HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-25; City Council; ; Semiannual Transportation ReportCA Review GH
Meeting Date: July 25, 2023
To:
From:
Mayor and City Council
Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2766
Subject: Semiannual Transportation Report
Districts: All
Recommended Action
Receive the Semiannual Transportation Report.
Executive Summary
Being able to get around Carlsbad safely and conveniently is a top community priority, as is
future environmental sustainability. In 2015, the City Council approved two comprehensive
plans that included several new policies to achieve these goals:
•The Mobility Element of the General Plan envisions a transportation network that
balances all the different modes of transportation, unlike previous policies that focused
primarily on the car.
•The Climate Action Plan describes ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated
in Carlsbad. Vehicle traffic is a major contributor of these emissions, which is why the
city is working on strategies to encourage alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips.
Many of these strategies involve updating the design of city streets.
Understanding the importance of these goals to the community and the fact that transforming
Carlsbad’s road system would take many years, in 2018 the City Council asked staff to present
updates twice a year to measure progress being made. This report highlights the city’s recent
activities to advance these goals, including new projects that were prioritized to improve traffic
safety after the city’s proclamation of a traffic safety emergency on Aug. 23, 2022.
Explanation & Analysis
Traffic safety emergency
The City of Carlsbad proclaimed a local traffic safety emergency in August 2022. Since then, city
staff have initiated a wide variety of programs, projects and initiatives to enhance the safe use
of city streets, focused on the three Es of engineering, education and enforcement. Some could
be completed immediately while others are longer term in nature. All are described in the Safer
Streets Together Plan, which was approved by the City Council Sept. 27, 2022. (Exhibit 1)
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 1 of 47
Safer streets engineering projects
Expanded green bike lane treatments
Green paint has been added at the following 36 locations to highlight the areas where bicycle
and vehicle traffic may conflict:
•Carlsbad Boulevard at 10 intersections
•State Street and Laguna Drive
•Rancho Santa Fe Road at 14 intersections
•La Costa Avenue and Levante Street
•Poinsettia Lane and Avenida Encinas
•Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte
•College Boulevard and Cannon Road/Bobcat Boulevard
•El Camino Real and Faraday Avenue
•Poinsettia Lane and Cassia Road
•College Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue
•Carlsbad Village Drive and Celinda Drive/Rising Glen Way
•Harding Street and Oak Avenue
•Tamarack Avenue and Jefferson Street
•Chestnut Avenue and Madison Street
This spring, city staff also completed improvements to bike lanes at three locations:
•Southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, from Manzano Drive to Island Way
•Four intersections along south Carlsbad Boulevard
•Jefferson Street, between Las Flores Drive and the Interstate 5 overpass
Review of citywide speed limits
The city has started planning for citywide speed limit studies now that Caltrans has released its
recent update of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices based on Assembly
Bill 43, legislation that gives cities more control over deciding how speed limits should be set.
Staff are reviewing contractor proposals and expect to begin initial studies in July, which will
ultimately inform staff’s recommendation.
Approved Vision Zero resolution
On March 21, 2023, the City Council approved a Vision Zero resolution, affirming the city’s
commitment to traffic safety. City staff will use existing City Council-approved plans and
strategies to work toward the Vision Zero goal of zero serious injuries and deaths on city
roadways by 2035, the target year established by the state of California’s Vision Zero plan.
Restriped southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Manzano Drive to Island Way
The project is complete and will help address speeding while creating more space for
pedestrians and cyclists. The restriped lanes created:
•A shoulder on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard that can be used by pedestrians
•One vehicle lane and a buffered bike lane between Solamar Drive and Island Way
•Space for bicycle parking and up to 13 new vehicle parking spots
The restriping included new green paint to highlight potential conflict points between cars and
bikes at intersections along with other bike lane improvements.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 2 of 47
A staff report to reduce posted speed limit on a portion of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard
from 50 mph to 45 mph will be presented to the Traffic & Mobility Commission in August.
Expanded street resurfacing and restriping, reconfiguring arterial streets
The City Council approved a plan to resurface and reconfigure the lanes on Carlsbad’s major
streets, called arterial streets, on Feb. 7, 2023. The project will seal the roadways to improve
pavement condition as part of the city’s pavement management program and improve
conditions for all users on the roads. Several sections of these streets will be reconfigured, with
the number of vehicle lanes reduced and lane widths made more appropriate for the roadways
to help manage speeds, improve the line of sight and access conditions for side street users and
further improve conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians. This project will also reduce the city’s
long-term pavement maintenance costs.
This program will be completed in phases. The construction contract for the first phase was
awarded in June 2023, and construction is anticipated to begin in July 2023. The first phase
focuses on six of the city’s east/west arterial corridors:
• Olivenhain Road - from the Encinitas city limits to Rancho Santa Fe Road intersection
• La Costa Avenue - from the Encinitas city limits near Interstate 5 to Fairway Lane
• Poinsettia Lane - from Carlsbad Boulevard to Melrose Drive, including a reconfigured
section between Avenida Encinas and Carlsbad Boulevard
• Cannon Road - from Avenida Encinas to Faraday Avenue
• Tamarack Avenue - from Carlsbad Boulevard to Carlsbad Village Drive including a
reconfigured section between Carlsbad Village Drive and Skyline Drive
• Carlsbad Village Drive - from I-5 to College Boulevard, including an improved line of sight
for side street users
An example of a roadway reconfiguration was completed this spring on southbound Carlsbad
Boulevard. The reconfiguration is designed to improve the balance of the roadway for all users
while not causing any additional delay for vehicles. This is achieved by keeping the vehicle lanes
essentially the same at the intersections. While it helps address the speeding along the
segment, the reconfiguration also greatly improves the conditions for pedestrians and bicyclists
along this heavily travelled coastal route.
The other arterial streets to be reconfigured as part of this project are:
• Carlsbad Boulevard - from Pine Avenue to the southern border near La Costa Avenue
• El Fuerte Street - from Faraday Avenue to the existing one vehicle lane in each direction
south of Rancho Pancho, excluding the segments approaching Loker Avenue to Bressi
Ranch Way
• Grand Avenue - from Ocean Street to Hope Way (this would implement the first phase
of the Grand Avenue Promenade Project to provide short-term benefits until the final
promenade improvements are completed)
• Cannon Road - from Avenida Encinas to El Arbol Drive
Two other arterial streets will be resurfaced and restriped in a subsequent phase:
• Palomar Airport Road - from Avenida Encinas to the eastern city border
• Rancho Santa Fe Road/Olivenhain Road - from the eastern city border to the western
city border
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 3 of 47
The schedules for the work on those two remaining project road segments are being
developed; the projects are still being designed and will warrant additional consideration and
approvals. On several of the segments, the work will require coastal development permits, or
coordination with utility projects that require trenching planned within the foreseeable future.
These projects will be reviewed by the Traffic & Mobility Commission later this year.
Tamarack Avenue traffic calming
New speed tables (raised portions of a roadway), striping and rectangular rapid flashing
beacons for the raised crosswalks between Skyline Drive and Adams Street are now scheduled
to be completed in August, following unanticipated delays in supplies and contracting.
Residential traffic calming
Traffic calming plans on five residential streets — Victoria Avenue, Highland Drive, Nueva
Castilla Way, Circulo Sequoia and Celinda Drive — have met the criteria in the Carlsbad
Residential Traffic Management Program and were recently recommended for the City
Council’s approval by the Traffic & Mobility Commission. Design drawings are being developed
and will be presented to City Council in September.
Traffic calming plans on four other residential streets — Park Drive, Black Rail Road, Plum Tree
Road and Carrillo Way — will be presented to the Traffic & Mobility Commission in August.
Planned projects
In addition to the work on the actions described above, city staff continue to make progress on
over 100 other traffic and mobility related projects already planned over the next 15 years,
estimated at a cost of approximately $350 million.
Existing and ongoing projects
The following update provides accomplishments over the last six months and goals for the next
six months for each division within the city’s Transportation Department:
Transportation and Drainage Engineering and Asset Management Division
Past six months’ accomplishments
• Advertised construction bids and awarded a construction contract for the 2022 East-
West Corridor Emergency Resurfacing and Restriping Project as a part of the local
emergency for traffic safety
• Completed construction of the 2021-22 Slurry Seal and Fog Seal Project
• Completed construction of the 2021- 22 Overlay Project
• Completed 50% engineering design of the 2023 Slurry Seal Project
• Advertised construction bids and awarded a construction contract for the 2023
Concrete Repair Project
• Completed construction for Phase I and Phase II of the El Camino Real and Cannon
Road Improvements Project
• Obtained approval from the San Diego Association of Governments, California
Department of Transportation and California Transportation Commission or state-
only funding and scope change requests for the Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail
and Pedestrian Improvements Project. The approved state-only funding changed the
Active Transportation Program grant funding from a federal program to a state
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 4 of 47
program. The approved Scope Change request allows using the grant funding for the
second segment of the project to meet the grant requirements.
