HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-17; City Council; ; Update on the Terramar Area Coastal Improvement Project~ CITY COUN CIL-
~ Staff Report
Meeting Date:
To:
From:
Staff Contact:
July 17, 2018
Mayor and City Council
Kevin Crawford, City Manager
Jonathan Schauble, Associate Engineer
jonathan.schauble@carlsbadca.gov or 760-602..,2762
CA Review (),-L--
Subject: Update on the Terramar Area Coastal Improvement Project
Recommended Action
Receive an update on the Terramar Area Coastal Improvement Project, CIP No . 6054 (Project).
Staff will return for direction on a preferred Project alternative at an upcoming City Council
meeting.
Executive Summary
Over the past several years, the City of Carlsbad has worked to improve the safety and
accessibility of its coastline while protecting its natural beauty for the public to enjoy in all the
different ways the public wants to experience it: surfing; a family day at the beach; walking,
jogging and biking; stopping to watch the sunset; or simply driving by with the windows rolled
down to feel the sea air.
The portion of Carlsbad Boulevard from the warm waters jetties to Manzano Drive, particularly
through the heart of the Terramar neighborhood, lacks improved walking paths, and residents
have reported having trouble pulling in and out of their properties due to traffic. The coastal
bluff top across from the Encina Power Station, just to the north of this neighborhood, consists
ofold sections of an asphalt road and informal, uneven paths that hasten bluff erosion.
Additionally, this area lacks a convenient and attractive space for residents and visitors to stop
and enjoy the view.
Following three years of public input and technical analysis, the Project team is ready to present
two alternative concept designs of the proposed Project to the City Council. The purpose of this
Staff Report is to present an update of the Project to the City Council, revie~ two alternative
design concepts, and answer City Council member questions. Staff will return to a future City
Council Meeting for a decision on the selection of a preferred Project alternative, which will
then undergo environmental review, permitting, and final engineering design.
Discussion
In Carlsbad, most of the seven miles of .coastline is owned and managed by the California
Department of Parks and Recreation, however, access to the beach is one of the city's most
defining attributes, helping to put Carlsbad on the map as one of the best places in the country
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 1 of 25
to live and a top visitor destination. Carlsbad's enviable quality of life_ ?Isa plays a key role in
attracting highly desirable businesses that provide high paying jobs and a diverse economy.
The City Council made it a goal to enhance its coastline to ensure an exceptional experience for
all who use it. The Terra mar Area Coastal Improvement Project is one of the first major
projects to support this goal.
Project Area
The Project area includes Carlsbad Boulevard from just south of the warm water jetties
southward to Manzano Drive, including the coastal bluff top across from the Encina Power
Station. It also includes Cannon Road from Carlsbad Boulevard east to the railroad tracks. The
Project only includes land owned or controlled by the city.
The bluff top area across from the Encina Power Station is currently owned by NRG, however
the city will acquire this land as part of the agreements related to the Pose id en Desalination
Plant and the new power plant currently under construction, known as the Carlsbad Energy
Center Project.
Project Goals
The following Project goals were developed with community input:
• Create a balanced road that is safe and attractive for cars, bikes, and pedestrians.
• Maintain traffic flow with vehicle speeds compatible with a residential neighborhood.
• Improve the aesthetics of the area and add amenities, with an. emphasis on the area's
natural beauty.
• Protect, balance and enhance the quality of life for the _neighborhood and the
community.
• Improve access to the coast and create an enhanced connection between the beach and
the community.
• Create a special place and experience for residents and users.
Proposed Project Alternatives
Following significant public i,nput and technical analysis, city staff have prepared one
conceptual design for the coastal bluff top area and two conceptual design alternatives for the
roadway. The roadway alternatives differ in how the two Carlsbad Boulevard intersections with
Cannon Road and Cerezo Drive are controlled: one alternative proposes roundabouts, and the
other alternative proposes traffic signals at these intersections.
Features Shared by Both Alternatives
Both roadway conceptual design alternatives meet the Project goals and provide the following
improvements in the Project area:
• A significant increase in additional on-street parking outside of the Terramar
neighborhood (on Carlsbad Boulevard and on Cannon Road).
• Pedestrian sidewalks on both sides of the roadways.
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 2 of 25
• Bicycle lanes on both sides of the roadways.
• Coastal bluff-top improvements to reduce erosion and provide small, intimate gathering
and seating areas.
• A revegetated bluff top to reduce erosion.
• Two designated and improved pathways to the beach.
• Bike racks and drinking fountains in the Project area.
• Recycling and trash receptacles throughout the Project area.
