HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-11; City Council; ; Removing the College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road Improvements Project from the Capital Improvement Program and the Associated Level of Service Deficiency DeclaratiCA Review GH
Meeting Date: June 11, 2024
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Staff Contact: Tom Frank, Transportation Director/City Engineer
tom.frank@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2766
Nathan Schmidt, Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager
nathan.schmidt@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2734
Subject: Removing the College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road
Improvements Project from the Capital Improvement Program and the
Associated Level of Service Deficiency Declaration and Revising the
Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road Improvements Project’s Scope
of Work
District: 2
Recommended Actions
1.Hold a public hearing; and
2.Adopt a resolution authorizing removal of the Growth Management Plan Vehicular Level of
Service Deficiency Declaration for the street facility of College Boulevard and Palomar
Airport Road and the Associated Project No. 6028 from the Capital Improvement Program,
revising the scope of work of the Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road Improvements,
Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6034 and adopting related California
Environmental Quality Act findings.
Executive Summary
Carlsbad’s Growth Management Plan establishes specific standards for the performance of the
city’s streets, and a monitoring process to identify deficiencies. Some of the street projects in
the city’s Capital Improvement Program were intended to address these deficiencies to
maintain the level of service called for in the Growth Management Plan.
This item provides an update on two Capital Improvement Program projects that were intended
to improve two street facilities that were first identified as deficient in the fiscal year 2017-18
Annual Growth Management Plan Monitoring Report.
One project, College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road Improvements, Project No. 6028, is
now no longer needed because this street facility1 no longer operates at a deficient vehicle
1 A street facility refers to all the features of a roadway, including not just traffic lanes but sidewalks, traffic lights
and medians.
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 1 of 25
level of service. Staff are recommending the City Council remove this project from the Capital
Improvement Program.
Another Capital Improvement Program project, Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road
Improvements, Project No. 6034, has been determined to be inadequate to remedy the
deficiencies on these street segments. Staff are recommending the City Council revise the scope
of work of this project, setting the lane width at 11 feet and making other changes detailed
below.
These proposed changes will save the city more than $1 million in construction costs. The City
Council previously approved these projects, so its approval is required to make these changes.
Explanation & Analysis
Performance standards
Each year, staff collect monitoring data associated with the performance standards in the
General Plan Mobility Element including vehicle traffic data, to determine if the performance
standards are being met, including the city’s circulation performance standard, basically a
measure of how traffic flows around the city. This analysis identifies street facilities that are
deficient in meeting the circulation performance and level of service standards.
The roadway level of service scoring is similar to report card grades. The table below provides
descriptions of the typical traffic conditions associated with each level of service grade, based
upon the most recent version of California’s Highway Capacity Manual, the fundamental
reference for analyzing the performance of roadways.
Level of service General operating conditions
A Free flow where traffic moves smoothly at or above the speed limit
B Reasonably free flow, but speeds beginning to be slowed by traffic conditions
C Stable flow, but speeds start to be affected by higher traffic volumes
D Approaching unstable flow; speeds are noticeably slower, maneuverability is
more restricted, but there’s not constant stop-and-go traffic
E Unstable flow; speeds are much slower, and intermittent stop-and-go traffic is
likely
F Forced or breakdown flow; unacceptable congestion; stop-and-go, frequent long
delays and low speeds
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 2 of 25
When a street segment has a level of service of E or below, the city must identify an
improvement project that would improve the vehicular level of service deficiency to a service
grade of D or better, or exempt the segment from the standards.
A policy in the Mobility Element, the section of the city’s General Plan that covers
transportation, gives the City Council the authority to determine a street has been built out,
that is, fully developed, and exempt from the level of service standards when certain criteria
are met. (Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9, Exhibit 2)
College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road Improvements, Project No. 6028
The Growth Management Plan monitoring report for fiscal year 2017-18 determined the
southbound segment of College Boulevard, from Aston Avenue to Palomar Airport Road, was
operating at level of service of F during the afternoon, or PM, peak hour. It was therefore
declared deficient by the City Council on Dec. 17, 2019. (Resolution No. 2019-270, Exhibit 5)
The City Council also prioritized Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6028, which included
the addition of a second southbound through lane on College Boulevard, to remedy the
deficiency and improve operating conditions to a level of service of B during the PM peak hour.
Staff have continued to monitor the segment since then. Beginning in the fiscal year Growth
Management Plan monitoring report for FY 2020-21, data show this segment has been
operating at an acceptable level of service of B during both the previously problematic PM peak
hour and during the morning, or AM, peak hour. This improvement in level of service is
attributed to a reduction in traffic volumes along College Boulevard since 2018, as shown the
following table.
Historic average daily traffic volumes and level of service results for
southbound College Boulevard between Aston Place and Palomar Airport Road
Fiscal year 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20* 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23
Average daily traffic volume 14,214 16,142 6,235 11,590 13,849 13,268
Northbound level of service (AM, PM) B, F B, A A, A A, A B, A B, A
Southbound level of service (AM, PM) B, F B, F B, B B, B B, B B, B
*Growth Management Plan monitoring was not conducted in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The recorded
traffic volumes are provided for reference only
Factors contributing to this reduction may include changes in local traffic patterns, less
pronounced peaks of traffic volumes during the busiest times of day and long-term shifts to
telecommuting and flexible schedules, all of which have contributed to reduced traffic volumes
at this location. Consequently, the declaration that the vehicular level of service on this street
segment is deficient that the City Council approved in 2019 is no longer applicable.
Since this segment has consistently maintained an acceptable level of service B during both the
AM and PM peak hours for the last three annual monitoring cycles, construction of the work to
be done under Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6028 is no longer necessary, and staff
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 3 of 25
recommend its removal from the Capital Improvement Program, and the express removal of
the deficiency declaration.
Staff will continue to monitor this segment in future Growth Management Plan monitoring
reports. If a future level of service deficiency is identified, staff will return to the City Council
with additional recommendations.
Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road Improvements, Project No. 6034
The City Council determined the southbound segment of Melrose Drive from the city’s border
with Vista to Palomar Airport Road was deficient, built-out and exempt from the LOS
performance standard required by the Growth Management Plan on Dec. 17, 2019 (Resolution
No. 2019-270, Exhibit 5) At this meeting, the City Council directed staff to expedite Capital
Improvement Program Project No. 6034 to partially address the identified vehicular level of
service performance standard deficiency and improve traffic operations in this segment, though
the lane width was not defined by City Council Resolution 2019-270. (The City Council also
waived the right-of-way open space boundary adjustment requirement contained in General
Plan Open Space Element Policy 4-P.6.)