• Completed 30% of the engineering design of the Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail
and Pedestrian Improvements Project – Segment 3
• Completed 90% of the engineering design for the Beach Access Repairs and
Upgrades from Pine Avenue to Tamarack Avenue Project
• Completed a draft mitigated negative environmental impact declaration and started
public review period for the Beach Access Repairs and Upgrades from Pine Avenue
to Tamarack Avenue Project
• Completed 90% of the engineering design and continued environmental assessment
updates for El Camino Real Widening from Arenal Road to La Costa Avenue
• Advertised for construction bids and awarded construction contract for the 2021
Sidewalks Improvement Project
• Prepared and processed a variety of annual reports to various transportation
agencies to secure funding for transportation Capital Improvement Program projects
• Initiated engineering design and environmental assessment of the Carlsbad
Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements Project
• Completed visual simulations of the intersection traffic control options and provided
public outreach materials for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue
Intersection Improvements Project
• Obtained an approved right of entry agreement to reimburse State Parks for review
of plans for the Beach Access Repairs and Upgrades from Pine Avenue to Tamarack
Boulevard and Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements
projects
• U.S. Representative Mike Levin secured $5 million dollars of federal funding from
the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Local Transportation Priorities Account and
under the Highway Infrastructure Program for traffic circles and street lighting
projects
• As part of grant requirements, several technical studies were prepared to support
the Village and Barrio Traffic Circles and Barrio Lighting Projects
• Completed and certified a National Environmental Policy Act environmental
clearance to satisfy federal grant program requirements for the Village and Barrio
Traffic Circles and Barrio Lighting Projects
• Completed installation and energized 13 streetlights for the Barrio Lighting Phase 1
project
• Furthered the final engineering design and added the Palomar Airport Road
Interstate 5 bridge railing to the 2022 Bridge Preventive Maintenance Project
• Presented the following projects to the Traffic & Mobility Commission:
o Kelly and Park Drive Complete Street Improvement
o 2022 East-West Corridor Emergency Resurfacing and Restriping
o Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements
Project, in February and May 2023
• Completed annual vegetation clearing and trash removal of Buena Vista Creek
Channel Maintenance District Project and submitted the annual report and fee to
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 5 of 47
• Completed the Agua Hedionda Creek vegetation removal and more periodic trash
and debris removal between the bridges of Cannon Road and El Camino Real and
submitted annual report to the Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Completed the final design and prepared draft contract documents for the
Corrugated Metal Pipe Replacement Project north of Encinas Creek
• Advanced the engineering design of the pipe replacement project on five sites in the
northwest quadrant
• Re-evaluated potential design options and advanced the engineering design and
environmental assessment of the Merwin Drive Drainage Improvements Project
• Completed geotechnical investigation, topographic survey, conceptual grading plan,
hydrology/hydraulic study and alternative analysis for the Drainage Master Plan
Facility BFB-U, El Camino Real Channel Restoration Project
• Approved plans and specifications and advertised for construction bids for the
Highland-Hoover Storm Drain Realignment Project
• Updated the design and advanced the development of the programmatic
environmental impact report t for the Buena Vista Creek Concrete Channel
Maintenance Project
• Processed new task orders for engineering design and topographic survey for the
State Street Treatment Control Best Management Practices project
• Finalized locations for the 2023 Surface Drainage Improvements Project and
negotiated a new task order for engineering services
• Finalized locations for the 2023 Sidewalk Construction Project and negotiated a new
task order for engineering services
• Processed a task order for engineering services for the 2023 Americans with
Disabilities Act Transition Plan project
• Awarded a construction contract and initiated construction of the 2021 Sidewalk
Improvement Project
• Awarded a construction contract and initiated construction of the Public Parking
Lots ADA Improvements Project
• Prepared 90% complete plans and specifications for the Terramar Area Coastal
Improvements Project
• Approved plans and specifications and awarded a construction contract for Segment
2 of the Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and Pedestrian Improvements
• Negotiated and executed a professional services agreement and initiated design for
the Trieste Slope Repair Project
• Repaired a disjointed storm drain and installed a cured-in-place-pipe storm drain
line as part of the Haymar Drive sinkhole emergency project and in coordination
with Caltrans
• Completed GIS Easement Layer Improvement project
• Completed Phase 1 of a GIS data integration project, which involved Drainage
Master Plan Data Assessment
• Created streetlight map/app for street crews to utilize for streetlight quality
assurance/quality control
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 6 of 47
Next six months’ goals
• Continue with designs of the projects included in the Transportation and Drainage
Capital Improvement Program Project Status Update provided in Exhibit 1
• Complete construction of the 2022 East-West Corridor Emergency Resurfacing and
Restriping Project
• Complete construction of the 2023 Concrete Repair Project
• Complete design and award a construction contract for the 2023 Slurry Seal Project
• Complete construction of the 2021 Sidewalk Improvement Project
• Complete construction of the Public Parking Lots ADA Improvements Project
• Approve plans and specifications and award of construction contract for the El
Camino Real Widening from Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Road
• Approve plans and specifications and award of construction contract for the El
Camino Real Widening from Poinsettia Lane to Camino Vida Roble
• Finalize a professional service agreement with a consultant to prepare improvement
plans for the Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Streets Improvement Project
• Complete 100% plans and specifications for the Terramar Area Coastal
Improvements Project
• Finalize initial study/mitigated negative environmental impact declaration for the
Terramar Area Coastal Improvements Project and submit to the city’s Planning
Division
• Complete preliminary design of the 2023 Overlay Project
• Finalize right of entry permits with State Parks for improvements along Carlsbad
Boulevard
• Select preferred design alternative for the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue
Intersection Improvement project and proceed to final design, environmental review
and permitting
• Complete initial study/mitigated negative environmental impact declaration for
Beach Access Repairs and Upgrades for public review
• Complete National Environmental Policy Act environmental clearance for Village &
Barrio Traffic Circles and Barrio Lighting Phase 2 to satisfy federal grant
requirements
• Initiate a contract with a consultant to provide engineering services and complete
90% design of the Barrio Lighting Phase II Pedestrian Lighting Project
• Award contract and initiate construction of the 2022 Bridge Preventive Maintenance
Project
• Negotiate task orders and initiate engineering design and environmental review for
the regional downstream treatment control best management practices measures
to be installed near the Agua Hedionda Lagoon discharge
• Complete 30% engineering design and initiate environmental review for the regional
downstream treatment control best management practices measures to be installed
near the State Street discharge
• Complete 30% engineering design and environmental review for the Drainage
Master Plan Facility BFB-U, El Camino Real Channel Restoration Project
• Award of construction contract and complete construction of the Highland-Hoover
Storm Drain Realignment Project
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 7 of 47
• Advertise for construction bids, award a construction contract and initiate
construction of the Corrugated Metal Pipe Replacement Project north of Encinas
Creek
• Finalize engineering design of the CMP Replacement or Lining on five sites
• Continue to perform annual vegetation removal and debris removal for the Buena
Vista Creek Channel Maintenance District Project
• Continue to perform annual vegetation removal and debris removal for Agua
Hedionda Creek between the bridges of Cannon Road and El Camino Real
• Prepare a draft preliminary environmental impact report for the Buena Vista Creek
Concrete Channel Maintenance Project
• Continue coordinating with the California Coastal Commission to obtain a coastal
development permit and finalize engineering plans for the Park Drive Drainage and
Street Improvement Project
• Negotiate a new task order for consulting services for the FY 2022-23 Storm Drain
Assessment Program
• Continue completing a variety of annual reports to various transportation agencies
including SANDAG, Caltrans and California Transportation Commission to secure
funding for transportation CIP projects
• Continue to produce a variety of mapping products and data analysis for use by
design, maintenance and operations staff
• Complete Drainage Master Plan inventory integration
• Complete the final draft of the study for the 2023 Surface Drainage Improvements
Project
• Complete 50% plans for the 2023 Sidewalk Construction Project
• Complete preliminary study for the 2023 ADA Transition Plan
• Prepare draft geotechnical report and complete 50% plans for the Trieste Slope
Repair Project
• Prepare Final Drainage Master Plan update and circulate to city planning for review
Transportation Planning and Mobility Division
Past six months’ accomplishments
• Initiated key program recommendations from the Sustainable Mobility Plan,
including the active transportation monitoring program, cycling education and safety
training, and Safe Routes to School planning activities
• Established the city’s first Safe Routes to School plan, at Hope Elementary School, to
provide safer access to the school site and encourage students to take alternative
forms of transportation, such as walking and biking
• Completed updates to the city’s Growth Management Plan Circulation Section by
orking with the Growth Management Citizens Committee to update the standards
for the circulation section of the plan to ensure the city’s transportation network can
adequately accommodate future growth throughout the city
• Initiated the planning and public outreach process for the Tyler Street Complete
Streets study
• Continued to lead the Transportation Demand Management Program – intended to
reduce single-occupant vehicle trips. This included:
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 8 of 47
o Outreach to local employers and continued reviewing and monitoring mandatory
programs
o Continued management and development of the city’s Transportation Demand
Management Program website, carlsbadcommuter.com, to provide Carlsbad
businesses and residents with access to alternative transportation information
and services
o Updating the city’s Transportation Demand Management Handbook to include
new guidelines for residential projects, additional enforcement measures, and
provided an update on how businesses are using the program to encourage their
employees to utilize alternative modes of transportation
Next six months’ goals
• Develop and complete Safe Routes to School Plans for Jefferson Elementary, Sage
Creek High School and Aviara Oaks Elementary / Middle Schools
• Continue to develop and promote the city’s bicycle education and training program
with emphasis on student education, smart cycling classes and e-bike specific
training opportunities
• Continuing work on the implementation plan for carrying out projects in the
Sustainable Mobility Plan and how to pay for them to be constructed, which includes
a proposed new multimodal transportation impact fee to be collected from
developers that would replace the city’s current traffic impact fee
• Greater emphasis on projects that connect disjointed routes, enhance safety
measures in high-traffic areas and provide connections to schools
• Focus on east-west corridors to establish an efficient and interconnected active
transportation network
• Continuing work to develop the city’s Multimodal Transportation Impact Fee
Program. This fee, if adopted, would replace the city’s current Traffic Impact Fee
program and would be collected from developers for the impacts their projects will
have on the city’s transportation network and would become a funding source for
the Sustainable Mobility Plan.