• High visibility crosswalks with rapid flashing beacon lights.
• Curb extensions to discourage cut-through traffic through the Terramar neighborhood
and to create safer pedestrian crossings.
• Landscaped areas adjacent to the sidewalk, where possible.
• Enhanced bus stops in the area of Cannon Park.
Walking and Biking Improvements
The following walking and biking improvements are included in both Project altern~tives:
• Sidewalks on both sides of Carlsbad Boulevard thro~gh the Terramar neighborhood
where none currrently exist today.
• Buffered bike lanes, where space allows, on both sides of Carlsbad Boulevard and
Cannon Road.
• High visibility crosswalks with r:apid flashing beacon lights.
• On the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard, from the warm water jetties area south to
Cannon Road, a 10-foot wide multi-use path is proposed with a five-foot wide loading
and unloading zone:
o Existing parallel parking will remain on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard,
along with a buffered bike lane
o These improvements can be constructed without widening the roadway or
impacting the coastal bluff property by repurposing the second vehicular traffic
lane on southbound Carlsbad Boulevard
o Sir:,ce Carlsbad Boulevard is already one lane southbound at Tierra Del Oro Street
{350 feet north of Cannon Road), the Project is proposing to extend the
transition from two lanes tci one lane approximately 1,500 feet further north to
the warm water jetties area
o Traffic analysis indicates that repurposing the second vehicle lane will not
contribute to traffic congestion in the area
Additional Parking
Parallel Street Parking-Carlsbad Boulevard (north of Cannon Road)
• On the east side of Carlsbad Boulevard, north of Cannon Road, the Project proposes to
add approximately 50 new parallel on-street parking spaces where none exist today:
o The existing sidewalk and buffered bike lane will remain on the east side of
Carlsbad Boulevard
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 3 of 25
o These improvements can be constructed without widening the roadway or
impacting the coastal bluff property by repurposing the second vehicular traffic
lane on northbound Carlsbad Boulevard
o Since Carlsbad Boulevard is already one lane northbound through the Terramar
neighborhood and the Cannon Ro~d intersection, staff is proposing to extend the
transition from one lane to two lanes approximately 1,500 feet further north to
the warm water jetties area
o Traffic analysis indicates that the extension of the single vehicle lane will not
contribute to traffic congestion in the area
• Additionally, a small, 14-space parking lot will be created on the east side of Carlsbad
Boulevard just north of a secondary entrance to the existing Encina Power Station.
o The land for the 14-space parking lot will be acquired from NRG as part of the
agreements for the Poseidion Desalination Plant and the new power plant now
under construction
o Two new, high-visibility crosswalks utilizing rapid flashing beacon lights will be
constructed adjacent to the parking lot and at the north end of the Project to
give pedestrians safe and convenient access to the coastal bluff area from the
proposed new on-street parking spaces and parking lot
Parallel Street Parking-Carlsbad Boulevard (between Cannon Road and Cerezo Drive)
• In the Terramar neighborhood, between Cannon Road and Cerezo Drive, the current
roadway configuration includes 800 feet of two-way left turn lane with no formal on-
street parking.
• Both Project alternatives propose removing the 800-foot two-way left turn lane and
using the space to provide on-street parking, wide sidewalks, and a landscaped area
between the curb and the sidewalk:
o This area of the Project has the capacity to add 25 on-street parking spaces with
the traffic signal alternative and 29 parking spaces with the roundabout
alternative by removing the two-way left turn lane
o Currently, /n the portion of Carlsbad Boulevard between Cann~n Road and
Cerezo Drive, 23 residences are able to utilize the existing two-way left turn lane.
In both Project alternatives, even without the two-way left turn lane, residents
can turn left into their driveways across a double yellow center line. In the final
design process, driveway access for each property will be determined in
consultation with the property owner
o The two-way left turn lane becomes unnecessary in the roundabout alternative
because drivers wanting to turn left into their driveways across oncoming traffic
could instead proceed to the neares't roundabout (Cannon Road or Cerezo Drive)
and safely reverse direction on Carlsbad Boulevard to make a right-hand turn
into their driveways
• .The Police and Fire Departments have been directly consulted regarding the two
proposed roadway alternatives, particularly the repurposing of 800 feet of two-way left
turn lane for on-street parking and other improvements. No negative impacts to safety
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 4 of 25
services are anticipated as a result of this Projec! and both the Police and Fire
Departments support the designs.