This project would have added a third southbound through lane on Melrose Drive approaching
the intersection with Palomar Airport Road. While the implementation of this project was, at
the time, intended to improve the deficient roadway facility operations from a level of service
of F to E during both peak hours, the facility would still not meet the level of service D
performance standard, and would remain deficient after completion of the project.
Staff are now recommending:
• Eliminating the road widening
• Revising the project’s existing vehicle lane widths to a maximum of 11-foot-wide to
better balance the mobility needs of the roadway.
• Improving the traffic signal to including and additional right-turn overlap to improve
efficiency at the intersection. (A right-turn overlap is when drivers who are turning right
get their own green arrow light while other traffic movements are happening, which
improves the overall efficiency of the intersection and helps to reduce delay for vehicle
drivers.)
Modifying the project with these changes is consistent with General Plan Mobility Element
Policy 3-P.9b because the proposed improvements support the core values of the Carlsbad
Community Vision. Specifically, the core values of walking, biking, public transportation, and
connectivity, which emphasize, increasing travel options “through enhanced walking, bicycling,
and public transportation systems [and to] enhance mobility through increased connectivity
and intelligent transportation management.”
The lane width and signal modifications will reduce the cost of the project because the roadway
will not need to be widened. Widening Melrose Drive would hinder mobility for pedestrians and
bicyclists by increasing crossing distances and exposure to vehicles. Additionally, wider roads
can lead to higher vehicle speeds and reduced visibility for pedestrians and cyclists, making
crossings more dangerous and challenging.
To further evaluate the proposed project revisions in terms of traffic operations and vehicle
delay, staff conducted a detailed intersection level of service analysis, following the
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 4 of 25
methodology detailed in the latest edition of the Highway Capacity Manual. This analysis
assessed the impact of the work to be done would have on traffic operations at the intersection
of Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road.
The table below compares the intersection level of service between the existing conditions,
with implementation of the original Project No. 6034 improvements and with implementation
of the revised project improvements.
Melrose Drive/Palomar Airport Road intersection operations summary
AM Peak Hour PM Peak Hour
Level of
service1
Delay
(seconds per
vehicle)2
Level of
service1
Delay
(seconds per
vehicle)2
Existing conditions E 66.2 D 47.8
Original Project No. 6034
improvements E 65.7 D 47.4
Revised Project No. 6034
improvements E 66 D 47.6
1) Level of service ratings based on methodology in Highway Capacity Manual 6th Edition (2016)
2) Red indicates deficient level of service. Count data collected November 2022
The intersection analysis shows that this intersection currently operates at a level of service of E
during the AM peak hour and a level of service of D during the PM peak hour. With
implementation of the original Project No. 6034, the intersection would still operate at a
deficient level of service E during the AM peak hour and level of service D during the PM peak
hour, with traffic delay improving by less than one second in each peak hour. Additionally,
implementation of the revised project improvements including the right-turn overlap at the
eastbound right turn lane on Palomar Airport Road would result in a similar slight improvement
of level of service operations at the intersection.
Adding a "free right-turn" signal to the eastbound approach on Palomar Airport Road signal
allows drivers to turn right more often. This can improve overall traffic operations because it
reduces the number of vehicles waiting at the light, making the intersection more efficient.
When right-turning vehicles move more freely, it also helps reduce backups and delays for
other directions of traffic.
For example, if the eastbound approach has a free right-turn signal, cars can turn right even
when traffic in the through-lanes are stopped by a red light. This reduces congestion in the
eastbound lane, allowing more cars to move through the intersection during each cycle. As a
result, other legs of the intersection, like the southbound direction, can experience
improvements too, because there is less overall congestion and more efficient traffic flow.
Based on the updated analysis of the Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road intersection,
staff recommend implementing a right-turn overlap phase to the eastbound right-turn lane.
The new right-turn overlap on the eastbound approach of Palomar Airport Road from
southbound Melrose Drive is expected to improve overall traffic delay by 0.2 seconds. In
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 5 of 25
addition, staff will continue to monitor this segment as part of the annual Growth Management
Plan monitoring program.
The proposed revised scope of work for Project No. 6034 will significantly reduce construction
costs by eliminating the need for roadway widening. Instead, the project can be accomplished
with roadway restriping and signal improvements, which can be implemented more quickly and
at a lower cost.
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission recommendation
Staff presented an informational update on these two Capital Improvement Program projects
on Aug. 7, 2023. That staff report is provided as Exhibit 3.
Staff presented another update to the Commission on June 3, 2024. The commission voted to
support staff’s recommendation. Exhibit 4 is the draft minutes of that meeting.
Public notification
A 10-day public notice period was provided for the public hearing. The city published notice of
this hearing on May 31. That notice is provided as Exhibit 6.
Fiscal Analysis
The approximate construction phase cost estimates and remaining budget for the two projects
are as follows:
College Avenue and Palomar Airport Road, Project No. 6028
Estimated construction phase $1,618,500
Current remaining budget $735,000
Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road, Project No. 6034
Estimated construction phase $1,140,000
Revised scope estimated construction phase -$150,000
Reduction in estimated construction cost $990,000
Current remaining budget $728,000
Removing Project No. 6028 from the Capital Improvement Program and rescoping Project No.
6034 will reduce the estimated construction costs by over $2 million. The current appropriated
remaining budget with the proposed actions is approximately $1.3 million, which will be
returned to the city's traffic impact fee fund to be used for other projects.
Next Steps
If the City Council approves staff’s recommendations, the remaining balance of funds for the
proposed actions will be transferred back to the Traffic Impact Fee Fund to be used for other
priority projects. Project No. 6034, at Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road, will be
implemented based on City Council direction.
Environmental Evaluation
The City Council is also being asked to approve the following environmental findings.
As discussed in Resolution No. 2019-270, the city previously determined that:
1) Exempting street facilities and intersections from the Growth Management Plan
circulation level of service vehicle performance standard is a subsequent activity of the
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 6 of 25
General Plan Mobility Element for which Programmatic Environmental Impact Report,
or program EIR, 13-02 was prepared.
2) A notice for the activity has been given, which includes statements that this activity is
within the scope of the program approved earlier, and that program EIR 13-02
adequately describes the activity for the purposes of California Environmental Quality
Act Sections 15168{c)(2) and (e).
3) That the proposal to exempt certain sections of El Camino Real and College Boulevard
has no new significant environmental effect that was not analyzed as significant in
program EIR 13-02.
4) None of the circumstances requiring a subsequent or a supplemental EIR under CEQA
Guidelines Sections 15162 or 15163 exist.
This action to remove a project from the Capital Improvement Program and revise the scope of
work of another project does not constitute a project within the meaning of the CEQA 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.