• Subject to further City Council direction, finalize updates to the Transportation
Impact Analysis Guidelines, in collaboration with the Growth Management Plan
Citizens Committee and the Traffic and Mobility Commission, for adoption by the
City Council
• Evaluate the city’s current bike parking and identification of new bike parking
infrastructure needs at recreational and commercial destinations citywide
• Subject to further City Council direction, continue to implement the Transportation
Demand Management Program and create community-wide awareness to try to
inspire change in commuter travel behavior
• Incorporate data-driven metrics to create both qualitative and quantitative updates
• Finalize updates to the multimodal level of service methodology, in collaboration
with the Traffic and Mobility Commission
• Complete the second annual active transportation monitoring program
Traffic Engineering Division
Past six months’ accomplishments
• Initiated effort on updating the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 9 of 47
• Completed the restriping of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Manzano Drive to
Island Way to better serve all roadway users
• Completed green bicycle lane enhancements at five locations on Carlsbad Boulevard
• Completed design of Sustainable Mobility Plan implementation projects to:
o Enhance bike safety on La Costa Avenue, Jefferson Street and Cannon Road
o Enhance bike safety on La Costa Avenue and Jefferson Street and implement
green bicycle lane enhancements at five locations on Carlsbad Boulevard
• Continued implementation and configuration of Cubic/Trafficware traffic signal
controller software
• Coordinated with Caltrans to facilitate traffic clock synchronization between Caltrans
and city controllers as Caltrans migrates its traffic central system software and
upgrades outdated signal controllers
• Completed a neighborhood meeting for the traffic calming project on Tamarack
Avenue between Adams Street and Skyline Road
• Completed neighborhood meetings for traffic calming on Victoria Avenue, Highland
Drive, Nueva Castilla Way, Circulo Sequoia and Celinda Drive
• Attended a public meeting with parents and staff at Sage Creek High School to
discuss e-bike safety and develop a plan
• Completed deployment of 11 speed feedback signs (emergency proclamation)
• Completed design of green bicycle lane enhancements at 36 intersections with high
bicycle collision activity (emergency proclamation)
• Completed green bicycle lane enhancements at seven locations on Carlsbad Village
Drive and 11 locations on Carlsbad Boulevard (emergency proclamation)
• Completed implementation of leading pedestrian interval and countdown
pedestrian signal upgrades at 22 school locations and 10 locations in the Village
(emergency proclamation)
• Updated general signal timing parameters based on the California Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices
• Established continuous traffic vehicle count stations on El Camino Real, Palomar
Airport Road and Rancho Santa Fe to monitor monthly and seasonal variations in
traffic patterns
• Developed coordinated timing plans for morning and afternoon commute periods
on El Camino Real, Palomar Airport Road, Rancho Santa Fe Road and Carlsbad Village
Drive
• Provided engineering support to re-IP controller, video, and other signal equipment
for data transmission on the new fiber optic communications network
• Provided configuration and turn-on support for traffic signal modification of the El
Camino Real/Arenal Road intersection to provide a new preemption pattern for the
Fire Station 2 reconstruction project
• Provided configuration and turn-on support for new pedestrian crossing beacon at
Tamarack Avenue/Valley Street
• Installed countdown pedestrian signal heads and implemented lead pedestrian
interval phasing at school and Village area traffic signals
• Completed restriping southbound Carlsbad Boulevard from Manzano Drive to Island
Way to better serve all roadway users
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 10 of 47
Next six months’ goals
• Construct the Carlsbad Boulevard Pedestrian Improvements Project
• Prepare traffic studies associated with reported traffic concerns and identify
proposed improvements
• Continue the effort on updating the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management
Program
• Continue implementation of traffic calming improvements on residential streets in
accordance with the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program
• Complete construction of green bicycle lane enhancements at 36 intersections with
high bicycle collision activity (Emergency Proclamation)
• Continue the process for integrating traffic signal controller and other signal
components into the city’s high-speed fiber network
• Prepare traffic studies associated with reported traffic concerns and identify
proposed improvements
• Work with the Information Technology Department to identify opportunities to
improve the traffic communications network
• Continue to address communications and detection requirements to maximize
capabilities of Cubic/Trafficware traffic signal controller software
• Continue to coordinate with Caltrans to maintain clock synchronization and
coordination as upgrades to its central system software and controllers occur
• Continue to explore efficiencies related to traffic signal contractor utilization
• Change remaining legacy 170 city traffic controllers to updated style, including those
adjacent to Caltrans facilities as Caltrans schedules its own upgrades
• Implement directional traffic signal flush plan timing
• Complete server migration for central traffic system software to improve
communication reliability
Streets and Storm Drain Maintenance Division
Past six months’ accomplishments
• Successfully responded to the local emergency, including installation of green bike
paint and use of message boards, and as a result, was awarded the American Public
Works Association San Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter Outstanding Operations
and Maintenance Personnel Award in May 2023
• Successfully completed Phase II to replace street signs with failing reflectivity
• Successfully completed 960,015 feet of long line striping
• Completed 224 work orders related to damaged signs from vehicle collision
incidents
• Inspected high-priority storm drain inlets, which resulted in removing over 19.8 tons
of storm drain sediment and debris for the current fiscal year
• Continued managing 1,800 lane miles of street sweeping per month resulting in
removal of approximately 860 tons of debris from roadways
• Completed 261 streetlight and electrical maintenance service requests
• Completed 3,894 storm drain maintenance work orders and 42 storm drain
emergency responses
• Completed 17 sidewalk work orders and 55 asphalt work orders within the right of
way, which consisted of approximately 27,210 square feet of surfaces replaced
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 11 of 47
• Completed installation of 41 LED streetlight fixtures
Next six months’ goals
• Continue to respond to the local traffic safety emergency
• Continue implementation of the annual roadway restriping program
• Continue with implementation of streetlight replacement and sign replacement
Capital Improvement Program projects
• Continue with the annual street and storm drain maintenance programs
• Complete Phase II and Phase III of the citywide streetlight LED fixtures replacement
program along connector streets, cul-de-sacs and industrial streets
Fiscal Analysis
Receiving this report has no fiscal impact.
Next Steps
Staff will continue to implement the projects, programs and services described in this report.
The next semiannual transportation report is expected to be in January 2024.
Environmental Evaluation
This action does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project
within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code
Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the
environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Exhibits
1. Safer Streets Together Plan
2. Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program projects status update as of
June 2023
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 12 of 47
Exhibit 1
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 13 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
1
Introduction
National traffic safety trends show a dramatic increase in traffic-related deaths, with the first quarter
of 2022 showing the highest number of deaths in two decades. Here in Carlsbad, injury collisions
involving bikes and e-bikes have increased over 200% since 2019, with roughly half of those being
e-bikes in 2022. Community members have requested more neighborhood traffic calming, more
enforcement, stricter laws and faster implementation of the city’s program to adapt local streets to
current and future uses, which include more biking and walking.
The city has recently taken several steps to address these concerns:
•Approved a new comprehensive plan to transform the city’s road network to one that
prioritizes moving people, not just cars, and prioritized implementation in the city’s annual
budget
•Completed dozens of projects to slow traffic and expand bike lanes and sidewalks
•Passed stricter rules for e-bikes and similar motorized mobility devices
•Implemented a public education program focused on safe biking, including e-bikes
•Increased enforcement related to roadway safety and traffic violations
Despite these efforts, collisions involving bikes and e-bikes in 2022 are tracking at the same
unprecedented rate as last year’s high of one collision nearly every three days. With children
throughout Carlsbad returning to school in August and given the significant increase in bike and e-bike
collisions, the City of Carlsbad declared a local emergency on Aug. 23, 2022, to immediately provide
more options, tools and resources to reverse this trend.
About this plan
This plan provides potential immediate and longer-term actions to address traffic safety in three main
areas, often referred to as the three Es of traffic safety:
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 14 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
2
Strategies and actions
Specific strategies, policies and approaches are presented as options according to the following
timeframes:
Estimated costs
Many initiatives in this plan are already funded and able to move forward. Others have funding
sources identified in the Capital Improvement Program but require City Council to appropriate funding
in this fiscal year. Finally, some options do not yet have funding identified. In these cases, the City
Council may choose to appropriate funding from one of the city’s fund balances, seek grant funding,
appropriate funding from the General Fund reserve or seek other funding sources.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 15 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
3
Foundational elements
The City of Carlsbad has already prioritized traffic safety through its policies, projects, services and
special initiatives. Some of these foundational elements include:
General Plan Mobility Element
Approved by the City Council in 2015, the Mobility Element
guides future decisions related to how the city plans the
connectivity of the city’s transportation system by
identifying the preferred attributes of various street types
found in Carlsbad. It incorporates a “complete streets”
approach to designing city streets that balances the needs
of all users on the street including motorists, pedestrians,
bicyclists, children, persons with disabilities, seniors,
movers of commercial goods and users of public
transportation. It is complementary to other elements
within the General Plan.
Planned projects
The city’s Capital Improvement Program includes 40 planned traffic and mobility related projects to be
completed over the next 15 years. Other projects are planned as part of the city’s Sustainable Mobility
Plan implementation and the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program. In all the city is
currently working on over 100 projects related to traffic and mobility improvements at a cost of about
$350 million. Funding for these projects has been appropriated from various sources including gas tax,
the TransNet transportation sales tax, and the city’s traffic impact fees. Some of the main projects are
listed below in order of the expected completion date.
•Tamarack Traffic Calming - Skyline Drive to Adams Street
•Tyler Street Traffic Circulation Study
•Safe Routes to School Plan – Hope Elementary
•Installation of permanent speed feedback signs at 8 locations in the Barrio
•Carlsbad Blvd pedestrian improvements between Mountain View Drive and Tamarack Avenue
•Melrose Drive right turn lane to westbound Palomar Airport Road
•Palomar Airport Road and College Boulevard improvements
•El Camino Real widening - Poinsettia Lane to Camino Vida Roble
•Kelly Drive and Park Drive complete street improvements
•Palomar Airport Road and Avenida Encinas improvements
•Traffic signal - Maverick Way and Camino De Los Coches
•Las Flores Street at I-5 Traffic Calming
•Barrio traffic circles
•Village decorative lighting
•Beach access repair & upgrades - Pine to Tamarack
•Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and Pedestrian Improvements
•El Camino Real right turn lane to eastbound Alga Road
•El Camino Real widening - Arenal Road to La Costa Avenue
•Terramar Area coastal improvements
•Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack pedestrian improvements
•El Camino Real widening - Sunny Creek to Jackspar
•Valley and Magnolia complete streets
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 16 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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•ADA beach access – Pine to Tamarack
•Avenida Encinas and Palomar Airport Road pedestrian access improvement
•Camino De Los Coches and La Costa Avenue intersection control
•Carlsbad Boulevard pedestrian lighting - Tamarack Avenue to State Street
•Carlsbad Village Drive and Grand Avenue pedestrian improvements
•Christiansen Way improvements
•Valley Street traffic calming
•Barrio street lighting
•Chestnut Avenue complete street improvements - Valley Street to Pio Pico
•Chestnut complete street – Interstate 5 to railroad
•Grand Avenue Promenade
•La Costa Avenue traffic improvements
•State Street and Grand Avenue road improvements
•Poinsettia Lane and Oriole Court traffic control improvements
•Trail connectivity to Tamarack State Beach
•Carlsbad Boulevard realignment- Manzano Drive to Island Way
•College Boulevard extension
•South Carlsbad Coastline: Road Realignment and Public Spaces
Sustainable Mobility Plan
Approved by the City Council in January 2021, the Sustainable Mobility Plan implements the Mobility
Element of the city’s General Plan and guides the city in expanding and improving safe, healthy and
convenient travel options for people of all ages and abilities. It combines projects and programs from
12 previous planning documents into a single strategic plan that includes:
Safe Routes to School
An approach that includes infrastructure improvements, enforcement tools, safety education
and incentives to promote walking, bicycling and carpooling to school.
Transportation Demand Management
Strategies to encourage Carlsbad workers and residents to walk, bike, ride transit and carpool
instead of driving alone. This approach helps the city achieve its sustainability and mobility
goals while mitigating congestion and increasing access and connectivity in the transportation
network.
Local Roadway Safety Plan
A framework to systematically analyze and identify areas where transportation safety can be
improved and recommend specific safety improvements for all road users.