Parallel Street Pa rking-Cannon Road
• Both Project alternatives propose adding new on;.street parallel parking on both sides of
Cannon Road between Carlsbad Boulevard and the railroad right of way. This is
accomplished by extending the existing single lane configuration further to the east and
repurposing the paved right-of-way for additional parking, raised medians, and
enhanced landscaping. On eastbound Cannon Road, the existing single-lane
configuration would be extended approximately 450 feet to the east. On westbound
Cannon Road, the lane repurposing would extend approximately 950 feet to the east:
o The roundabout alternative would add approximately 30 new on-street parking
spaces on Cannon Road.
o The signal alternative would add approximately 40 new on-street parking spaces
on Cannon Ro<}d.
• In order to accommodate the anticipated increase in pedestrian activity due to the
additional parking provided along Cannon Road, a high visibility crosswalk with rapid
flashing beacon lights is proposed at El Arbol Drive in both alternatives. There will also
be a high visibility crosswalk at the Carlsbad Boulevard intesection in both alternatives.
In the signal alternative, there is an opportunity for another high visibility crosswa lk at
Los Robles Drive as well.
Reverse Angle Parking-Carlsbad Bou levard (south of Cerezo Drive)
• At the south end of the Project area, just south of Cerezo Drive, reverse diagonal parking .
is being proposed on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard.
• Reverse diagonal parking has a number of safety and operational benefits over
traditional "nose-in" angle parking and parallel parking:
o Provides motorists with better visibility of bicyclists, pedestrians, and other
vehicles as they exit a parking space facing forward.
o Eliminates the risk of a bicyclist being "doored" when cycling next to a parallel
parked car.
o Positions the trunk of the vehicle in the "unloading zone" instead of the
roadway, making it easier and safer to unload the back of the vehicle.
o Aligns vehicle doors away from traffic and towards the sidewalk, increasing
safety for children entering and exiting the vehicle.
o Increases parking capacity (10-12 more spaces) over parallel parking.
How Roundabout and Traffic Signal Alternatives Differ
Exhibit 3 is a table comparing the two roadway alternatives. As discussed in previous sections,
both alternatives have many features in common and both alternatives meet the Project's
It· goals, however there are some differences between them as outlined in the following areas.
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 5 of 25
Traffic
• Multiple traffic studies have been completed for both alternatives:
o Multi-Modal Level of Service
o Signalized Intersections Analysis with Synchro software
o Roundabout Intersections Analysis with Sidra software
o Roundabout Intersections Analysis with Radel software
o Cut-Through Traffic Evaluation
o Intersection Control Evaluation
• Multi-Modal Level of Service analysis shows that both Project alternatives provide a
number of multi-modal benefits over existing conditions. The roundabout alternative
provides better service for bicycles and pedestrians than the signal alternative.
• Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) shows the roundabout alternative is the
recommended alternative at the Carlsbad Boulevard/Cannon Road intersection.
• At the Carlsbad Boulevard/Cerezo Drive intersection, the ICE report shows the two
alternatives are equal, however, due to the safety and mobility benefits of the
roundabout, the ICE report recommends the roundabout alternative at this intersection.
• Average delay times through both intersections on Carlsbad Boulevard through the
Project area during the PM peak hour have been estimated for both alternatives:
Safety
o For current traffic volumes, the average delay southbound through both Cannon
Road and Cerezo Drive intersections is estimated to be the same for both
alternatives
o In the northbound direction, the average delay time through both intersections
is longer for the signal alternative than the roundabout alternative with current
traffic volumes
o When analyzed with 2035 projected traffic volumes, the southbound average
delay time through both intersections is projected to be the same for both
alternatives
o In the northbound direction, the average delay time through both intersections
is longer for the signal alternative than the roundabout alternative when
analyzed with 2035 projected traffic volumes
Studies have shown that roundabouts are much safer than signalized intersections for a
number of reasons:
• Roundabouts reduce the number of conflict points for all modes of transportation.
Conflict points are places where vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian paths through an
intersection cross, which is a possible location for a collision to occur. Intersections with
fewer conflict points are considered safer.
• Roundabouts reduce the severity of accidents as vehicle speeds through the intersection
are lower than signalized intersections.
• Due to the circular, one-way traffic flow, roundabouts also reduce the severity of
vehicular collisions by greatly reducing the likelyhood of head-on and t-bone collisions.
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 6 of 25
Cut-Through and U-turn Traffic
• The Cut-Through Traffic Evaluation indicates.that neither Project alternative will cause a
significant increase in cut-through traffic. Both roadway alternatives have been
designed with bulb-out corner features to discourage cut-through and u-turn traffic.