The city further finds that such actions are subject to CEQA exemptions, including but not
limited to the commonsense exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
The city further finds that there is no reasonable possibility that these modifications will have a
significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances, and further finds that
there are no usual circumstances. Numerous roadways have 11-foot through lanes including
Palomar Airport Road, College Boulevard and El Camino Real. Public agencies routinely adjust
signal timing such as when the city adjusted signal timing during the local traffic safety
emergency in 2022-2023 or recently at the intersection of El Camino Real and La Costa Avenue
where the traffic signal timing was changed to allow eastbound left turns and straight-through
movements to happen together.
Exhibits
1. City Council resolution
2. General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9
3. Traffic & Mobility Commission Aug. 7, 2023, staff report (on file in the Office of the City
Clerk)
4. Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission draft June 3, 2024, minutes
5. City Council Resolution No. 2019-270
6. Notice of public hearing published on May 28, 2024
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 7 of 25
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-125
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING REMOVAL OF THE GROWTH MANAGEMENT
PLAN VEHICULAR LEVEL OF SERVICE DEFICIENCY DECLARATION FOR THE
STREET FACILITY OF COLLEGE BOULEVARD AND PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD
AND THE ASSOCIATED PROJECT NO. 6028 FROM THE CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, REVISING THE SCOPE OF WORK OF THE
MELROSE DRIVE AND PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS, CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT NO. 6034 AND ADOPTING RELATED
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT FINDINGS
WHEREAS, the fiscal year, or FY, 2017-18 Annual Growth Management Plan Monitoring Report
identified the following two street facilities as not meeting the level of service D performance standard
and that roadway improvements and/or exemptions from the performance standard can fully address
the deficiencies on southbound College Boulevard from Aston Avenue to Palomar Airport Road, and
southbound Melrose Drive from Vista city limits to Palomar Airport Road; and
WHEREAS, the southbound segment of College Boulevard, extending from Aston Avenue to
Palomar Airport Road, was previously determined to be deficient by the City Council on Dec. 17, 2019,
as part of the FY 2017-18 Growth Management Plan Monitoring Report, Resolution No. 2019-270; and
WHEREAS, in response to this deficiency, the City Council directed staff to expedite the roadway
improvements under existing Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6028 to address the identified
level of service performance standard deficiency; and
WHEREAS, the southbound segment of College Boulevard between Aston Avenue and Palomar
Airport Road has consistently maintained an acceptable level of service during both the morning, or
AM, and afternoon, or PM, peak hours for the last three annual monitoring cycles; therefore,
construction of the previously identified Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6028 is no longer
necessary; and
WHEREAS, on Dec. 17, 2019, the City Council determined southbound Melrose Drive from Vista
city limits to Palomar Airport Road to be deficient, built-out and exempt from the level of service
performance standard for the vehicle mode of travel under General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P .9
(d), as the construction of the existing Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6034 will only partially
address the level of service deficiency and additional roadway improvements to fully address the
deficiency would require more than three through travel lanes in each direction, such that future
development which adds vehicle traffic to these exempt street facilities shall implement Traffic
Exhibit 1
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 8 of 25
Demand Management and Transportation System Management strategies in accordance with General
Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.11; and
WHEREAS, a notice of public hearing was published on May 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS, staff recommend revising the scope of Capital Improvement Program Project No.
6034 to (1) ensure appropriate lane widths of 11 feet that optimally balance the mobility requirements
of the roadway and (2) to adjust the efficiency of traffic signal timing at the intersection of Melrose
Drive and Palomar Airport Road , including improvements to right-turn overlaps; and
WHEREAS, the intersection level of service analysis shows that the intersection of Melrose Drive
and Palomar Airport Road currently operates at level of service E during the AM peak hour and level of
service D during the PM peak hour; and
WHEREAS, with implementation ofthe original Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6034,
the intersection would still operate at a deficient level of service E during the AM peak hour and level
of service D during the PM peak hour, with traffic delay improving by less than one second in each peak
hour; and
WHEREAS, the revised Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6034 will reduce funding
requirements by eliminating the need for roadway widening; and
WHEREAS, the proposed revisions to Project No. 6034 align with General Plan Mobility Element
Policy 3-P.9 and the core values of the Carlsbad Community Vision. Not widening the southbound
Melrose Drive approach to Palomar Airport Road will significantly enhance mobility and connectivity
for pedestrians and bicyclists by maintaining shorter crossing distances and reducing their exposure to
vehicles; and
WHEREAS, additionally, keeping the road narrower helps control vehicle speeds, improves
visibility of pedestrians and cyclists, and enhances overall safety and ease of crossing the intersection,
and this approach promotes a safer and more pedestrian-friendly environment; and
WHEREAS, instead, the project can be accomplished with roadway restriping and signal timing
changes, which can be implemented more quickly and at a lower cost; and
WHEREAS, as discussed in Resolution No. 2019-270, the city previously determined that: 1)
exempting street facilities and intersections from the Growth Management Plan circulation level of
service D vehicle performance standard is a subsequent activity of the General Plan Mobility Element
for which Programmatic Environmental Impact Report, or program EIR, 13-02 was prepared; 2) a notice
for the activity has been given, which includes statements that this activity is within the scope of the
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 9 of 25
program approved earlier, and that program EIR 13-02 adequately describes the activity for the
purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Section 15168{c)(2) and (e); 3) that the
proposal to exempt certain sections of El Camino Real and College Boulevard has no new significant
environmental effect that was not analyzed as ·significant in program EIR 13-02; and 4) none of the
circumstances requiring a subsequent or a supplemental EIR under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 or
15163 exist. This action to remove a project from the Capital Improvement Program and revise the
scope of work of another Capital Improvement Program project does not constitute a project within
the meaning of CEQA 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. The city further finds that such actions are subject to CEQA exemptions, including
but not limited to the commonsense exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). The city
further finds that there is no reasonable possibility that these modifications will have a significant effect
on the environment due to unusual circumstances, and further finds that there are no usual
circumstances. Numerous roadways have 11-foot through lanes including Palomar Airport Road,
College Boulevard and El Camino Real. Public agencies routinely adjust signal timing such as when the
city adjusted signal timing during the local traffic safety emergency in 2022-2023 or recently at the
intersection of El Camino Real and La Costa Avenue where the traffic signal timing was changed to allow
eastbound left turns and straight-through movements to happen together.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
2. That the City Council hereby rescinds the deficiency declaration at southbound College
Boulevard, extending from Aston Avenue to Palomar Airport Road, contained in
Resolution No. 2019-270, as well as any subsequent findings. While formal rescission
allows the city to better track vehicular level of service conditions, the City Council finds
that the city's policies and regulations, including but not limited to Proposition E, Section
(A)(2), Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9 and Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 21.90.130{d),
do not require formal rescission of such deficiency declarations where the factual
information contained in the annual monitoring reports indicates vehicular level of
service conditions meet the criteria identified in Mobility Element Policy 3-P.4.
