed limit, Divided (D) Road
(2) Source: City of Carlsbad Segment Volumes Tables Report (May 2021) & Table 2 - Roadway Service Volume Table -
Generalized Data (LOS E threshold)
July 5, 2022 Item #2 18
3
Proposed Modifications:
Proposed modifications to southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Solamar Drive to Island Way
involve restriping the existing two travel lanes to one travel lane. Immediately south of the signal
at Solamar Drive, two lanes would merge to one travel lane. The existing angled parking along
southbound Carlsbad Boulevard south of Solamar Drive would remain unchanged. At the merge,
southbound Carlsbad Boulevard would taper down from two 10-foot travel lanes to one 11-foot
travel lane along with a two-foot striped buffer, 8-foot striped bicycle lane, and a 4-foot to 10-
foot buffer to be used by pedestrians. Parallel parking spaces will be added along the westside of
Carlsbad Boulevard near Island Way. Refer to the striping plan for additional details related to
the location of parking.
Table 3 presents the weekday roadway segment analysis based on conditions with the proposed
modifications. As shown, a peak hour segment capacity of 910 vehicles per hour (1,820 vehicles
per hour / 2 lanes) is based on a single travel lane according to the Roadway Service Volume Table
– Generalized Data (Table 2) from the City’s Segment Volumes Tables Report. Due to the
proposed reduction in travel lanes, the segment capacity along Carlsbad Boulevard is reduced
from 1,820 to 910 vehicles per hour. During the weekday, the study segment of Carlsbad
Boulevard would operate at a favorable LOS C during the AM peak hour and LOS D during the PM
peak hour with the proposed modifications.
TABLE 3
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS - ROADWAY SEGMENT ANALYSIS (WEEKDAY)
Segment Location Dir. Lanes/Speed
/Median1
Segment
Capacity2
(veh/hr)
Proposed Modifications
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Volume
(veh/hr) LOS
Volume
(veh/hr) LOS
Carlsbad
Boulevard
Solamar Drive
to Island Way
Tuesday (June 15, 2021)
SB 1/50/D 910 353 C 591 D
Wednesday (June 16, 2021)
SB 1/50/D 910 365 C 623 D
(1)1/50/D = Number of lanes, posted speed limit, Divided (D) Road (2) Source: City of Carlsbad Segment Volumes Tables Report (May 2021) & Table 2 - Roadway Service Volume Table -
Generalized Data (LOS E threshold); Segment capacity is 910 vehicles per hour (1820 vehicles per hour / 2 lanes) based
on the 2/50/D capacity due to the lane reduction from 2 travel lanes to 1 travel lane in the southbound approach.
Table 4 presents the Carlsbad Boulevard study segment analysis during a typical weekend with
the proposed modifications. As shown, this study segment was found to operate at a favorable
LOS D during the mid-day peak hour on a typical Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
July 5, 2022 Item #2 19
4
TABLE 4
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS - ROADWAY SEGMENT ANALYSIS (WEEKEND)
Segment Location Dir. Lanes/Speed/
Median1
Segment
Capacity2
(veh/hr)
Proposed Modifications
Mid-Day Peak Hour
Volume
(veh/hr) LOS
Carlsbad
Boulevard
Solamar Drive
to Island Way
Saturday (June 12, 2021)
SB 1/50/D 910 821 D
Sunday (June 13, 2021)
SB 1/50/D 910 667 D
(1)1/50/D = Number of lanes, posted speed limit, Divided (D) Road (2) Source: City of Carlsbad Segment Volumes Tables Report (May 2021) & Table 2 - Roadway Service Volume Table -
Generalized Data (LOS E threshold); Segment capacity is 910 vehicles per hour (1820 vehicles per hour / 2 lanes) based
on the 2/50/D capacity due to the lane reduction from 2 travel lanes to 1 travel lane in the southbound approach.
Similar to the weekday analysis in Table 3, the peak hour segment capacity of 910 vehicles per
hour (1,820 vehicles per hour / 2 lanes) is also used in Table 4 for the weekend analysis. Even
with the reduction to one travel lane, the current weekend volume is lower than the capacity of
the segment and is currently operating at LOS D.