• Terramar residents have expressed concerns about a significant number of northbound
motorists turning east into their neighborhood at Cerezo Drive to make a U-turn at the
intersection of Cerezo Drive and Los Robles Drive, and then exiting the neighborhood via
a southbound left turn at Cerezo Drive to access the beach area parking on the westside
of Carlsbad Boulevard. \.
• One of the benefits of roundabouts is that a motorist can safely and legally enter the
roundabout and change direction on Carlsbad Boulevard (northbound to southbound or
vice versa) without entering the residential side streets in the Terra mar neighborhood.
Noise
• Traffic noise prediction modeling was performed for both alternatives at the Cannon
Road and Carlsbad Boulevard intersection.
• Due to reduced stopping, starting, braking, and accelerating, the roundabout alternative
was predicted to be quieter than the signal alternative by one to three decibels.
• Similar results can be expected at the Cerezo Drive and Carlsbad Boulevard intersection.
Air Quality
• As part of the ICE analysis, a preliminary air pollutant emissions life-cycle cost analysis
shows that the total cost of vehicle emissions over the Project life-cycle is about the
same for both of the roadway alternatives.
• Generally speaking, since roundabouts promote a steady flow of traffic and reduce
vehicle idling, studies have shown that roundabouts decrease fuel consumption and
decrease vehicular emissions. This means less air pollution and fewer greenhouse gases
emitted to the atmosphere.
Parking
• Over the entire Project area, the signal alternative is expected to provide an additional
115 parking spaces.
I • Over the entire Project area, the roundabout alternative is expected to provide an
additional 83 parking spaces.
Public Engagement Process
Given the important role the coast plays in the lives of Carlsbad residents, city staff
implemented a public engagement process that enabled significant input into the design of this
Project. Staff utilized a variety of methods to get input from those pote.ntially interested in and
affected by this Project, which include: property owners and residents in the area; those who
visit the area for walking, jogging, biking, surfing and enjoying the scenery; and people who
drive through the area. The public outreach process included four significant phases of
community engagement:
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 7 of 25
1. Project Scoping (July/August 2015}
The city invited input from the community on the Project's goals and scope. This phase
focused on stakeholdervalues, concerns and priorities.
o Postcard mailer to 319 residents in the Project area; fliers in libraries and other city
buildings
o Posts to city social media and website
o Email notifications
o Article in citywide newsletter
o Media coverage
o One workshop on July 29, 2015 {62 attendees, 53 comments)
o Online survey open to the entire community {944 comments)
o Three on site pop-up public outreach events on bluff top on Aug. 6, 2015 and Aug
8, 2015 (73 contacts)
o Sit~ meetings with owners of neighboring properties
o More than 1,000 comments received
2. Initial Concepts (November/December 2015}
Based on community input, the city prepared several conceptual designs, three for the
roadway and three for the bluff top area, and invited feedback.
o Postcard mailer to 325 residents in Project area; fliers in libraries and other city
buildings
o Posts to city social media and website
o Email notifications
o Article in citywide newsletter
o Media coverage
o Nov. 19, 2015 workshop (55 attendees; 52 comments)
o Online survey (619 comments)
o Site meetings with owners of neighboring properties
o Nearly 700 comments received
3. Current Concepts (November 2017}
City staff refined the conceptual designs based on community input and presented the
current bluff top concept and two roadway alternatives for public input.
o Postcard mailer to 333 residents in Project area; fliers in libraries and other city
buildings
o Posts to city social media and website
o Email notifications
o Article in citywide newsletter
o Media coverage
o Nov. 8, 2017, workshop {90 attendees, 21 comments)
o On site pop-up public outreach events on the bluff top, Nov. 9, 2017and Nov. 12,
2017 {35 contacts)
o Site meetings with owners of neighboring properties and agencies
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 8 of 25
o Approximately 100 comments received
4. Commissions and Committees (December 2017-April 2018)
City staff has shared the current Project designs and made presentations to the
following stakeholders and commissions in the past six months:
o California State Parks
o Beach Preservation Committee
o California Coastal Commission
o Parks and Recreation Commission
o Traffic Safety Commission
Staff carefully considered the perspectives of all those who provided input and attempted to
balance the needs and priorities of those living in the area with the community at large.