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 10 of 25
3. That the City Council hereby removes Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6028,
the College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road Improvements, from the city's Capital
Improvement Program, as the southbound segment of College Boulevard between
Aston Avenue and Palomar Airport Road ha s consistently maintained an acceptable level
of service during both the AM and PM peak hours for the last three annual monitoring
cycles and construction of the previously identified Capital Improvement Program
Project No. 6028 is no longer necessary.
3. That the City Council authorizes revising the project scope of work of Capital
Improvement Program Project No. 6034, the Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road
Improvements, (1) to reduce the existing travel lane widths to 11-foot-wide-lanes to
best balance the mobility needs of the roadway and (2) adjust traffic signal timing
improvements including right-turn overlap at the eastbound approach of Palomar
Airport Road to improve operations at the intersection. Consistent with existing
authority, city staff may modify these signal timing improvements without subsequent
City Council action.
4. That the revised Capital Improvement Program Project No. 6034 will reduce funding
requirements by eliminating the need for roadway widening and improve the level of
service from the existing condition.
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 11 of 25
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Mo
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3
General Plan
3-P.5 Require developers to construct or pay their fair share toward
improvements for all travel modes consistent with this Mobility
Element, the Growth Management Plan, and specific impacts associ-
ated with their development.
3-P.6 Require future development projects, which are determined during
site-specific environmental review to have a significant impact on
freeway facilities (I-5 and SR-78), to implement a freeway traffic
mitigation program approved by the city that will avoid, reduce or
offset the increase in freeway traffic directly attributable to the
proposed project. The mitigation program may include, but is not
limited to, payment of a fair share fee to Caltrans for necessary
improvements to affected freeway facilities or to NCTD or such
other transit agency for improvement of public transit on affected
freeways, or such other activities as will avoid, reduce or offset the
project’s significant impacts on freeway facilities.
3-P.7 Encourage Caltrans to identify and construct necessary improve-
ments to improve service levels on Interstate-5 and State Route 78.
3-P.8 Utilize transportation demand management strategies, non-auto-
motive enhancements (bicycle, pedestrian, transit, train, trails,
and connectivity), and traffic signal management techniques as
long-term transportation solutions and traffic mitigation measures
to carry out the Carlsbad Community Vision.
3-P.9 Develop and maintain a list of street facilities where specified modes
of travel are exempt from the LOS standard (LOS exempt street
facilities), as approved by the City Council. For LOS exempt street
facilities, the city will not implement improvements to maintain
the LOS standard outlined in Policy 3-P.4 if such improvements are
beyond what is identified as appropriate at build out of the General
Plan. In the case of street facilities where the vehicle mode of travel
is exempt from the LOS standard, other non-vehicle capacity-build-
ing improvements will be required to improve mobility through
implementation of transportation demand and transportation
system management measures as outlined in Policy 3-P.11, to the
extent feasible, and/or to implement the livable streets goals and
policies of this Mobility Element. Evaluate the list of exempt street
facilities, as part of the Growth Management monitoring program,
to determine if such exemptions are still warranted.
To exempt the vehicle mode of travel from the LOS standard at a
particular street intersection or segment, the intersection or street
segment must be identified as built-out by the City Council because:
a.acquiring the rights of way is not feasible; or
b.the proposed improvements would significantly impact the envi-
ronment in an unacceptable way and mitigation would not
contribute to the nine core values of the Carlsbad Community
Vision; or
Exhibit 2
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 13 of 25
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City of Carlsbad
Mo
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3 c. the proposed improvements would result in unacceptable
impacts to other community values or General Plan policies; or
d. the proposed improvements would require more than three
through travel lanes in each direction.
3-P.10 Allow the following street facilities to be exempt from the vehicle
LOS standard identified in Policy 3-P.4, subject to the requirements
described in Policy 3-P.9.
• La Costa Avenue between Interstate-5 and El Camino Real
• El Camino Real between Palomar Airport Road and La Costa Avenue
• Palomar Airport Road between Interstate-5 and College Boulevard
• Palomar Airport Road between El Camino Real and Melrose Drive
3-P.11 Require new development that adds vehicle traffic to street facili-
ties that are exempt from the vehicle LOS standard (consistent with
3-P.9) to implement:
a. Transportation demand management strategies that reduce the
reliance on single-occupant automobile and assist in achieving
the city’s livable streets vision.
b. Transportation system management strategies that improve
traffic signal coordination and improve transit service.
3-P.12 Update the Citywide Facilities and Improvements Plan to ensure
consistency with the General Plan. This includes updating the cir-
culation LOS standards methodologies to reflect a more balanced/
multi-modal approach.
3-P.13 Use public outreach to educate and encourage alternative modes of
travel and inform the community about the benefits of participation
in new programs, approaches and strategies that support Mobility
Element goals and policies.
3-P.14 Require performance measures tied to transportation facilities and
services to comply with the Climate Action Plan and other state reg-
ulations and policies.
Street Design and Connectivity
3-P.15 Evaluate methods and transportation facility improvements to
promote biking, walking, safer street crossings, and attractive
streetscapes. The City Council shall have the sole discretion to
approve any such road diet or vehicle traffic calming improvements
that would reduce vehicle capacity to or below a LOS D; this also
applies to streets where the vehicle is not subject to the MMLOS
standard as specified in Table 3-1.
3-P.16 Design new streets, and explore funding opportunities for existing
streets, to minimize traffic volumes and/or speed, as appropriate,
within residential neighborhoods without compromising connec-
tivity for emergency first responders, bicycles, and pedestrians
consistent with the city’s Carlsbad Active Transportation Strat-
egies. This should be accomplished through management and
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 14 of 25
Exhibit 3
Traffic & Mobility Commission Aug. 7, 2023, Staff Report
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 15 of 25
DR
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F
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CALL TO ORDER: 4:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL: Coelho, Fowler, Penseyres, Newlands and Kohl.
Absent: Proulx
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Coelho led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of Regular Meeting held on May 6, 2024.
Motion by Commissioner Penseyres, seconded by Vice Chair Fowler to approve the minutes of the
Regular Meeting held on May 6, 2024, with the amendment to Page 1, Item 2, of the minutes to
reflect that Commission Penseyres inquired regarding sharrows and Transportation Director Frank
confirmed that sharrows will be installed. Motion carried, 4/0/1/1 (Newlands – Abstain; Proulx –
Absent).