Street Design Guidelines
Provides a set of best practices that can be incorporated by the City of Carlsbad to create
streets that will serve all users. These guidelines were developed using best practices in street
design from Carlsbad, San Diego County, the state of California and around the world. They
are intended to evolve and adapt to incorporate new treatments and techniques as they are
developed and proven successful.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 17 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program
This program provides a way for city staff to work directly with neighborhoods that have concerns
about traffic safety. Based on an initial assessment, staff can utilize one or more approaches to slow
down speeds, discourage cut-through traffic, enhance pedestrian and bike safety, and make other
changes. Solutions include traffic circles, speed cushions, extending curbs and other measures. Eleven
neighborhoods are a part of the program this fiscal year:
•Victoria Avenue from Pontiac Drive to Haverhill Street
•Highland from Carlsbad Village Drive to Buena Vista Way
•Nueva Castilla from La Costa Avenue to Levante Street
•Monroe Street from Basswood Avenue to Carlsbad Village Drive
•Circulo Sequoia from Camino Junipero to Avenida Diestro
•Celina Drive from Carlsbad Village Drive to Chestnut Avenue
•Park Drive from Tamarack Avenue to Monroe Street
•Hummingbird Road from Sanderling Court to Rock Dove Street
•Black Rail Road from Poinsettia Lane to Northern Terminus
•Plum Tree Road from Hidden Valley to Aviara Parkway
•Carrillo Way from Rancho Brasado to Rancho Caballo
Annual streets maintenance projects
The city repaves dozens of streets annually, based on conditions, to ensure the 350 miles of city-
owned roads are properly maintained. During construction, the city also updates the striping to best
serve all the users of the streets.
Customized traffic control plans for large events
The city minimizes the traffic impact of large events through the coordinated deployment of traffic
control devices and special events personnel.
Regional coordination and advocacy
The city collaborates with agency partners at Caltrans, the San Diego Association of Governments and
the North County Transit District on regional projects and long-term planning studies.
Public education
The city promotes safe driving, cycling and walking through an ongoing public education program that
includes social media, videos, workshops and partnerships with mobility groups.
Engineering design standards
Establishes uniform and best practice policies and procedures for the design and construction of public
improvements, which promote safety for all infrastructure users.
E-bike ordinance
In April 2022, the City Council made Carlsbad the first city in the region with a law specific to e-bikes,
e-scooters and other similar mobility devices. The law makes it easier to enforce safe e-bike riding
behaviors and includes a provision that allows people to take a safety class in lieu of paying a fine for
their first citation.
School crossing guard program
The City of Carlsbad funds 36 school crossing guards who serve 14 schools in the city, under the
supervision of the Carlsbad Police Department.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 18 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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6
Traffic enforcement
There is a dedicated Traffic Division within the Carlsbad Police Department to enforce the rules of the
road.
Immediate actions (completed in 3 months) ________________________
Since the emergency proclamation on Aug. 23, 2022, the city has taken more than a dozen actions.
Many are funded through a $2 million budget appropriation made by the City Council when it ratified
the emergency on Aug. 30. Others are funded through existing budget appropriations for fiscal year
2022-23. In these cases, staff have accelerated the timing of implementation or temporarily
reprioritized other work.
Safer Streets Together roll out
Developed and implemented a short-term campaign to introduce the community to the
Safer Streets Together initiative, including the following activities:
•Created Safer Streets Together website within the city’s site to provide campaign
information and resources.
•Developed traffic safety related messages and engaged with followers on all city
social media channels.
•Worked with school districts serving Carlsbad and private schools to distribute traffic
safety messages to students and parents via email newsletters and school site
banners.
•Posted campaign banners along city streets and in city parks.
•Created displays for city libraries and community centers with QR codes linking to
traffic safety related content.
•Developed Spanish-language materials and distributed them through the Library
Learning Center and school district programs for Spanish-speaking parents.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 19 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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7
•Sent targeted information to large employers in Carlsbad with information to share
with employees.
•Attended community events, including Back to School nights, Family Movie Night and
the farmer’s market to distribute traffic safety information and engage with
community members.
Bike lane enhancements
Painted about 20 potential conflict points
with high visibility green paint at road
segments with higher collision activity.
Digital roadway messaging
Installed 12 digital message boards and 17 speed feedback signs along streets and
intersections with higher collision rates.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 20 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
8
Immediate actions
The map below shows locations of safety banners, speed feedback signs, digital message
boards and green bike lane treatments installed since Aug. 23, 2022.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 21 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
9
Enhanced enforcement
Redeployed Police Department personnel to increase traffic enforcement around schools
during beginning weeks of classes. Reassigned two detectives to work overtime each
Friday, specifically to conduct traffic enforcement. Diverted one sergeant and two officers
from their normal duties to specifically supplement the Traffic Division (to deploy on e-
bikes and in a vehicle). Purchased two additional e-bikes for police officer use.
Since the emergency was proclaimed and up to Sept 21, 2022, the Police Department has
issued a total of 253 warnings and 558 traffic citations, including:
•136 citations and 51 warnings to e-bike users
•22 citations and 32 warnings to bicyclists
•397 citations and 170 warnings to motorists
•Three citations to pedestrians
Police have also made:
•25 DUI arrests, five involving collisions
Immediate actions
Cost estimates
Funded and underway Category
Est. 1-time
cost
Ongoing
cost
Estimated
completion
Safer Streets Together roll out $30,000 No 10/23
Bike lane enhancements $421,000 Yes 11/23
Digital roadway messaging $215,000 No Completed
Enhanced enforcement $635,000 No 6/23
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 22 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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Short-term (completed in 6 months) ________________________________
City staff have developed the following potential actions for the City Council’s consideration. These
actions could be completed within six months. Some would require new funding while others could be
funded through existing department budgets by accelerating the timing of planned work.
Adopt a Vision Zero resolution No cost
Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while
increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all. Vision Zero recognizes that the
goal of zero roadway fatalities and severe injuries among all road users is bold and
daunting, yet setting that goal publicly is important to making real change. To date,
54 cities and counties across the nation have adopted Vision Zero, including
Encinitas, La Mesa and San Diego in the local region.
Vision Zero strategies
The following strategies are part of the Vision Zero approach:
•Building and sustaining leadership, collaboration, and accountability – especially
among a diverse group of stakeholders to include transportation professionals,
policymakers, public health officials, police, and community members
•Collecting, analyzing, and using data to understand trends and potential
disproportionate impacts of traffic deaths on certain populations
•Prioritizing equity and community engagement
•Managing speed to appropriate levels
•Setting a timeline to achieve zero traffic deaths and serious injuries, which brings
urgency and accountability, and ensuring transparency on progress and
challenges
Although the City of Carlsbad is already following many of the policies recommended
in the Vision Zero strategy, making a formal resolution would elevate the importance
of these policies and provide a framework for the actions already underway and any
additional actions the City Council chooses to add from this plan.
Community commitment campaign $42,000
Funded
Launch a campaign that creates opportunities for the community to publicly commit
to safe roadway behaviors and help promote the social norm around traffic safety to
other community members. Encourage participation by providing visual symbols of
commitment to reinforce bike, pedestrian and vehicle awareness and safety.
•Pledge campaign
•Yard signs
•Window clings
•Video testimonials
•Campaign stickers
•Other promo items
•Testimonials on social media posts and videos
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 23 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
11
School collaboration $27,000
Funded
Develop partnerships with all districts and schools serving Carlsbad to raise
awareness of traffic safety. Opportunities could include student rallies, traffic safety
night at sporting events, chalk art interactive events and curriculum opportunities
such as the Sage Creek Genius Project. Partnerships could also include a student
ambassador program, a more in-depth program working with school broadcast
programs, tie-ins with the speech and debate clubs and twice-yearly presentations
by Carlsbad police officers. Another option is to engage elementary school students
in a contest to choose an official traffic safety mascot for the City of Carlsbad, which
once produced could appear at schools, libraries and other community events to
share traffic safety messages in an engaging way.
Business/non-profit partnership program $22,000
Funded
Work with businesses, such as bike shops, and local nonprofit organizations to
spread the message about traffic safety by displaying posters or window clings and
sharing the message to their networks through social media or other methods.
Encourage campaign promotion and encourage third-party engagement and support
through posters, reciprocal linking program and in-kind donations to be used as
incentives for other campaign components. Reach out to potential partners,
including:
•Driving schools
•Insurance companies
•Bike shops
•Health care providers
•Apparel stores
•Local civic-minded businesses
Mobility organization partnership program $12,000
Funded
Create partnerships with local and regional organizations focused on mobility, DUI
awareness and other issues related to traffic safety. Engage these groups in sharing
messages to the Carlsbad community, co-hosting events, providing workshops and
other outreach. This could include outreach to businesses with large employee
bases, residents, seniors, teens and other audiences.
Video public service announcements $20,000
Funded
Develop a series of public service announcements that reinforce safe roadway
behaviors utilizing testimonials, graphics and other visuals targeting different
audiences and modes of travel. These videos will be adapted for multiple social
media channels and could be utilized as part of a paid advertising campaign.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 24 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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12
Upgrade high-pedestrian signal locations $60,000
Funded
Reduce vehicle-pedestrian conflicts by allowing pedestrians to begin crossing while
vehicles still face a red signal. Countdown pedestrian indications clarify pedestrian
crossing times and reduce confusion and ambiguity. Initial phase would include
approximately 30 locations.
School e-bike certification/permit program No cost
Work with the school districts within the city to explore creation of a certification
requirement for students to ride their bikes to campus. Students would need to upload
proof of attendance at a bike safety class to be able to ride their bicycles to school.
Carlsbad Village Faire outreach $5,000
Not funded
Create an engaging booth and display for the twice-yearly Carlsbad Village Faire to
share information on traffic safety.
Police officer Smart Cycling instructor program $2,000
Not funded
Police Department will explore with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition training and
certifying police officers in the Smart Cycling program so the Police Department can
hold training courses for residents.
Install high-visibility crosswalks near schools $800,000
Not funded
Address speeding concerns around school areas by making crosswalks more
prominent on all city streets designated as “School Streets” by the General Plan
Mobility Element and other school-designated (yellow) crosswalks. Will highlight
pedestrian crossings at school locations by upgrading marked crosswalks to high-
visibility continental or ladder style at approximately 140 locations throughout the
city.