Public Input Received
Project Scoping
Public input during the initial phase of the process emphasized the following:
Roadway improvements
• Safety first
• Protect neighborhood quality of life
• Improve traffic flow
• Balance cars, bikes and pedestrians
Bluff improvements
• Keep the natural look and feel
• Not too much activity
• Like it the way it is
• Refine pathways making it easier to get down to the beach and protecting bluff from
erosion
Initial Concepts
Based on the conceptual designs, the public provided the following input, which resulted in
changes to what was being proposed:
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 9 of 25
Bluff Improvements
Feedback Received Changes Made to Designs
Keep the natural look and feel Made overall design more natural, with minimal
lighting, native landscaping and natural paths
Not too much activity lnclude'd small seating areas designed for short visits
(backless benches)
Like it the way it is Removed proposed shade structures and trees on
bluff from the designs
Protect the bluff Proposed two defined paths to the beach while
protecting the bluff from damage and erosion
Street Improvements -
Feedback Received Changes Made to Designs
Safety first Included new crosswalks on Carlsbad ~oulevard and
Cannon Road with rapid flashing beacon lights
Protect neighborhood quality Removed 11gateway'' signage from designs,
of life included street design features at all neighborhood
entrances to discourage cut through traffic
Improve traffic flow ( Added on-street parking spaces outside the
neighborhood at the north and south ends of
Carlsbad Boulevard and along Cannon Road
Removed bus stop at Cerezo Drive and improved bus
stops near Cannon Park
Balance cars, bikes and Space for safe walking, jogging and bicycling on both
pedestrians sides of Carlsbad Boulevard and Cannon Road, while
ensuring safe and consistent flow of vehicle traffic
Current Design Alternatives
Based on public input and technical analysis, the current designs include one concept for
the coastal bluff top and two alternatives for the roadway. These are included as Exhibit 2.
Feedback received on these designs focused mostly on the roadway improvements and
whether roundabouts or traffic signals should be considered at the intersections of Cannon
Road & Carlsbad Boulevard and Cerezo Drive & Carlsbad Boulevard. There were also
comments about removing the center turn lane, reverse angle parking and keeping the
coastal bluff improvements simple and natural.
Prior City Council Action
The City Council has discussed and/or provided staff direction on the Project at the following
meetings:
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 10 of 25
• Oct. 15, 2013: City Council directed staff to pursue livable streets improvements on
Carlsbad Boulevard and expanded the area in which improvement projects should be
initiated to include the area from the north city limit to the south city limit. In addition,
City Council directed staff to pursue an expanded partnership with California State Parks
to enhance the beach experience.
• March 2015: Carlsbad Boulevard Improvements Status Report p~ovided to the City
Council by staff.
• Feb. 16, 2016: City Council Goal Workshop, including discussion of goal to enhance the
Carlsbad coastline.
• March 15, 2016: Carlsbad Boulevard Improvements Status Report provided to the City
Council by staff.
• April 19, 2016: Approve Resolution No. 2016-072 for 2016 City Council goals.
• July 19, 2016: Status Report on 2016 City Council goals provided to the City Council by
staff.
• Feb. 21, 2017: City Council Goal Workshop, including discussion of goals to enhance the
Carlsbad coastline.
• March 18, 2017: City Council Goal Workshop, including discussion of goal to enhance
the Carlsbad coastline.
• March 28, 2017: Approve Resolution No. 2017-053 for 2017 City Council Goals.
• Aug. 15, 2017: Status Report on 2017 City Council Goals provided to the City Council by
staff.
• Feb. 27, 2018: Status Report on 2917 City Council Goals provided to the City Council by
staff.
• March 20, 2018: City Council Goal workshop, including discussion of goal to enhance the
Carlsbad coastline.
• April 17, 2018: Approve Resolution No. 2018-052 for 2018 City Council Goals.
City Council Actions Needed
This Project will require the following actions by City Council in order to complete the Project:
• Decision from the City Council on the preferred roadway alternative.
• Award professional services agreement to engineering consultant for final design and
preparation of construction documents.
• Authorization to request public bids for construction of the Project.
• Award construction contract.
Consistency with General Plan
Both Project alternatives are consistent with the city's General Plan (see Exhibit 4).
Compliance with Climate Action Plan (CAP)
Both Project alternatives will encourage biking and walking as an alternative to vehicular
transportation, which will reduce greenhouse gases. The roundabout alternative will further
reduce greenhouse gases when compared to the signal alternative by decreasing fuel
consumption and vehicular emissions.
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 11 of 25
Fiscal Analysis
Preliminary cost estimates have been developed for both Project alternatives. The estimates
include design, engineering, technical studies, environmental review, administration,
construction and inspection. The total Project cost for the signal alternative is estimated to be
$8 million, and the total Project cost for the roundabout alternative is estimated to be $7.7
million. The Capital Improvement Program (CIP) appropriation for this project to date is $6.65
million. The current appropriations include a mix of Traffic Impact Fees, TransNet Local funds,
and General Capital Construction funds.