Commissioner Proulx joined the meeting at 4:05 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR: None.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:
1.RESTRICTING OVERNIGHT PARKING ON BABILONIA STREET– Introduce an ordinance restricting
overnight parking for approximately 500 feet along Babilonia Street, from the south property
line of 7151 Babilonia Street to the north property line of 7233 Babilonia Street. (Staff Contact:
Lieutenant Alonso DeVelasco, Police Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Support staff’s recommendation.
Lieutenant Alonso DeVelasco presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on
file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the PowerPoint presentation by Lieutenant DeVelasco.
Scott Masters spoke in favor of restricting overnight parking on Babilonia Street and suggested
that staff consider restricting the west side specifically.
Motion by Commissioner Proulx, seconded by Commissioner Kohl to support staff’s
recommendation, Option 2 - Add Section 10.40.303 to the Carlsbad Municipal Code to establish
June 3, 2024, 4 p.m.
Exhibit 4
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 16 of 25
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no parking zones between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on both east and west curb lines of Babilonia
Street for 500 feet from the south property line of 7151 Babilonia Street to the north property
line of 7233 Babilonia Street. Motion carried, 6/0.
2.AVENIDA ENCINAS COASTAL RAIL TRAIL AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS – SEGMENT 3 –
1)Receive a presentation and provide input on the preliminary design of the Avenida Encinas
Coastal Rail Trail and Pedestrian Improvements – Segment 3 Capital Improvement Project No.
6004; and
2) Receive input from the community. (Staff Contact: Brandon Miles and Hossein Ajideh, Public
Works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Receive the presentation and provide feedback.
Engineering Manager Hossein Ajideh and Associate Engineer Brandon Miles presented the
report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the presentation by Engineering Manager Ajideh and Associate
Engineer Miles.
3.FISCAL YEAR 2022-23 GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN/GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL MONITORINGREPORT CIRCULATION SECTION: ROADWAY LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS –Support staff’srecommendation to the City Council to receive and file the Growth Management Plan/GeneralPlan Annual Monitoring Report Circulation Section,prepared pursuant to Carlsbad MunicipalCode,§ 21.90.130(d) and Gov. Code § 65400. (Staff Contact: Nathan Schmidt, Public WorksDepartment).
Staff’s Recommendation: Support staff’s recommendation.
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Nathan Schmidt and Associate Engineer Nick
Gorman presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file in the Office of
the City Clerk).
The Commission received the presentation by Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager
Schmidt and Associate Engineer Gorman.
In response to Commissioner Newlands’ inquiry regarding a former Commission member’s
comment, Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt explained it is the city’s
standard practice not to comment on pending litigation. In this case, the Superior Court
ultimately found in the city’s favor. However, because the case is currently the subject of an
appeal, staff will not comment further.
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Proulx to support staff’s
recommendation to the City Council to receive and file the Growth Management Plan/General
Plan Annual Monitoring Report Circulation Section, prepared pursuant to Carlsbad Municipal
Code, § 21.90.130(d) and Gov. Code § 65400. Motion carried, 6/0.
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 17 of 25
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4. REMOVING THE COLLEGE BOULEVARD AND PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT FROM THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND THE ASSOCIATED LEVEL OF SERVICE DEFICIENCY DECLARATION AND REVISING THE MELROSE DRIVE AND PALOMAR AIRPORT ROAD IMPROVEMNTS PROJECT SCOPE OF WORK – Receive a report and make a recommendation to the City Council to adopt a resolution authorizing: 1) Removal of College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road Growth Management Plan Vehicular Level of Service Deficiency Declaration and removal of the Associated Improvements Project No. 6028 from the Capital Improvement Program; and 2) Revising the scope of work of the Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road Improvements, Capital Improvement Program, Project No. 6034. (Staff Contact: Tom Frank and Nathan Schmidt, Public works Department).
Staff’s Recommendation: Support staff’s recommendation.
Transportation Director/City Engineer Tom Frank and Transportation Planning & Mobility
Manager Nathan Schmidt presented the report and reviewed a PowerPoint presentation (on file
in the Office of the City Clerk).
The Commission received the presentation by Transportation Director/City Engineer Frank and
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt.
Commissioner Penseyres’ recommended considering options to make the bike lane along
Melrose Drive and College Avenue safer for cyclists including widening the bike lane where
feasible and providing clear delineation of the conflict zone between bicyclists and pedestrians
at the southbound approach to Palomar Airport Road.
City Traffic Engineer John Kim explained that the transition angle would stay the same but with
the decrease in vehicle lanes, there is the opportunity to add a buffer to the existing bike lane.
He further explained that they could highlight the transition area/conflict zone with the dashed
green striping.
Commissioner Penseyres requested that staff consider making the bike lane transition angle
along Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road as straight as possible.
Motion by Commissioner Kohl, seconded by Commissioner Penseyres to support staff’s recommendation to the City Council to adopt a resolution; 1) Removal of College Boulevard and Palomar Airport Road Growth Management Plan Vehicular Level of Service Deficiency Declaration and removal of the Associated Improvements Project No. 6028 from the Capital Improvement Program; and 2) Revising the scope of work of the Melrose Drive and Palomar Airport Road Improvements, Capital Improvement Program, Project No. 6034. Motion carried, 6/0.
CITY TRAFFIC ENGINEER COMMENTS:
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt spoke about the free bike valet the city,
partnering with the San Diego County Bike Coalition, is offering for several summer events, including
Art in the Village on June 23, 2024, in Downtown Carlsbad and all nine of the TGIF Concerts in the
Parks. He further added that the TGIF June concerts are on June 21 and June 28 at Stagecoach
Community Park.
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 18 of 25
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Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt spoke about the Safe Driving Workshop the
city’s Senior Center and the American Automobile Association (AAA) will be hosting that includes
tips and resources for older adults and their families. He further added that the workshop is
currently at capacity but wanted to share it as a resource.
Transportation Planning & Mobility Manager Schmidt spoke about the 55+ Bike and E-bike Webinar
that the City of Encinitas will be hosting on June 13, 2024, and a Community Cycling Class on June
22, 2024, for more information and to register, please visit www.encinitasca.gov/ebikes.
COMMISSION COMMENTARY AND REQUESTS FOR CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS:
In response to Commissioner Kohl’s inquiry regarding whether there is a program to identify which
pedestrian signals do not have a countdown, specifically on Calle Barcelona, and if it is possible to
add them, City Traffic Engineer Kim responded that staff did not have a chance to investigate that
yet.
Commissioner Penseyres’ commented on the Safe Driving Workshop and recommended that they
inform drivers how to make a legal right-hand turn from the right-hand turning lane and left crosses.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Coelho adjourned the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission Regular Meeting
on June 3, 2024, at 5:46 p.m.