Conclusions
Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Solamar Drive to Island Way will be restriped from two
lanes to one lane which will reduce the vehicular capacity of the roadway. Under Existing
Conditions, the study segment of Carlsbad Boulevard has a capacity of 1,820 vehicles during a
peak hour and the roadway currently operates at a LOS C during the AM and PM peak hour on a
weekday and weekend. With the proposed modifications, the study segment of Carlsbad
Boulevard would have a capacity of 910 vehicles per hour which results in the segment operating
at LOS C and D during the weekday and LOS D during the weekend. It is important to note the
proposed improvement is an interim modification to Carlsbad Boulevard until a permanent
solution is designed.
If you have any questions related to the information in this memorandum, please contact me at
619-456-1410 or Jacob.swim@mbakerintl.com.
Sincerely,
Jacob Swim, TE
Michael Baker International
July 5, 2022 Item #2 20
5
Source: City of Carlsbad Service Volume Tables Report, May 2021
July 5, 2022 Item #2 21
Pete Penseyres comments on Item 2 on the July 5, 2022 Traffic and Mobility Commission
Agenda
The following comments are based on the recommended MMLOS Essential Feature that bicycle riders
must be provided with a straight through Class II Bike Lane without being required to look back and
negotiate with overtaking traffic before merging left to avoid being positioned to the right of a Right
Turn Only lane. Rather, overtaking traffic must be required to yield and merge right before entering
the dashed portion of a Class II Bike Lane at any location where a right turn is mandated or permitted.
1. The best example of this MMLOS feature is the proposed Westbound Class II Bike Lane
approaching Paseo Del Norte on Cannon Road. As shown on Sheet 10, Page 39 of the Agenda.
Although bicycle riders must still move left to the middle of the middle lane between Paseo
Del Norte and the I-5 NB entrance, the movement of the Bike Lane from the right edge of
Cannon to the left of the Right Turn Only Lane makes the WB travel more intuitive to
bicyclists. The installation of “cat tracks” to the right of the Bike Lane/left of the RTO lane
leads bicyclists into a visible position within the 14’ wide straight/right option lane. A further
potential improvement might be a Green painted Bike Box installed at the front of the middle
lane at the PDN traffic light to allow bike riders to make the transition toward the middle of
the Shared Lane easier.
2. The “cat tracks” from the rightmost left turn lane from Paseo Del Norte to the left edge of the
straight/right option lane will help direct bicyclists into a visible position in the shared lane.
3. A more difficult transition is depicted on Sheet 8, Page 37 of the Agenda for bicycle riders WB
on La Costa between Piraeus and the Park and Ride Entrance. La Costa transitions from 2 lanes
WB to one LTO, 3 straight through and another lane to the right that may enter the Park and
Ride and must turn right after that to enter the I-5 NB. Unlike the downhill approach on WB
Cannon, the WB approach to Piraeus is steeply uphill. Some bicyclists, especially when riding
in groups, will prefer to merge left early to line up with the Bike Lane between the Park and
Ride and the I-5 entrance. This group movement can be less disruptive to traffic entering the
Park and Ride or the I-5 NB. However, individual bicycle riders may prefer to stay far right in a
”climbing lane”. Does the proposed skip dashed Bike Lane allow bicycle riders to choose
either. A far better bicycle route along La Costa would be a Class I multi use trail completely
off road on the North side, but that is far beyond what can be done with the funding available
for this improvement project.
4. Sheet 7 on Page 36 of the Agenda describes proposed changes to Jefferson from the NB
approach to Las Flores to the East side of the narrow (30’) I-5 overpass. The WB approach is
uphill and is proposed to replace Sharrows with a bare minimum 5’ Bike Lane next to an 11’
travel lane while shifting the Double Yellow Centerline to the left 1’, leaving a 14’ shared lane
on the Eastbound lane. While the Class II “climbing lane” may make some bicyclists feel safer,
it should be wider and/or have a left side buffer due to the high differential speed between
bicyclists and motor vehicle traffic and the lack of unlimited sight distance due to the crown of
the hill. Can the Bike Lane be 7’ wide including the buffer by reducing the width of the travel
lane/and or shifting the Centerline further left?