Utilities staff has recommended replacing the water main in the project area as part of the
Terramar Area Coastal Improvement Program . The estimated cost to design and construct a
new water main is $1.93 million, which has already been appropriated in the CIP, Terramar
Waterline Replacement, Project No. 5048.
Next Steps
City staff will return to the City Council in the near future to request direction on a preferred
Project alternative. After the preferred alternative is selected by City Council, the Project team
will move forward with environmental review, permitting, final engineering, and construction.
Below is an estimated timeline:
July -Sept. 2018 City staff presents Project alternatives to City Council for
selection of the preferred roadway alternative.
· Jan. -March 2019 City staff completes CEQA Environmental Review
documentation and processes a Coastal Development
Permit for a Public Hearing at the Planning Commission.
Oct. -Dec. 2019 California Coastal Commission reviews and approves
Coastal Development Permit.
Jan. -March 2020 City Council authorizes bidding for construction.
April -June 2020 City Council authorizes award of construction contract.
Sept. -Oct. 2020 Project construction begins.
Environmental Evaluation (CEQA)
Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21065, receiving a project update does not
constitute a "project" within the meaning of ~he California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in
that it has no potential to cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a
reasonably foreseeable indirect change in the environment, and therefore does not require
environmental review. As the Project design is finalized, the Project will be subject to
environmental review per CEQA Guidelines.
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 12 of 25
Public Notification
This item was noticed in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act and was available for public
viewing and review at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting date. Significant additional
public notification and involvement is described in previous sections of this Staff Report.
Exhibits
1. Project Area Map
2. Site Plans and Renderings for Design Alternatives
3. Alternative Comparison
4. Consistency with General Plan
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 13 of 25
Exhibit 3
ALTERNATIVE COMPARISON TABLE
Signal Alternative Roundabout Alternative
Features to discourage cut-through Good Better traffic in neighborhoods
Consistent with community values, Good Better project goals, and General Plan
Parking Adds 115 parking spots Adds 83 parking spots
Noise1 No change1 Quieter (by 1-3 decibels)1
Estimated average delay through
both intersections going south 15 seconds2 16 seconds3
(2016)
Estimated average delay through
both intersections going north 75 seconds2 32 seconds3
(2016)
Estimated average delay through
both intersections going south 20 seconds2 20 seconds3
(2035)
Estimated average delay through
both intersections going north 88 seconds2 72 seconds3
(2035)
Safety for bikes and pedestrians4 Safer than current conditions Much Safer than Signal
Alternative4
Vehicular Safety4 No change Much Safer than Signal
Alternative4
Air Quality/GHG5 No change Lower emissions5
Estimated Total Project Cost $8.0M $7.7M
1 Traffic noise prediction modeling was conducted using Federal Highway Administration Traffic Noise Model
Version 2.5 (TNM) at the Cannon Road intersection.
2 Average delay through both intersections (Cannon Rd and Cerezo Dr) was estimated using the Synchro traffic
model for the signal alternative using 2016 and 2035 PM peak-hour traffic volumes.
3 Average delay through both intersections (Cannon Rd and Cerezo Dr) was estimated using the Rodel traffic
model for the roundabout alternative using 2016 and 2035 PM peak-hour traffic volumes.
4 By reducing the number and severity of conflict points and lowering vehicle speeds through the intersection,
roundabouts are significantly safer [USDOT, Federal Highway Administration website:
https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/innovative/roundabouts/ See also: Persand, B.N. et al. (2001) Safety
effect of roundabout conversions in the United States. Transportation Research Record.]
5 By reducing vehicle idling, roundabouts significantly decrease fuel consumption and emissions based on
analysis conducted by San Diego County Air Pollution Control District [Silva-Send, Nilmini (2009) Reducing
Greenhouse Gases from On-Road Transportation in San Diego County. Energy Policy Initiatives Center, USD. See
also: USE PA, Average Annual Emissions and Fuel Consumption for Gasoline-Fueled Passenger Cars and Light
Trucks (2008).]