Eliane Paiva
Secretary
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 19 of 25
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-270
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA,
DETERMINING DEFICIENCIES OF FOUR STREET FACILITIES ACCORDING TO THE
GROWTH MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ADOPTION OF MEASURES TO ADDRESS
DEFICIENCIES.
WHEREAS, on July 1, 1986 the City Council passed and adopted Ordinance No. 9808 amending Title
21 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code (CMC) by the addition of Chapter 21.90 establishing a Growth
Management Plan {GMP) for the city; and
WHEREAS, on Nov. 4, 1986, Carlsbad voters passed Proposition E, initiative Ordinance No. 9824,
establishing residential dwelling unit limits in the city's four quadrants and requiring that public facilities be
made available concurrent with need in accordance with the city's growth management program; and
WHEREAS, the GMP makes the approval of new development contingent upon adequacy of public
facilities, based on performance standards for eleven identified public facilities; and
WHEREAS, the Citywide Facilities and Improvements Plan {CFIP) includes the circulation
performance standard that requires facilities to maintain Level of Service (LOS) D or better, excluding LOS
exempt intersections and streets approved by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, the GMP requires annual monitoring to measure adequate performance of various
public facilities, including circulation; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan Mobility Element, adopted in September 2015, requires that the city's
LOS analyses for growth management purposes use Highway Capacity Manual {HCM) methodology; and
WHEREAS, staff employed HCM methodology for its LOS analyses in the fiscal year (FY) 2017-2018
annual monitoring report, in lieu of the city's prior use of the Intersection Capacity Utilization-Carlsbad {ICU-
C) methodology; and
WHEREAS, CMC Section 21.90.080 states, "If at any time after the preparation of a local facilities
management plan the performance standards established by a plan are not met then no development
permits or building permits shall be issued within the local zone until the performance standard is met or
arrangements satisfactory to the City Council guaranteeing the facilities and improvements have been
made."; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan Mobility Element, Policy 3-P.9, allows City Council to exempt the vehicle
mode of travel from the LOS D standard for a street intersection or facility that has been identified as built-
out because one or more enumerated criteria has been met; and
Dec. 17, 2019 Item #22 Page 10 of 28
Exhibit 5
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 20 of 25
WHEREAS, General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.11 requires new development that adds vehicle
traffic to street facilities that are exempt from the vehicle LOS D standard to implement Transportation
Demand Management (TDM) and Transportation System Management (TSM) strategies to improve the
efficiency of the existing transportation system, reduce reliance on single-occupant automobiles and
provide attractive alternatives to driving an automobile according to the city's livable streets vision; and
WHEREAS, the FY 2017-2018 annual monitoring report identified the following four street facilities
not meeting the LOS D performance standard, and that roadway improvement projects and/or exemptions
from the performance standard can fully address these deficiencies: El Camino Real southbound from
Oceanside city limits to Marron Road; El Camino Real northbound from Marron Road to Oceanside city
limits; College Boulevard southbound from Aston Avenue to Palomar Airport Road; and Melrose Drive
southbound from Vista city limits to Palomar Airport Road; and
WHEREAS, on July 16, 2019, city staff presented recommended actions to City Council to address
the LOS D performance standard deficiencies identified in the FY 2017-2018 annual monitoring report for
the four above-described street facilities, and City Council returned the item with direction for staff to
formulate alternate solutions; and
WHEREAS, city staff continue to recommend addressing the LOS deficiencies at El Camino Real
southbound from Oceanside city limits to Marron Road and El Camino Real northbound from Marron Road
to Oceanside city limits through an exemption to the LOS D standard pursuant to Mobility Element Policy
3-P.9, because roadway improvements would require more than three through lanes in each direction of
travel, which is inconsistent with the General Plan Mobility Element; and
WHEREAS, city staff now recommend modified actions to address the deficiencies at College
Boulevard southbound from Aston Road to Palomar Airport Road and at Melrose Drive southbound from
Vista city limits to Palomar Airport Road; and
WHEREAS, the July 16, 2019 staff report recommended an exemption from the LOS D standard,
pursuant to Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9, for the deficiencies at College Boulevard southbound from Aston
Road to Palomar Airport Road, due to staff's prior determination that the addition of a second southbound
through lane on College Boulevard would remove the existing bike lane and that the road widening could
impact existing hardline Habitat Management Plan (HMP) preserve area, impact sensitive upland and/or
riparian habitat in the Coastal Zone, and be constrained by an existing SDG&E powerline easement and
tower support. Upon further examination by staff, the addition of a second southbound through lane
would not require removal of the existing bike lane and, furthermore, the necessary widening would not
impact existing hardline HMP preserve area; and
Dec. 17, 2019 Item #22 Page 11 of 28June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 21 of 25
WHEREAS, city staff have determined after further study the LOS deficiency at College Boulevard
southbound from Aston Road to Palomar Airport Road can be fully addressed by constructing the existing
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project No. 6028 to add a second southbound through lane on College
Boulevard with a waiver of the adjacent right-of-way from open space boundary adjustment requirements
under General Plan Open Space Element Policy 4-P.6, and would not impact the ability of Local Facility
Management Zone (LFMZ) 5 to meet the GMP open space standard; and
WHEREAS, the July 16, 2019 staff report stated that CIP Project No. 6034 would fully address the
deficiency at Melrose Drive southbound from Vista city limits to Palomar Airport Road; and
WHEREAS, city staff have determined after further study that the LOS D deficiency at Melrose Drive
southbound from Vista city limits to Palomar Airport Road cannot be fully addressed by constructing the
existing CIP Project No. 6034, and staff now recommends an exemption from the LOS D standard, pursuant
to Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9, for this street facility; and
WHEREAS, although it will not fully address the LOS D deficiency at Melrose Drive southbound from
Vista city limits to Palomar Airport Road, city staff recommend implementing CIP No. 6034 to widen Melrose
Drive to add a third southbound through lane on Melrose Drive with a waiver of the adjacent right-of-way
from open space boundary adjustment requirements under General Plan Open Space Element Policy 4-P.6.