Evaluate roadway design treatments $50,000
Not funded
This strategy would analyze the physical placement of speed control treatments or
rumble strips ahead of residential intersections to change drive behavior to be alert
when approaching residential intersections, and along the inside buffer area of Class II
buffered bicycle lanes. These proposed analyses would include outreach to active
transportation user groups and other stakeholders. To address design immunity issues,
initial installations would be pilots conforming to the experimental treatments in the
California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Device.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 25 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
13
Explore opportunities to obtain real time data $100,000
Not funded
Understanding Carlsbad roadways and the types of vehicles on the road is an
important component of traffic safety and adapting the city’s approach to education,
enforcement and engineering. This includes information like traffic flow, speed and
mode of transportation. The city is developing an active transportation monitoring
report to fulfill the 2019 Sustainable Mobility Plan recommendation to launch the
program. The plan is organized around three dimensions of mobility – travel
demand, mode share and safety. Reports like this are usually a snapshot in time and
provide the city with valuable data. There are new data products that may provide
similar data but on a more frequent and closer to real-time basis. Staff proposes to
explore opportunities to acquire products that could provide accurate mobility data
on a more frequent basis to inform city actions and public education.
E-citation expansion $55,000
Not funded
Building on the existing use of electronic citations by the traffic division, the Police
Department can complete its digital transformation related to writing, tracking, and
reporting citations. The technology has proven to increase citation writing speed,
improve efficiency and reduce the chance for human error when issuing paper
citations and entering them into a database. The acquisition of e-cite printers will
allow the remaining patrol officers who manually write paper tickets to use software
they already have to write the citation, print it in the field, and give it to the person
receiving the ticket. Data is transmitted electronically removing the potential for
human error from keying paper citations into a database. This will improve data
quality and will help the city in analyzing citation data to support safer streets.
Juvenile traffic safety incentive program $1,000
Not funded
Create a program in which police officers contact juveniles who are obeying the laws
while riding their bikes and e-bikes and reward them with donated gift cards, ice
cream, etc. This positive reinforcement program will continue the positive
relationships the Police Department has with residents in our city even during times
of heavy enforcement. Potential to eliminate cost by engaging business partners who
may want to contribute incentives.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 26 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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14
Short-term actions
Cost estimates
Category
Est. 1-time
cost
Ongoing
cost
Est.
completion
Adopt a Vision Zero resolution n/a n/a 10/22
Community commitment
campaign
$42,000 No 3/23
School collaboration $27,000 No 3/23
Business/non-profit partnership
program
$22,000 No 3/23
Mobility organization
partnership program
$12,000 No 3/23
Video public service
announcements
$20,000 n/a 3/23
Upgrade high-pedestrian signal
locations
$60,000 No 1/23
School e-bike
certification/permit program
n/a n/a 4/23
Not funded
Carlsbad Village Faire outreach $5,000 No 5/23
Police officer Smart Cycling
instructor program
$2,000 No 4/23
Install high-visibility crosswalks
near schools
$800,000 Yes 1/23
Evaluate roadway design
treatments
$50,000 No 12/22
Explore opportunities to acquire
more real-time data
$100,000 TBD 11/22
E-citation expansion $55,000 No 4/23
Juvenile traffic safety incentive
program
$1,000 No 4/23
Funded and approved by the
City Council
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 27 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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15
Mid-term (completed in 12 months) _______________________________
Expanded street resurfacing and restriping $3.7 million
Funded
Accelerated slurry seal and restriping of major east/west arterial corridors to balance
the needs of the users of the streets. Will seal the roadways to improve pavement
condition as part of our pavement management program and improve conditions for
all the users on the road. The first phase of this strategy includes:
•La Costa Avenue – from western city border near I-5 to Fairway Lane
•Poinsettia Lane – from Carlsbad Boulevard to Melrose Drive
•Cannon Road – from Avenida Encinas to Faraday Avenue
•Carlsbad Village Drive – from Interstate 5 to College Boulevard
This strategy will reduce the long-term maintenance costs of the restriped road
segments by reducing the width of the vehicular travel lanes. The strategy will also
include coordinating with Caltrans to improve the road markings for all users through
the state highway interchanges.
Received and deployed a new striper truck to assist with road striping maintenance
efforts.
Tamarack Avenue traffic calming $200,000
Funded
Kicked off work with community members to identify short-term traffic calming
strategies for Tamarack Avenue, between Skyline Drive and Adams Street. Curb
extensions were installed and a pedestrian hybrid beacon signal is in the
process of being installed at the intersection of Tamarack Avenue and Valley
Street. The intersection project is scheduled to be completed in October 2022.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 28 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
16
Reconfigure arterials $2 million
Funded
Reconfigure arterial streets including vehicular lane reductions and seal the
roadways to improve pavement condition as a part of our Pavement Management
Program and enhance conditions for all users of the road. Reconfiguring roadways
also reduces the long-term pavement maintenance costs and improves the line of
sight for side street users approaching the arterial. This program would be phased,
with the first phase including:
•Carlsbad Boulevard – from Pine Avenue to southern border near La Costa
Avenue
•El Fuerte Street – from Faraday Avenue to tie into the existing one
vehicular lane in each direction south of Rancho Pancho, excluding the
segments approaching Loker Avenue to Bressi Ranch Way
•Grand Avenue – from Ocean Street to Hope Way. This would be the first
phase to the Grand Avenue Promenade Project to provide short-term
benefits until the ultimate promenade improvements are completed.
•Poinsettia Lane – from Avenida Encinas to Carlsbad Boulevard
•Cannon Road - Avenida Encinas to El Arbol Drive
Expand street resurfacing and restriping $2 million
Funded
Accelerate slurry seal and restriping major east/west arterial corridors to balance the
needs of the users of the streets. Seal the roadways to improve pavement condition
as part of our pavement management program and improve conditions for all the
users on the road. This second phase will include:
•Palomar Airport Road – from Avenida Encinas to eastern city border
•Rancho Santa Fe Road and Olivenhain Road – from eastern city border to
western city border
This strategy will reduce the long-term maintenance costs of the restriped road
segments by reducing the width of the vehicular travel lanes.
Continue to use the new striper truck to assist with road restriping maintenance
efforts.
Review citywide speed limits for potential reduction $40,000
Funded
Review speed limits citywide to determine whether speed limit reductions should
occur, in accordance with Assembly Bill 43 (2021).
Legislative advocacy for e-bike licensing requirement No additional cost
Utilize the city’s existing contracts with legislative affairs specialists to advocate for
California Legislature to enact a statute that requires a licensing process and training
to ride an e-bike.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 29 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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17
Complete Vision Zero plan $150,000
Not funded
The Vision Zero Action Plan would formalize the city’s existing and planned actions
into actionable, measurable strategies, emphasizing design and policy solutions,
including designing Complete Streets and lowering speeds for safety. Each strategy
would identify the lead agency responsible, along with supporting and partner
agencies, a projected timeline and budget needs.
Paid advertising campaign $105,000
Not funded
Prepare and implement a multi-media ad campaign that could include public service
announcements placed on local cable and streaming services, intro video ads on
YouTube, social media advertising, digital banner ads, a mobile digital billboard and
print placements.
Teen engagement program $34,000
Not funded
Effectively reaching the teen audience requires a customized approach that focuses
on peer-to-peer communication and engagement. This program will use Office of
Traffic Safety research specific to teens to tailor a Carlsbad program that encourages
and reinforces safe roadway behaviors.
Messages on city assets $16,500
Not funded
Utilize city buildings, banner holders and vehicles to display traffic safety messages,
including banners, murals and vehicle wraps – all focused on keeping traffic safety at
the forefront throughout the city.
Travel Safe visitors program $34,000
Not funded
Work with Visit Carlsbad, hotel properties, vacation rental owners and local
attractions to provide traffic safety information to visitors. Approach LEGOLAND with a
potential partnership utilizing the LEGO driving attractions (show your LEGO driver’s
license and get a Carlsbad traffic safety promo item at City Hall). Program could
include a video public service announcement aimed at visitors that play on in-house
hotel TV channels.
Mobile digital signage $15,000
Not funded
Place safety messages on a mobile digital billboard that can be moved around the
city and placed at community events.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 30 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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18
Expedite infrastructure projects $620,753 (annually)
Not funded
In June 2022, the City Council directed staff to expedite the following traffic-safety
related projects:
•Barrio Traffic Circles Project
•Village and Barrio Lighting Project
•Evaluation of making Tyler Street one-way only
•Grand Avenue Promenade
•Sustainable Mobility Plan projects
With additional staff capacity, additional projects could be expedited, including:
•Terramar Area Coastal Improvements.
•Tamarack Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard
•Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Streets Project
•Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue Complete Streets Project
Resourcing
To expedite more traffic-safety related projects, the city could consider delaying
projects with objectives other than promoting multimodal safety benefits.
Alternatively, the city could expand the size of its engineering staff to increase the
city’s capacity to complete projects sooner. Costs listed for this option include the
new annual cost of the following positions:
•2 Associate Engineers
•1 Assistant Engineer
•1 Municipal Project Manager
•1 Reclassified Senior Inspector from Inspector
Develop access plans for all schools $150,000
Not funded
Working with the school districts and administrations, develop access plans for all
schools. This strategy will focus on improving safety and efficiency for all modes of
travel entering the schools, including the pick-up and drop-off process. Plans are
typically led by the parent and teacher associations and the city in an advisory role. The
implementation is led by the schools’ PTAs to get ownership and buy-in from parents.
Safer Streets data analytics and visualization program $50,000
Not funded
Reports on traffic volumes and speeds are usually a snapshot in time and done on an
annual basis. This strategy would use existing data to create a way to visualize data
so the city could adapt to changing conditions to support enforcement, traffic
calming and infrastructure improvements more rapidly. Additional data sources may
be necessary to create a robust data product so the acquisition of more accurate and
frequent information is included earlier in this plan.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 31 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
19
Speed cushions on streets around schools $1.3 million
Not funded
Assess speeds on all streets designed as “School Streets” in the General Plan’s
Mobility Element and install speed cushions as needed.