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 24 of 25
Exhibit 4
CONSISTENCY WITH GENERAL PLAN
ELEMENT STANDARD BOTH PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
Land Use and Plan and design Carlsbad Blvd and adjacent
Community public land according to the following
Design guiding principles {Policy 2-P.53):
a. Carlsbad Blvd shall become more a. Project maintains a natural
than a road . This transportation aesthetic, increases parking
corridor shall provide for and access to the beach, and
recreational, aesthetic, and provides small gathering
community gathering opportunities spaces on the bluff area
that equal the remarkable character across from the power plant.
of the land.
b. Community safety shall be a high b. Project provides dedicated
priority. Create destination that pedestrian sidewalks, bike
provides safe public environment to lanes, and intersection
recreate. improvements to enhance
safety. Roundabout will slow
traffic and reduce number
and severity of accidents.
h. Environmentally sensitive design is h. Project provides landscaping
a key objective. Environmentally with drought-tolerant, native
sensitive development that respects plants and trees. Roundabout
existing coastal resources is of utmost will reduce noise and reduce
importance. emissions of greenhouse gases
and pollutants. Project provides
fewer dedicated paths down to
the beach to reduce bluff
erosion.
Mobility Consider innovative design and program Roundabout, curb bulb-outs,
solutions to improve the mobility, efficiency, separate bicycle lanes, buffered bike
connectivity, and safety of the lanes, pedestrian paths, high
transportation system (Policy 3-P.17). visibility pedestrian crosswalks,
rapid flashing beacon lights for
pedestrian crossings.
Mobility Provide inviting streetscapes that encourage The project is a complete street with
walking and promote livable streets (Goal 3-pedestrian and bicycle facilities on
G.3). both sides of the road. Streetscape
will have landscaping and amenities
such as bike racks, recycle bins, and
drinking fountains.
July 17, 2018 Item #7 Page 25 of 25
Comments By Terramar Resident GL Johannsen,
Re: Future Carlsbad Boulevard 7/17/18 (2 pp)
Carlsbad Staff is urged to do more than tweak our beach area roadway with
"band-aid design" concepts. We the residents of Terramar urge the Council
to give Staff a "Carte Blanche" to think bigger. No one lives along A venida
Encinas, between Cannon and Palomar Airport Road. Some of us in
Terramar "do" live along Carlsbad Blvd, and regret that is being used for far
more traffic than it was ever designed to carry----that is, since US 101, was
rerouted in the early 1950's. There are 34 residential homes fronting onto
Carlsbad Boulevard on the east side and 17 more, that front or back to the
boulevard, on the west side. We, residents, are all at risk from the heavier
traffic that should someday be rerouted. It only takes a Council vote, to
enact a better concept for Carlsbad Boulevard! I will happily explain:
In 1953, the brand new 101 Freeway, ended at Palomar Airport ·Road. That
was a relief to any residents of Terramar, since they would no longer have to
endure all the LA-San Diego traffic, passing through their neighborhood.
I've expressed my opinion earlier and I'll do it again: Please make Terramar
and it's beaches a DESTINATION, not our city's second and ONLY north-
. south alternative to the 1-5. How? By planning and designating that
A venida Encinas, as the future alternative route from Cannon Road to
perhaps Palomar Airport Road, or even to Ponto Beach. That means
designating a part of the future-vacated SDGE Encina power plant property,
as the northern terminus of a newly "designated" north-south thoroughfiJre
(A venida Encinas). After the new route is up and running, in say 10 years,
Carlsbad Boulevard can be blocked at some point in each direction, making
our beloved Terramar beaches and bluffs, "a destination".
Having lived along Carlsbad Blvd for 11 years, it is not just annoying, to
have the high decibel "rumble" of certain motorcycles passing by EVERY
WEEKEND, but boulevard residents now have to contend with autos that
have ENHANCED exhaust systems, designed to rumble abnormally loud.
That's not your fault, City Council members and Staff, but many of us
believe it is your duty, to do mitigate (reduce) the new noisiness along our
streets, especially if the new norm for exhaust/muffler systems, is 40 decibels
louder, than before the new millennium.
We residents along Carlsbad Boulevard along the Bluff property, often
contend with midnight revelers and scofflaws who regularly challenge the
NO PARKING signs (11pm to 5am). Many park their cars or trucks in the
posted no parking zone, because they believe that police will not see or cite
them, or tell them to move on. The "No Parking" signs are our only defense
to keep many "would-be campers" from remaining along the bluff for days at
a time. To their credit the Carlsbad Police have taken a more pro-active
approach to the late night campers/parkers and semi trucks. Was it because I
called repeatedly, pro-actively? Maybe. (I have been known to be a squeaky
wheel)
Finally, there is a class of midnight insomniacs or revelers, who use our
boulevard, as a veritable drag strip. If they think that no one has called in,
they sometimes repeat their race runs (at 100 miles per hour) a few more
times. This race thing, a definite safety issue, is the second overriding
reason for re-routing traffic---AROUND Terramar!