CIP No. 6_034 will improve traffic congestion at this location and the resulting decrease in an existing parklet
of ornamental landscaping will not impact the ability of LFMZ 18 to meet the GMP open space standard;
and
WHEREAS, for the street facilities of El Camino Real southbound from Oceanside city limits to
Marron Road, El Camino Real northbound from Marron Road to Oceanside city limits, College Boulevard
southbound from Aston Avenue to Palomar Airport Road, and Melrose Drive southbound from Vista city
limits to Palomar Airport Road, staff recommends that the City Council adopt measures, as described in the
associated Staff Report, that either construct improvements to restore a deficiency to an acceptable level
of service, or determine the deficient street facility to be built-out and exempt from the LOS D standard
and apply TOM and TSM strategies to new development that adds vehicle traffic to the exempt street
facilities; and
WHEREAS, the City Planner has determined that: 1) exempting street facilities and intersections
from the GMP circulation LOS D vehicle performance standard is a subsequent activity of the General Plan
Mobility Element for which Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (EIR) 13-02 was prepared; 2) a
notice for the activity has been given, which includes statements that this activity is within the scope of the
program approved earlier, and that program EIR 13-02 adequately describes the activity for the purposes
Dec. 17, 2019 Item #22 Page 12 of 28June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 22 of 25
of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Section 15168{c)(2) and (e); 3) that the proposal to exempt
certain sections of El Camino Real and College Boulevard has no new significant environmental effect that
was not analyzed as significant in program EIR 13-02; and 4) none of the circumstances requiring a
subsequent or a supplemental EIR under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15162 or 15163 exist.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as follows:
1. That the above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the City Council determines a deficiency of the LOS D performance standard exists for the
following street facilities based on the results of the FY 2017-2018 growth management annual
monitoring report:
a. El Camino Real southbound from Oceanside city limits to Marron Road
b. El Camino Real northbound from Marron Road to Oceanside city limits
c. College Boulevard southbound from Aston Avenue to Palomar Airport Road
d. Melrose Drive southbound from Vista city limits to Palomar Airport Road
3. That the City Council determines El Camino Real southbound from Oceanside city limits to
Marron Road, and El Camino Real northbound from Marron Road to Oceanside city limits, are
built-out and exempt from the LOS performance standard for the vehicle mode of travel under
General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9 (d), as roadway improvements to address the
deficiencies would require more than three through travel lanes in each direction, such that
future development which adds vehicle traffic to these exempt street facilities shall implement
TDM and TSM strategies in accordance with General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.11.
4. In relation to the street section of Melrose Drive southbound from Vista city limits to Palomar
Airport Road, City Council directs staff to expedite the roadway improvements under existing
CIP Project No. 6034 to partially address the identified LOS performance standard deficiency
and, under General Plan Open Space Element Policy 4-P .6, City Council waives any right-of-way
open space boundary adjustment requirements applicable to CIP Project No. 6034.
5. That the City Council determines Melrose Drive southbound from Vista city limits to Palomar
Airport Road to be built-out and exempt from the LOS performance standard for the vehicle
mode of travel under General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9 (d), as the construction of
existing CIP Project No. 6034 will only partially address the LOS deficiency and additional
roadway improvements to fully address the deficiency would require more than three through
travel lanes in each direction, such that future development which adds vehicle traffic to these
Dec. 17, 2019 Item #22 Page 13 of 28June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 23 of 25
exempt street facilities shall implement TDM and TSM strategies in accordance with General
Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.11.
6. In relation to the street section of College Boulevard southbound from Aston Avenue to
Palomar Airport Road, City Council directs staff to expedite the roadway improvements under
existing CIP Project No. 6028 to address the identified LOS performance standard deficiency,
and, under General Plan Open Space Element Policy 4-P.6, City Council waives any right-of-way
open space boundary adjustment requirements applicable to CIP Project No. 6028.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Carlsbad
on the 17th day of December 2019, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Hall, Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Schumacher.
NAYS: None.
ABSENT: None.
Dec. 17, 2019 Item #22 Page 14 of 28June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 24 of 25
Exhibit 6
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Carlsbad City Council will hold a public hearing at 5 p.m. on
Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the Council Chamber, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, California, to
consider removing or revising two improvement projects from the Capital Improvement Program (CIP),
which were previously identified as not meeting a Level of Service (LOS) D performance standard under
General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9 and the Citywide Facilities and Improvements Plan (CFIP)
circulation performance standard (City Council Resolution No. 2019-270), and removing the associated
deficiency declaration. The first project is no longer required because the segment now operates at LOS
B. The second project is being revised because it would still operate at an unacceptable LOS E or worse,
and the excessive costs would result in only minor improvements to vehicle delay. The modified project
will provide a comparable improvement in vehicle delay and can be accomplished with roadway restriping
and signal timing changes, which can be implemented more quickly and at a lower cost.
The City Council will also consider recommendations from the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission made
at their public hearing held on June 3, 2024, where the two projects were recommended for removal or
revision from the Capital Improvement Program. The City Council may also remove the associated
deficiency declaration pursuant to General Plan Mobility Element Policy 3-P.9, along with the adoption of
CEQA Exemptions.
Those persons wishing to speak on this item are cordially invited to attend the public hearing. If you have
any questions, please contact Nathan Schmidt in the Transportation Department of the Public Works
Branch at 442-339-2734 or nathan.schmidt@carlsbadca.gov. Copies of the staff report will be available
by Friday, June 7, 2024, on the city’s website: https://www.carlsbadca.gov/city-hall/meetings-agendas.
The meeting can be viewed online at https://www.carlsbadca.gov/city-hall/meetings-agendas or on the
City’s cable channel. In addition, written comments may be submitted to the City Council at or prior to
the hearing via U.S. Mail to the attention of Office of the City Clerk, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad,
CA 92008, or via email to clerk@carlsbadca.gov.
If you challenge these project changes, vehicular exemption modifications, findings, or the City Council’s
actions in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public
hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Carlsbad, Attn: City
Clerk’s Office, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008, at or prior to the public hearing.
PUBLISH: FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024
CITY OF CARLSBAD
CITY COUNCIL
June 11, 2024 Item #13 Page 25 of 25
Nathan Schmidt, Transportation Planning and Mobility Manager
June 11, 2024
CIP Project Updates:
College Blvd. & Palomar Airport Rd.
Melrose Dr. & Palomar Airport Rd.
1
( City of
Carlsbad
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive a report and adopt a resolution authorizing:
1.Removal of the College Boulevard and Palomar
Airport Road Growth Management Plan Vehicular
Level of Service Deficiency Declaration and removal
of the Associated Improvements Project No. 6028
from the Capital Improvement Program; and
2.Revising the scope of work of the Melrose Drive and
Palomar Airport Road Improvements, Capital
Improvement Program Project No. 6034.
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
2
( City of
Carlsbad
3
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
N
Palomar Airport Rd.
CIP # 6028
College Blvd. /
Palomar Airport Rd.
CIP # 6034
Melrose Dr. /
Palomar Airport Rd.
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at Carlsbad
flurn Tree Rd
~I/ton Rd Zone 5 Pork
n 2. • "' .
"' ~ a.