Update Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management
Program
$150,000
Not funded
Update the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program, including removal of
the stop sign option, re-evaluation of qualification criteria and reduction of the
number of phases from three to two. The goal of the update is to align it with best
industry practices including the recommendations found in the California Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices and other applicable city and industry guidelines.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 32 of 47
City of Carlsbad
Safer Streets Plan
20
Mid-term actions
Cost estimates
Funded and approved by the
City Council Category
Est. 1-time
cost
Ongoing
cost
Est.
completion
Expanded street resurfacing and
restriping
$3,700,000 No 10/23
Tamarack Avenue traffic calming $200,000 No 3/23
Reconfigure arterials $2,000,000 No 10/23
Expanded street resurfacing and
restriping (Palomar Airport Road,
Rancho Santa Fe/Olivenhain Road)
$2,000,000 No 10/23
Review citywide speed limits for
potential reduction
$40,000 Yes Ongoing
Legislative advocacy for e-bike
licensing requirement
None No 7/23
Not funded
Complete Vision Zero plan $150,000 No 3/23
Paid advertising campaign $105,000 No 4/23
Teen engagement program $34,000 No 4/23
Messages on city assets $16,500 No 4/23
Travel Safe visitors program $34,000 No 4/23
Mobile digital signage $15,000 No 4/23
Expedite infrastructure projects $620,753 Yes Ongoing
Develop access plans for all schools $150,000 No 12/23
Safer Streets data analytics and
visualization program
$50,000 No 11/31
Install speed cushions on streets
around schools
$1,300,000 No 10/23
Update Carlsbad Residential Traffic
Management Program
$150,000 No 10/23
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 33 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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21
Long-term (completed in 1+ years) _________________________________
Community service project plan $20,000
Not funded
Work with community service groups to engage them in the traffic safety issue. This
could include Boy Scout Eagle projects, Girl Scouts Gold Award, and Rotary and
Kiwanis club programs. Each would be approached with the challenge and asked to
develop or participate in community-based programs to support a strong social norm
around traffic safety in Carlsbad.
Entry signage $2,500 to $250,000
Not funded
The City of Carlsbad is one of the few cities in the region without monument signs at
the city’s main entrances. The city could commission entryway signage and include
the expectation that all road users practice good traffic safety behaviors.
Alternatively, signage could be placed on existing smaller “Welcome to Carlsbad”
street poles with a similar message.
Activate CERT, Citizens Academy alumni, trail volunteers $12,000
Not funded
Connect with volunteers on the Community Emergency Response Team and Citizens
Academy graduates to develop a traffic safety ambassador program in which, after
undergoing training, they could serve as neighborhood leads to help promote traffic
safety best practices and help educate neighbors on various engineering solutions,
such as roundabouts.
Experiential community art $38,000 to $150,000
Not funded
Partner with artists to develop safety-related murals, chalk art or temporary art
exhibits throughout the city, such as:
•Mobile art show
•Mural project on city-owned buildings, schools or private property
participants
•Partnership with the cultural arts office for a Cannon Art Gallery exhibit
related to traffic safety (the gallery has an existing program with all third
grade classes in Carlsbad)
•Creative video contest
Update the Mobility Element in the General Plan $150,000
Not funded
Consider revisions to the Mobility Element to emphasize slower vehicle speeds and
increased bike and pedestrian safety.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 34 of 47
City of Carlsbad
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Explore school busing program $44,000,000*
Not funded
Work with North County Transit District and school districts serving Carlsbad to
explore opportunities for school busing programs, including potential partnerships to
use innovative transit solutions and a seasonal beach shuttle program.
Construct Transformative Corridor Projects $TBD
Not funded
Transformative Corridors will provide a multi-modal, backbone network of high-quality
bikeways, pedestrian facilities and transit services so that Carlsbad residents and
visitors have an array of travel options that do not require driving.
New community-oriented policing team $914,484 (annually)
Not funded
Request additional permanent staffing for the Police Department to implement a full-
time Community-Oriented Policing Team that would also serve as an e-bike team. This
would include four new officers and one new sergeant.
Long-term actions
Cost estimates
Not funded Category
Est. 1-time
cost Ongoing
Est.
completion
Community service project plan $20,000 No 10/23
Entry signage $2,500 -
$250,000
No 10/23
Activate Community Emergency
Resource Team, Citizens Academy
alumni, trail volunteers
$12,000 No 12/23
Experiential community art $38,000 -
$150,000
No 12/23
Update the Mobility Element in the
General Plan
$150,000 No 12/23
Explore school busing program* $44 million Yes 12/25
Construct Transformative Corridor
Projects
TBD TBD TBD
New community-oriented policing
team
$914,484
Annually
Yes 12/23
*Cost for 110 electric buses. Does not include administration, staffing, other costs.
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 35 of 47
Education Engineering Enforcement All 3 Es
Approved Actions
On Sept. 27, 2022, the City Council authorized all items in the plan that have funding identified (“funded column”).
Additional actions may be considered at a future date at the City Council’s discretion.
Funded Potential Action Est. 1-time
cost
A
No new
B
$2.2 M
C
$48 M
Im
m
e
d
i
a
t
e
ac
t
i
o
n
s
1. Safer Streets Together roll out $30,000
2. Bike lane enhancements $421,000
3. Digital roadway messaging $215,000
4. Enhanced enforcement $635,000
Sh
o
r
t
-te
r
m
ac
t
i
o
n
s
5. Adopt a Vision Zero resolution n/a
6. Community commitment campaign $42,000
7. School collaboration $27,000
8. Business, non-profit partnership program $22,000
9. Mobility organization partnership program $12,000
10. Video public service announcements $20,000
11. Upgrade high-pedestrian signal locations $60,000
12. School e-bike certification/permit program n/a
13. Carlsbad Village Faire outreach $5,000
14. Police officer Smart Cycling instructor program $2,000
15. Install high-visibility crosswalks near schools $800,000
16. Evaluate roadway design treatments $50,000
17. Explore opportunities to acquire real-time data $100,000
18. E-citation expansion $55,000
19. Juvenile traffic safety incentive program $1,000
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 36 of 47
*Cost for 110 electric buses. Does not include administration, staffing, other costs
Funded Potential Action Est. 1-time
cost
A
No new
B
$2.2 M
C
$48 M
Mi
d
-te
r
m
ac
t
i
o
n
s
20. Expanded street resurfacing and restriping $3,700,000
21. Tamarack Avenue traffic calming $200,000
22. Reconfigure arterials $2,000,000
23. Expanded street resurfacing and restriping
(Palomar Airport Road, Rancho Santa
Fe/Olivenhain Road)
$2,000,000
24. Review citywide speed limits for potential
reduction
$40,000
25. Legislative advocacy for e-bike licensing
requirement
None
26. Complete Vision Zero plan $150,000
27. Paid advertising campaign $105,000
28. Teen engagement program $34,000
29. Messages on city assets $16,500
30. Travel Safe visitors program $34,000
31. Mobile digital signage $15,000
32. Expedite infrastructure projects $620,753
Annually
33. Develop access plans for all schools $150,000
34. Safer Streets data analytics and visualization
program
$50,000
35. Speed cushions on streets around schools $1,300,000
36. Update Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management
Program
$150,000
Lo
n
g
-te
r
m
ac
t
i
o
n
s
37. Community service project plan $20,000
38. Entry signage $2,500 -
$250,000
39. Activate Community Emergency Response Team,
Citizens Academy alumni, trail volunteers
$12,000
40. Experiential community art $38,000 -
$150,000
41. Update the Mobility Element in the General Plan $150,000
42. Explore school busing program* $44,000,000
43. Construct Transformative Corridor projects TBD
44. New community-oriented policing team $914,484
Annually
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 37 of 47
Exhibit 2
Semiannual Transportation Report
Transportation and Drainage Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Status
Update as of June 2023
• College Boulevard Reach A Extension – CIP Project No. 3636
o On May 5, 2020, City Council directed staff to pursue a city-led financing program, planning,
and environmental review for construction of the College Boulevard extension, which would
include the city undertaking a preliminary design and engineering assessment
o On Nov. 2, 2020, staff presented the scope of work to the Traffic and Mobility Commission
and solicited the commission’s input and feedback on the project
o On Aug. 17, 2021, the city entered into an agreement with a consultant team to complete
preliminary design and environmental services
o Consultant has initiated preliminary engineering and environmental review process
o Initiated field investigations, including biological surveys and geotechnical investigation
o Prepared Traffic Operations Analysis report and draft cross section alternatives for College
Boulevard Extension Design Study Project
o The project has been paused per the City Council direction on June 7, 2022, and is
anticipated to resume in the first half of 2024
• Pavement Management Program – CIP Project No. 6001
o 2021 Pavement Assessment – Finalized citywide pavement condition assessment and
analysis. The final report was received in December 2022
o 2023 Slurry Seal Project - Completed 50% design level phase. Staff presented the draft
striping plans to Traffic and Mobility Commission in June 2023
Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid
(July 2023), award of construction contract (late 2023)
o 2022 East-West Corridor Emergency Resurfacing and Restriping – Project will resurface and
restripe several east-west arterial streets including portions of Carlsbad Village Drive,
Tamarack Avenue, Cannon Road, Poinsettia Lane, La Costa Avenue, and a smaller portion of
Olivenhain Road.
Staff presented the project to Traffic and Mobility Commission in December
2022
Plans and specifications were approved by the City Council on Feb. 7, 2023
Awarded construction contract on June 7, 2023
• Beach Access Repairs from Pine Avenue to Tamarack Avenue – CIP Project No. 3896
o Project will repair sidewalks, handrails, stairways, retaining walls and seawall
o Currently 90%-complete level engineering design
o Public review of the environmental document, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or MND,
started on May 19, 2023, and closed on June 19, 2023
o Coordinating the project with State Parks staff to obtain approvals of the repairs
o Obtained an approved Right of Entry Agreement to reimburse State Parks for its staff’s
review of plans
o Project requires right-of-way, or ROW, coordination/resolution with State Parks
o Ongoing coordination for ROW reconciliation with State Parks
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late 2023),
award of construction contract (early 2024)
• Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue Intersection Improvements – CIP Project No. 6058
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 38 of 47
o Project will widen sidewalk, add crosswalks, improve Americans with Disabilities Act, or
ADA, access and improve traffic flow and transit stop
o Project requires ROW coordination/resolution with State Parks
o Ongoing coordination for ROW reconciliation with State Parks
o Obtained an approved Right of Entry Agreement to reimburse State Parks for review of
plans
o Completed visual simulations of the intersection control design options
o Provided outreach mailer with overview of intersection control design options
o Presented at the Traffic and Mobility Commission in February and May 2023 to seek
recommendation on the intersection control design option
o Target schedule – Approval of the preferred intersection traffic control option (summer
2023), approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (mid-2024), award of
construction contract (late 2024)
• El Camino Real Widening from Arenal Road to La Costa Avenue – CIP Project No. 6051
o Widen southbound El Camino Real from Arenal Road to La Costa Avenue to prime arterial
standards, add sidewalk and widen bridge
o Prepared 90%-complete improvement plans including environmental and supporting
technical documents
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (early 2024),
award of construction contract (mid-2024)
• El Camino Real and Cannon Road Improvements – CIP Project No. 6042
o Construction completed in late 2022
o Constructed a new bridge for pedestrian connectivity over the Agua Hedionda Creek along
El Camino Real and widened the sidewalk on the west side of the El Camino Real bridge, and
added an additional northbound through lane
o Currently performing 24-month monitoring for hydroseed and plant restoration
o Project received Project of the Year awards from the American Public Works Association San
Diego & Imperial Counties Chapter and the American Society of Civil Engineers San Diego
Section
• Kelly Drive and Park Drive Complete Streets Improvements – CIP Project No. 6075
o Provide traffic calming on Kelly Drive and Park Drive, enhance biking with dedicated bike
path, and add trails and improvement pedestrian access
o Presented to the Traffic and Mobility Commission in August 2021 and December 2022
o Conducted public outreach efforts including online survey, email blast, mailers and virtual
community workshop
o Solicited Request for Proposals, or RFP, and now negotiating scope and fee with highest
ranking consultant
o Target schedule – Award an agreement to the selected consultant for engineering services
(mid-2023), finalize plans and environmental documents (Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration, or IS/MND) for public review (early 2024), Planning Commission approval (mid-
2024), approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late 2024), award of
construction contract (late 2024)
• El Camino Real Widening from Poinsettia Lane to Camino Vida Roble – CIP Project No. 6072
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 39 of 47
o Partially federally funded ($1.44 million grant) project to widen El Camino Real to the city
standards and provide an additional northbound through lane from Cinnabar Way to
Camino Vida Roble to increase capacity. The project also adds new sidewalks and medians.