5. The NB approach to Las Flores proposes to provide a skip dashed Class II Bike Lane/Right turn
lane while removing the Sharrow that now allows bicycle riders to line up to the left of drivers
who wish to turn right on Las Flores to access the I-5 or east side destinations. Many drivers
do this now and can make the right turn on Red as long as bicycle riders who are going
straight on Jefferson move far enough left to allow that movement. After crossing the Las
Flores intersection, a proposed minimum 5’ Class II Bike Lane is proposed next to a 15’ travel
lane approaching a limited sight distance sweeping right turn which is obstructed by a slope
following the curve. This constricted space for bicycle riders would make them “disappear”
around the right hand curve at a time when they should be more visible longer when they
must share the travel lane when the Bike Lane ends. Why can’t the existing Sharrows be
retained in this direction? This is a situation where sight distance should be prioritized over
mandating a far right position leading to a Class III Shared Lane.
Carlsbad Traffic & Mobility
Commisison
July 5, 2022
Vice-Chair Linke
Item #2: Carlsbad Blvd Restriping
1,074
(2018)
SB Carlsbad Blvd from Solamar to Island:
2021 traffic counts in staff report
•623 weekday peak (LOS “D”)
•821 weekend peak (LOS “D”)
2017 GMP monitoring
•980 weekday peak (LOS “F”)
•1,290 est. weekend peak (very bad LOS “F”)?
1,279
1,067
980
Southbound Carlsbad
Blvd peak hourly
vehicle volumes
John Kim, City Traffic Engineer, City of Carlsbad
Miriam Jim, Senior Engineer, City of Carlsbad
July 5, 2022
Carlsbad Boulevard Restriping and
SMP Projects
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive a presentation and provide input on :
•Carlsbad Blvd Restriping Project between
Manzano Dr and Island Way;
•Bike lane improvements at five intersections on
Carlsbad Blvd; and
•Three Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP) bike
enhancement CIP projects
ITEM 2
BACKGROUND
•City is currently working on the grant-funded South Carlsbad Blvd
Climate Adaptation Project
–Conceptual designs to move the current roadway between Palomar Airport Road and Island Way to the east to avoid impacts caused by predicted sea level rise. Accommodate both directions of travel in the currently northbound roadbed.
•Carlsbad Blvd Restriping Project is an INTERIM effort to address climate adaptation along South Carlsbad Blvd through modifications to signing
and striping.
ITEM 2
BACKGROUND
•Carlsbad Blvd is a Coastal Street typology in the City Mobility
Element of the General Plan
•Primary purpose to move people along the city’s ocean waterfront
and connect people to the beach, recreation, business and
residences
•Carlsbad Blvd is subject to MMLOS standards for pedestrians and
bicycles, but not for vehicles or public transit.
ITEM 2
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
(CIP PROJECT #6096)
•Modification to signing and striping between Manzano Dr and
Island Way
•Lane Reduction (from 2 to 1 lane) in southbound direction between Solamar Dr and Island Way. This will shift traffic to
the east.