Avlara
Cornm11nity
Park
12
Garden Rd .c..own
Alga Norte Park
Poinsettia
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Eleml!ntary
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4
REVIEW HISTORY
•Dec. 7, 2019: City Council declared facilities deficient for
Vehicle Level of Service (LOS), as part of the FY 2017-18
Growth Management Plan (GMP) Monitoring Report
•In response, City Council prioritized
•CIP 6028: College Blvd. and Palomar Airport Rd.
•CIP 6034: Melrose Dr. and Palomar Airport Rd.
•Aug. 7, 2023: Staff presented an item to the Traffic &
Mobility Commission regarding these two CIP projects.
Staff indicated would return to the TMC with a status
update in 2024.
•June 3, 2024: Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
voted to support staff’s recommendation.
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
5
COLLEGE BLVD.: ASTON AVE. TO PALOMAR
AIRPORT RD. (CIP # 6028)
•Add second southbound thru-lane
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
N
~ I t I t IJo I ,.
6
COLLEGE BLVD.: ASTON AVE. TO PALOMAR
AIRPORT RD. (CIP # 6028)
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
Tab le 2: Historic Avera ge Da i y r affic Volumes (:ADT) and LOS Res ults fo r Southbound Co lege
Bou levard bet ween As on Place and Pa 1omar Airpo rt Road
Fiscal Year 2017-18 2018-19 20119-20~ 1 2020-21 2021-22
ADT
• or1l:h bound
LOS
Sourtrhbo n .
LOS
14,214
B, (A)
B 1[FJ
ADT = AYeirage Da il y J'r arffic Vol • e
16,142
B 'A)
B 1[FJ
6,235 JL.,S90 13,849
A (A) A (A) B (.A.
B (B) B 'B)
2022-2029
13,268.
G P Monitor ing ·wc1s n conducte • i 2021 u e . o the COVID-19 Pande ic ow ever t e recorded t ar IC o lu • es are
provi ed or 1Fefie e ce only ..
. oites:· #[ff)= AM PM -eak Hr.
7
COLLEGE BLVD. / PALOMAR AIRPORT RD.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
•Construction of the previously identified CIP # 6028 is no longer
necessary
•Remove Vehicle LOS deficiency declaration from future GMP
Monitoring reports
•Rationale:
•This segment has consistently maintained an acceptable
Vehicle LOS (LOS B or better) for the last three monitoring
cycles
•Staff will continue to monitor this segment in future GMP
Monitoring Reports and return to the City Council with
additional recommendations if needed
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
8
MELROSE DR.: VISTA CITY LIMITS TO
PALOMAR AIRPORT RD. (CIP NO. 6034)
•Widen Melrose Dr. to add third southbound thru-lane
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
N
9
MELROSE DR.: VISTA CITY LIMITS TO
PALOMAR AIRPORT RD. (CIP NO. 6034)
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
Tab e 3: I te r section Opera io1ns Sum ma r y f ar Me 1rose •r i ve/Pa l a mar . • • :. art Road
Mel rose D rive/lP,a lom,a r Ai r po1n Road nter ecti10 LOS Res u Its
De ~gn Scenar ·o A!M Pea . Hour PM Peak Ho u
ILOS1 Delay 's )2 LOS Delay (s 2
E)us i ng Co nd iti 0 1 s E 166,.2 D 47.8
Wiit Original Cl P Proj ect . . . E 165.7 D 47.·
........ □ •. 6034 .. ~mp rove ...... e .... t s• .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .
1. Leve~ of se vioe ( as:'-based on Hi.gh ~a . Ca a city Ma
2 Average dela\ rep rted i 111 s ec:a n ds p.e r veh i d e_
-Bold i ndicate:s defiicie nt LOS
-Ca un1t at a colle • e i • ov-e ·be 2022
it uo.n ~2016)
10
MELROSE DR. / PALOMAR AIRPORT RD.
PROPOSED CIP PROJECT REVISIONS
1.Remove proposed additional
southbound thru-lane
2.Reconfigure lane widths to a maximum
of 11 ft. wide
3.Install “Right-Turn Overlap” signal on
the eastbound right turn lane
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
Add Right-Turn
Overlap at
Eastbound PAR
Max. 11-ft Wide
Travel Lanes
Remove proposed
additional thru-Lane12
3
1
2
3
Palomar Airport Rd.
Me
l
r
o
s
e
D
r
.
N
Remove proposed
11
MELROSE DR.: VISTA CITY LIMITS TO
PALOMAR AIRPORT RD. (CIP #6034)
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
T ab e 3: I te r section Opera io1ns Sum ma r y f ar Me 1rose •r i ve/Pa l a mar . • • :. art Road
Mel rose D rive/lP,a lom,a r Ai rpo1n Road nter ecti10 LOS Res u Its
De ~gn Scenar ·o A!M Pea . Hour PM Peak Hou
ILOS1 Dela y 's )2 LOS Delay (s 2
E)us i ng Co nd iti 0 1 s E 166,.2 D 47.8
Wiit Original Cl P Proj ect . . . E 165.7 D 47.·
........ o •. 6 03 4 .. ~ m p rov e ...... e .... t s, .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .
Wiit Revuse d Cl P Project E 66 .D
1. LeveJ of se vioe ( OS,.l based on Hi.gh ~a . Ca a city Ma ual 6
2 Average dela\ rep rted i 111 s ec:a n ds p.e r veh i d e_
-Bold i ndicate:s defiicie nt LOS
-Ca un1t ata colle • e i • ov-e ·be 2022
D 47.6
FACTORS TO CONSIDER FOR INTERSECTION
IMPROVEMENTS
•Adding additional through lane is not needed and will not affect the LOS of the
intersection of Melrose Dr. & Palomar Airport Rd.
•CIP# 6034 will improve delay by 0.5 seconds vs. 0.2 with proposed revised
CIP
•Negative issues:
•Reduces pedestrian experience by longer crosswalk,
•Wider street promoting latent demand, higher speeds, and potentially
greater risks.
•Increase VMT through Carlsbad.
•More impervious pavement and runoff
•Expensive construction costs, higher long-term costs
12
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
{ City of
Carlsbad
NEXT STEPS
•If City Council approves staff recommendations, the
remaining balance of approximately $1.3 million will
be returned to the city’s Traffic Impact Fee fund for
use on other projects.
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
13
{ City of
Carlsbad
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Receive a report and adopt a resolution authorizing:
1.Removal of the College Boulevard and Palomar
Airport Road Growth Management Plan Vehicular
Level of Service Deficiency Declaration and removal
of the Associated Improvements Project No. 6028
from the Capital Improvement Program; and
2.Revising the scope of work of the Melrose Drive and
Palomar Airport Road Improvements, Capital
Improvement Program Project No. 6034.
ITEM 13: CIP Project Updates
14
{ City of
Carlsbad