o Presented to the Traffic and Mobility Commission in November 2020 and October 2022
o Completed engineering plans and environmental permitting
o Presented to the Planning Commission and obtained necessary city discretionary permits in
June 2022
o Currently processing property acquisition with owners for the necessary easements and
request for authorization from Caltrans
o Coordination with San Diego Gas & Electric, or SDGE, and California Public Utilities
Commission, or CPUC, for existing easement
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late 2023),
award of construction contract (early 2024)
• Palomar Airport Road and College Boulevard Improvements – CIP Project No. 6028
o Provide operational improvements to vehicles by adding an additional southbound through
lane and improvement bike lanes
o Construction plans are at 90%-complete level
o Presented to the Traffic and Mobility Commission in June 2020 and September 2022
o Project will be presented to the Traffic and Mobility Commission later this year for a project
update and further considerations
• Palomar Airport Road and Melrose Drive Improvements – CIP Project No. 6034
o Provide operational improvements to vehicles by adding an additional southbound through
lane and improvement to bike lanes
o Project will be presented to the Traffic and Mobility Commission later this year for a project
update and further considerations
• El Camino Real Widening from Sunny Creek Road to Jackspar Drive – CIP Project No. 6094
o Project will widen El Camino Real to the city standards and provide an additional
northbound through lane to increase capacity. The project also adds new sidewalks.
o Presented to the Traffic and Mobility Commission in September 2021 and October 2022
o Completed engineering plans and environmental documents
o Currently negotiating with property owners for the necessary easement
o Target schedule – Planning Commission approval (mid-2023), approval of plans and
specifications and authorization to bid (late 2023), award of construction contract (early
2024)
• Avenida Encinas Coastal Rail Trail and Pedestrian Improvements – CIP Project No. 6004
o Project will provide multimodal improvements including new bike lanes, sidewalks and
traffic calming features
o Presented to the Traffic and Mobility Commission in May 2021, June 2021, April 2022 and
August 2022
o Obtained approval from the San Diego Association of Governments, or SANDAG, Caltrans
and California Transportation Commission, or CTC, for State-only Funding and Scope Change
requests. The approved State-Only Funding request changed the Active Transportation
Program, or ATP, grant funding from a federal program to a state program. The approved
Scope Change request allows using the ATP grant funding for segment 2 of the project to
meet the grant requirements
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 40 of 47
o Obtained authorization from Caltrans to advertise for construction bid
o Target schedule:
Segment 1 (between Cannon Road and Palomar Airport Road): Completed
Segment 2 (between Poinsettia Station to Carlsbad Boulevard): Approval of plans
and specifications and authorization to bid (Completed in April 2023), award of
construction contract (Completed in May 2023)
Segment 3 (Palomar Airport Road and Poinsettia Station): Approval of plans and
specifications and authorization to bid (early 2024), award of construction contract
(mid-2024)
• Village and Barrio Traffic Circles – CIP Project No. 4015 o Traffic calming and pedestrian improvement features at eight intersections in the
Village/Barrio area to calm traffic as shown in the Village and Barrio Master Plan
o Construct five traffic circles, two other traffic calming improvements, and one high-visibility
continental crosswalk
o Project is in the final engineering design
o U.S. Representative Mike Levin secured $5 million of federal funding from the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Local Transportation Priorities Account and under the
Highway Infrastructure Program for traffic circles and street lighting projects, $4 million of
which will be used for the traffic circle construction and $1 million will be used for the Phase
2 construction
o Federal funds required the project to go through the National Environmental Policy Act, or
NEPA, process and work with Caltrans to finalize
o Additional technical studies were prepared to support NEPA
o NEPA categorical exclusion was certified in May 2023
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late 2023),
award of construction contract (early 2024)
• Terramar Area Coastal Improvement Project – CIP Project No. 6054
o Construct roundabout at intersection of Cannon Road and Carlsbad Boulevard, sidewalks,
crosswalks, increased parking and bluff improvements
o Engineering design at 90%-complete level
o Coordinating with utility companies on undergrounding overhead utilities
o Responding to the city’s Planning Division’s first round of comments on the Draft California
Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, document. Target schedule – Presentation to the
Traffic and Mobility Commission (mid-2023), Draft CEQA document/MND targeted for public
review (late 2023), Planning Commission approval (early 2024), Coastal Development Permit
from the California Coastal Commission (mid-2024), City Council approval of plans and
specifications and authorization to bid (late 2024), award of construction contract (late
2024/early 2025)
• Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue Complete Streets – CIP Project No. 6019
o Construct sidewalks, bike paths, green street features and underground overhead utilities
along a portion of Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue
o Currently in the engineering design phase
o Ongoing coordination with SDGE and communication companies for Rule 20A utility
undergrounding and gas mainline relocation occurring in conjunction with this project;
SDGE's utility undergrounding has been delayed and will not be constructed in summer
2023 as previously planned
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 41 of 47
o City Council approved agreement with SDGE for undergrounding project in January 2023
o Ongoing outreach with the property owners and school district and coordination on design
o Target schedule – Coordinating engineering design and coordination with utility companies
for undergrounding and gas main relocation projects (mid-2023)
• Barrio Lighting Project – CIP Project No. 4013
o Phase 1 of the project installed and energized 13 streetlights to dark areas in the Barrio
o Phase 2 of the project, which will install pedestrian lighting in the Barrio area is in
engineering design phase
o Public outreach newsletter mailed out in November 2020 and November 2021
o Awarded an agreement for lighting assessment and preliminary design of Barrio Lighting
Phase 2
o Outreach survey for pedestrian lighting completed in February 2022
o Existing lighting assessment conducted in late March and April 2022
o Contract being negotiated to finalize the engineering design of Phase II (pedestrian lighting)
o U.S. Representative Mike Levin secured $5 million of federal funding from the U.S.
Department of Transportation’s Local Transportation Priorities Account and under Highway
Infrastructure Program for Village and Barrio Traffic Circles and Barrio Lighting projects, $4
million of which will be used for the traffic circle construction and $1 million will be used for
the Phase 2 construction
o Target schedule:
Phase 1 – Construction completed (early 2023)
Phase 2A – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (early
2024), award of construction contract (mid-2024)
• Buena Vista Creek Concrete Channel Maintenance Project – CIP Project No. 6619
o Proposed dredging of debris, clearing of vegetation and concrete repairs within the
concrete-lined portion of Buena Vista Creek between the bridges of South Vista Way to
approximately 200 feet upstream of the El Camino Real bridge
o Programmatic Environmental Impact Report, or PEIR, determined to be appropriate CEQA
document by the city’s Community Development Department in fall 2021
Issued a task order to prepare PEIR in February 2022
Prepared draft Notice of Preparation, or NOP, in May 2023
o Completed topographic survey in April 2022
o Updated engineering design in July 2022 and March 2023
o Initiated coordination with habitat mitigation banks in May 2023
o Target schedule:
PEIR being prepared and is expected to be circulated for public review (mid-2023)
Applications for resource agency permits to be submitted upon PEIR recordation
Secure offsite habitat mitigation credits (mid-2024)
Channel clearing and dredging (late 2024)
• Park Drive Street and Drainage Improvements – CIP Project No. 6611
o Remove and replace 500 feet of existing retaining wall and repair back slope with 2,000
cubic yards of imported fill. Project also includes brow ditch, storm drain improvements and
sidewalk replacement
o 0.75-acre of compensatory habitat mitigation required offsite due to impacts to coastal sage
scrub. Five-year maintenance and monitoring required upon completion of initial planning
and six-month plant establishment period
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 42 of 47
o Minor Conditional Use Permit, Minor Hillside Development and Minor Habitat Mitigation
Plan permit applications approved by the city’s Community Development Department on
March 30, 2022
o Coordinating with the California Coastal Commission to obtain a Coastal Development
Permit
o Target schedule – Final engineering design (late 2023), approval of plans and specifications
and authorization to bid (early 2024), award of construction contract (mid-2024)
• Citywide Drainage Improvement Program – CIP Project No. 6608
o Drainage Master Plan Project BCB – Magnolia Avenue Drainage Improvements
Proposed 30-inch diameter storm drain pipeline on Magnolia Avenue from Brady
Circle to Monroe Street
Project split into two separate phases that will be constructed during the summer
months due to the proximity of several nearby schools
• Phase I completed in mid-2022, constructed the main trunk of the storm
drain on Magnolia Avenue and replaced/relocated several sections of
potable water main
• Phase II will provide full street pavement resurfacing, speed humps, curb
bulb-out/extensions and a storm drain lateral section on Valley Street
Target schedule:
• Phase II – Approval of plans and specifications (late 2023), award of
construction contract (early 2024)
o Surface Drainage Improvements Project
Project improved surface drainage conditions on several streets within the
northwest quadrant area of the city. Improvements included installation of concrete
curbs, gutters, swales and gravel to reduce erosion and improve drainage
Negotiated a new task order for 2023 Surface Drainage Improvements Technical
Memo in May 2023
o Merwin Drive Storm Drain Improvements
Project will improve surface drainage conditions and reduce the potential for
ponding on Merwin Drive during and following storm events
Construction of temporary drainage improvements completed in December 2020
City Council approved authorization for engineering and environmental services and
contract was fully executed in September 2021
Design options analysis completed in early 2022
Revised design options analysis performed in May 2023
Amendment to the consultant’s contract going to the City Council for approval in
late summer 2023
Target schedule – Approval of an amendment to the consultant’s contract (late
summer 2023), final engineering design (early 2024), environmental processing and
permitting (mid-2024), approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid
(late 2024), award of construction contract (early 2025)
• Drainage Master Plan Update – CIP Project No. 6623
o Update to the city’s 2008 Drainage Master Plan, or DMP. Effort will update the list of master
planned projects, create a new fee schedule and amend existing PEIR document
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 43 of 47
o Geographic Information System, or GIS, updates to the entire city drainage inventory
completed in fall 2020. Drainage modeling supported by the GIS update, providing an
updated analysis of proposed projects from the 2008 DMP and a recommended list of new
projects to be added to the plan
o Received Early Assessment comment letter from the city’s Planning Division on draft DMP
update in October 2022. Staff comments on draft DMP provided to consultant in November
2022
o Negotiated a new task order to perform revised Basin BJ technical evaluation
o Target schedule – Consultant submittal of final DMP (mid-2024), City Council adoption of
the DMP update (late 2024)
• Agua Hedionda Creek Vegetation Maintenance – CIP Project No. 6629
o Budget increased for fiscal year, or FY, 2021-22 to allow for two additional vegetation
clearing events per year. Existing maintenance contracts were renewed to accommodate
additional services
o Half-acre section of Agua Hedionda Creek between the bridges of Cannon Road and El
Camino Real cleared vegetation and removed debris in October 2022 and subsequently in
February 2023 to improve creek conveyance capacity
o Vegetation regrowth being monitored throughout winter months. Additional maintenance
events maybe requested if regrowth is determined to be significantly prohibit stream flows
o Completed monitoring report to CDFW in June 2023
o Target Schedule – Vegetation and debris clearing (late 2023), execute a new Streambed
Alteration Agreement with CDFW (mid-2024)
• Buena Vista Creek Assessment District – Operating Budget No. 1636312
o In October 2022 and again in December 2022, non-native vegetation and debris were
removed from the 11.2-acre section of the Buena Vista Creek channel
o In December 2022, annual channel vegetation clearing activities were performed within the
northern half of Buena Vista Creek upstream of Jefferson Street bridge (year 3 of 5) and
around areas of three storm drain outfalls
o Coordination with homeless outreach team to remove several encampments and
concentrated areas of trash within stream corridor
o Vegetation regrowth being monitored throughout winter months. Additional maintenance
events may be requested if necessary
o Annual Report completed and submitted with fee to CDFW in May 2023
o Target Schedule – Trash and non-native vegetation removal and annual vegetation clearing
(late 2023), execute a new Streambed Alteration Agreement with CDFW (mid-2024)
• Drainage Master Plan Project BFB-Upper – CIP Project No. 6622
o Project includes drainage improvements and slope stabilization to an existing city-owned
earthen drainage channel on the east side of El Camino Real from Chestnut Avenue to
Tamarack Avenue
o Objective of the project is to restore the channel by stabilizing slopes to mitigate against
erosion during storm events and help reduce sediment transport to Agua Hedionda Lagoon
o Engineering design contract fully executed with the City Council approval in September 2021
o Geotechnical exploration completed in December 2022
o Conceptual grading, geotechnical, biological, hydrological/hydraulics and alternatives
analysis performed in June 2023
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 44 of 47
o Target schedule – Final engineering design and environmental permitting (early 2024),
approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (mid-2024), award of
construction contract (late 2024)
• Storm Drain System Rehab and Repair Program – CIP Project No. 6607
o Corrugated Metal Pipe, or CMP, Replacement North of Encinas Creek
Removal of 200 feet of CMP and replacement with reinforced concrete pipe storm
drain within Carlsbad Boulevard north of Encinas Creek. Project includes installation
of one standard curb inlet, pipe replacement, outlet improvements and slope
repair/stabilization.
Design and environmental services contracts executed in December 2020 for
creation of final plan and environmental studies
Final design completed in March 2022
Target schedule – Advertise for construction bids (late 2023), award of construction
contract (early 2024)
o FY 2021-22 Storm Drain Maintenance and Repair Program
Removal of five CMP pipe drainage pipe systems throughout the city and
replacement with reinforced concrete pipe systems
Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late
2023), award of construction contract (early 2024)
o Highland-Hoover Storm Drain Realignment Project
Project will reroute an existing storm drain through several private properties to
relocate point off a private property to city right-of-way
Engineering design completed in fall 2021
Obtained City Manager’s approval of acceptance of storm drain easements and right
of entry agreements in March 2023
Fully executed storm drain easements recorded at the County in April 2023
Finalized plans and specifications and advertised for construction bids in April 2023
Conducted mandatory pre-bid meeting with prospective contractors in May 2023
Target schedule – Award construction contract (late 2023), complete construction
(early 2024)
• Storm Drain Condition Assessment Program – CIP Project No. 6620
o Inspection results will create list of repair and maintenance projects to be executed by CIP
Project No. 6607
o Program is also used on an as-needed basis to inspect drainage systems requiring immediate
inspection
o Finalized a task order for consultant to perform storm drain condition assessment and pipe
cleaning services for several CIP projects in June 2023
o Coordinate with Cartegraph (consultant for the enterprise asset management system) to
develop ongoing program that creates annual list of storm drain inspection needs
o Target schedule – Storm drain condition assessment and pipe cleaning (late 2023)
• Sidewalk Improvement Program – CIP Project No. 6002
o Program to design and construct missing links of sidewalk throughout the city
o 2021 Sidewalk Construction Project locations are:
Garfield Street (east side) between Redwood Avenue and Tamarack Avenue
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 45 of 47
Monroe Street (east side) between Marron Road and southern mall driveway
entrance (near bus stops)
Tamarack Avenue (north side) between Kirkwall Avenue and Edinburgh Drive
o 2021 Sidewalk Construction Project - Construction contract awarded and under construction
o Negotiated contract with consultant to perform engineering design services for 2023
Sidewalk Construction Project
• Concrete Repairs Program – CIP Project No. 6013
o Miscellaneous concrete repairs to sidewalks, curb and gutter, pedestrian ramps, driveway
approaches and cross gutters
o Construction of the 2021 Concrete Repair Project completed in early 2023
o 2023 Concrete Repair Project
City Council approved plans and specifications and authorized to bid in April 2023
City Council awarded construction contract in June 2023
Target schedule – Initiate and complete construction (late 2023)
• ADA Ramp Improvement Program – CIP Project No. 6049
o Negotiating scope and fee for 2023 ADA Improvement Project
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (late 2024),
award of construction contract (early 2025)
• Parking Lot Maintenance Program – CIP Project No. 6052
o Maintenance of city’s parking lots and driveways to provide access to the city parks, fire
stations, libraries and facilities
o Work under this program is being performed in conjunction with Public Parking Lots ADA
Improvements, CIP Project No. 6049
o Finalizing list of locations for 2023 Parking Lot Maintenance Project
o Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid (mid-2024),
award of construction contract (late 2024)
• Public Parking Lots ADA Improvements – CIP Project Nos. 6049 & 6052
o ADA and parking lot improvements at nine public parking lots in downtown Carlsbad and
three city parks
o Construction contract awarded and under construction
o Target schedule: Complete construction (late 2023)
• Trash Capture Amendment Compliance Program – CIP Project No. 6626
o Program to design and construct Trash Capture Best Management Practices, or TCBMPs, to
improve storm water quality, achieve compliance with watershed permit and reduce
maintenance costs
o Prepared conceptual TCBMP designs at six to 10 locations in early 2022
o Selected following six sites for 1st round of program:
State Street – proposed regional downstream TCBMP
Agua Hedionda discharge – proposed regional downstream TCBMP
Palomar Airport Road and Paseo Del Norte – retrofit four existing TCBMPs
o Issued a new task order to consultant for engineering design and environmental review
services in May 2023 for State Street TCBMP
o Target schedule – Finalize design for State Street TCBMP, approval of plans and
specifications and authorization to bid (late 2024), award of construction contract (early
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 46 of 47
2025), issue a new task order to begin engineering design and environmental review for
Agua Hedionda TCBMP (late 2023)
• Bridge Preventive Maintenance Program – CIP Project No. 6066
o 2022 Bridge Preventive Maintenance Project
Project includes five bridges located on Cannon Road (Macario Canyon Bridges) and
Rancho Santa Fe Road (San Marcos Creek Bridges), and Palomar Airport Road (at
Interstate 5) railing
Target schedule – Approval of plans and specifications and authorization to bid
(early 2024), award of construction contract (mid-2024)
o Prepared field review and documentation memorandum of 21 of the city’s bridges
o 2023 Bridge Preventive Maintenance Project
Target schedule – Initiate new contract for design of 2023 Bridge Preventive
Maintenance Project, approve plans and specifications and authorize to bid (late
2023), award construction contract (mid-2024)
July 25, 2023 Item #11 Page 47 of 47
Semiannual Transportation Report
Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
Nestor Mangohig, Senior Engineer
Transportation Department
July 25, 2023
RECOMMENDED ACTION
1.Receive the Semiannual Transportation Report
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
2
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
3
2018
“Report to the City Council on
citywide traffic and mobility
initiative two times per year.”
Get around Carlsbad safely and conveniently
5
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
Traffic signal system
•What it is
•How it works
•What’s next
6
77
SIGNAL GROUP
Previous signal network
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
Traffic Management Center
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
Traffic Management Center
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
Traffic Management Center
11
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
High speed fiber network
•Public private partnership
•Provides high speed fiber for the city’s use
•Game changer for our traffic signal program
12
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
14
95%
15
16
•Focused on high volume
corridors
•Impacts from regional
decisions
•Caltrans-controlled signals
Coordinated traffic signals
17
•Focused on high volume
corridors
•Impacts from regional
decisions
•Caltrans-controlled signals
Coordinated traffic signals
140s
120s
SR-78 CLOSURE
•Complete network upgrade
•Expand real-time signal alerts
•Explore potential new data sources
NEXT STEPS
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT
Traffic signal line
442-339-5331
CONTACT US
ITEM 11: SEMIANNUAL TRANSPORTATION REPORT