•Provide enhancements to the existing bike lane
•Provide additional on-street parking
ITEM 2
BIKE IMPROVEMENTS AT FIVE
INTERSECTIONS ON CARLSBAD BLVD
(CIP PROJECT #6096)
•Intersections: Lanikai Ln; Breakwater Rd; Poinsettia Ln; Ponto Rd;
and Avenida Encinas
•Add dash green paint bike lane to highlight conflict areas
•Add green bike lane adjacent to dedicated right turn lane
ITEM 2
SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY PLAN PROJECTS
ITEM 2
•Three SMP bike enhancement CIP projects included as part
of the design package
•La Costa Ave at intersections of Piraeus, Saxony and
El Camino Real (CIP Project #6101)
•Jefferson St between Las Flores Dr and I-5 Overpass
(CIP Project #6100)
•Paseo Del Norte and Cannon Rd intersection
(CIP Project #6095)
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
Manzano DrLane Reduction
SOUTH CARLSBAD BLVD
BETWEEN MANZANO DR AND SOLAMAR DR
ITEM 2
•One 10’ travel lane
and 8’ bike lane
•Shoulder varies in
width
SOUTH CARLSBAD BLVD
BETWEEN SOLAMAR DR AND ISLAND WAY
ITEM 2
•Two 10’ travel lanes
and 8’ bike lane
•2’ bike buffer exists
for about 0.4 mile
SOUTH CARLSBAD BLVD
ITEM 2
•No sidewalk nor pedestrian
path along Carlsbad Blvd
between Manzano Dr and
Island Way
SOUTH CARLSBAD BLVD
ITEM 2
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
•Per General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.15
“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 LOS D…”
ITEM 2
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
•Roadway Segment Analysis performed for the proposed lane
reduction between Solamar Dr and Island Way based on City of
Carlsbad Service Volume Tables Report
ITEM 2
Weekday/
Weekend
Lanes/
Speed/
Median
Segment
Capacity
(veh/hr)
Mid-Day
Peak Hour AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Volume
(Veh/hr)LOS Volume
(Veh/hr)LOS Volume
(Veh/hr)LOS
Existing Conditions
Weekday 2/50/D 1,820 N/A 365 C 623 C
Weekend 2/50/D 1,820 821 C N/A
Conditions with Proposed Modifications
Weekday 1/50/D 920 N/A 365 C 623 D
Weekend 1/50/D 920 821 D N/A
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•Manzano Dr to Solamar Dr:
–10’ travel lane; 8’ bike lane with 2’ bike buffer
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•Solamar Dr:
–Begin lane reduction in southbound direction
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•South of Solamar Dr:
–11’ travel lane and 8’ bike lane with 2’ bike buffer
–4’-10’ shoulder
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•Existing Parking Lot north of Island Way:
–Additional 300’ parking lane
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict areas
New 8’ parking lane
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•Solamar Dr:
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict areas
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•Island Way Intersection:
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict area
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•Lanika Ln and Breakwater Rd intersections:
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict areas
–Green paint bike lane adjacent to dedicated right turn lane
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•Poinsettia Ln intersection:
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict areas
–Green paint bike lane adjacent to dedicated right turn lane
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•Ponto Rd intersection:
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict area
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT
ITEM 2
•Avenida Encinas intersection:
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict areas
–Green paint bike lane adjacent to dedicated right turn ln
SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY PLAN PROJECTS
ITEM 2
•Three SMP bike enhancement CIP projects included as part
of the design plan package
•La Costa Ave at intersections of Piraeus, Saxony and
El Camino Real (CIP Project #6101)
•Jefferson St between Las Flores Dr and I-5 Overpass
(CIP Project #6100)
•Paseo Del Norte and Cannon Rd intersection
(CIP Project #6095)
LA COSTA AVENUE
ITEM 2
•Piraeus St:
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict areas
LA COSTA AVENUE
ITEM 2
•Saxony Rd:
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict area
LA COSTA AVENUE
ITEM 2
•El Camino Real Intersection:
–Dashed green bike lane in
conflict areas
–Green paint bike lane adjacent to dedicated right-turn lane
JEFFERSON STREET –BIKE CLIMBING LANE
ITEM 2
CANNON AND PASEO DEL NORTE INTERSECTION
ITEM 2
NEXT STEPS
•Staff will finalize the design package for the
projects and plan to present the final design
package to the Traffic and Mobility Commission
•Staff will then present the project for City
Council approval and authorization to solicit
and receive bids to construct the project
ITEM 2
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive presentation and provide input on:
•Carlsbad Blvd Restriping Project between
Manzano Dr and Island Way;
•Bike lane improvements at five intersections on
Carlsbad Blvd; and
•Three Sustainable Mobility Plan (SMP) bike
enhancement CIP projects
ITEM 2
THANK YOU!
ITEM 2
ITEM 2
•Existing Parking Lot north of Island Way:
–Dashed green bike lane in conflict areas
Existing Parking Lot
CARLSBAD BLVD RESTRIPING PROJECT