My final reason to remove thru traffic from the Boulevard is personal and
involves the risk from all those "closing time" (buzzed) drunk drivers,
· leaving the taverns in Oceanside and Encinitas. On March 11th, and April
8th of 2017, I lost two expensive locking mailboxes---mail boxes that were
"innocently" mowed down by drunk drivers at the magic hour of 2:30 in the
morning. That was just 28 days apart to the very hour. I was able to recover
my expenses from the first perpetrator, but the second driver fought his case
in court, but skipped his sentencing hearing by leaving the country.
Fortunately, neither of cars, did any bodily harm. However, it is not
inconceivable, to think that a drunken idiot, or a midnight racer, might plow
into one of our houses or mortally mow down a bicyclist.
Gerald Lance Johannnsen, Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad
Gary Barberio, Assistant City Manager
Jonathan Schauble, Associate Engineer
Marshall Plantz, Transportation Director
July 17, 2018
Terramar Area
Coastal Improvement Project
Agenda
•Project overview
•Project goals
•Outreach summary
•Review conceptual designs
•Comparison of options
•Next steps
Recommended Action
•Receive an update on the Terramar Area Coastal
Improvement Project, CIP No. 6054.
•Staff will return for direction on a preferred project
alternative at an upcoming City Council meeting.
Project Area
Project Overview
Project Goals
•Create a balanced road that is safe and attractive to
cars, bikes and pedestrians
•Maintain traffic flow with vehicle speeds compatible
with a residential neighborhood
•Improve the area’s aesthetics and, where possible,
add amenities, with an emphasis on Carlsbad’s
natural beauty
Project Goals
•Protect, balance and enhance the quality of life for
the surrounding neighborhood and community in
general
•Improve access to the coast and create an enhanced
connection between the beach and the community
•Create a special place and experience for residents
and users
What’s In
What’s In
What’s Out
PRIVATE
PROPERTY
Outreach Summary
Four Phases of Outreach
•Project scoping (Jul/Aug 15)
•Initial concepts (Nov/Dec 15)
•Current concepts (Nov 17)
•Commissions, Committees & Agencies (Dec 17-Apr 18)
1. Project Scoping
•July/August 2015 (more than 1,000 comments)
–Workshop
–Online survey
–Pop-ups on bluff top
Give lk You, Input
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2. Initial Concepts
•November 2015 (nearly 700 comments)
–Workshop
–Online survey
Terramar Area
Coastal Improvement Project
Community Workshop
Thursday, Nov.19
6to8p.m.
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Want to weigh In on proposed Improvements to traffle, walking and D1kln
safety. paoong and other Improvements 1n the Terramar area? Come to
community meeting Nov 19, from 6 lo 8 pm. at the CarlSDad Senior Ce
http //bit ~•/1 PqStMb
3. Current Concepts
•November 2017 (more than 100 participated)
–Workshop
–Pop-ups on bluff top
Coastal Improvement Proj ect
Open House
Wednesday, Nov. 8
6 to8p.m.
City of Carlsbad Fotoday Compltx
163S Fo,oday Ave., Room 173 A& 8
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We-Ye upOated tile designs JO< tile Dluff across from
tile power plant and area along Car1sDad Boolevaro
and Cannon Road ("Terrama() Find out more at an
open hoose wnh tile Pfote<t team NOv 8. 6-8 pm
at Faraday Center (1635 Faraday Ave )
Cant Join us? NO worries! Visit Ille p,Ojt(t s v.eDsne
to see tile upOated designs hnps ,goo glltesaOW
City of Carlsbad. CA @cartsbadcagov 27 Oct 2017 v
Updated Terr a mar proJect designs are ready. Open house: Nov. 8 6 to 8 pm at mant p Shara •·
1635 Faraday Ave or see them onhne goo.gl/tesaQW
4. Commissions, Committees & Agencies
•Presentations made to the following (Dec 17 –Apr 18):
-Beach Preservation Committee
-Parks & Recreation Commission
-Traffic Safety Commission
-California State Parks
-California Coastal Commission
What We Heard•Street improvements
–Put safety first
–Protect neighborhood quality of life
–Calm traffic speeds
–Balance cars, bikes and pedestrians
–Reduce cut through traffic & parking in
neighborhood
What We Heard
•Bluff improvements
–Keep the natural look and feel
–Not too much activity
–Like it the way it is
How Input Changed the Designs
Bluff Top Area
•Refined beach access paths, while protecting bluff top
from damage and erosion
•Included smaller seating areas designed for shorter
visits (backless benches)
•Made overall design more natural (minimal lighting,
native landscaping and natural paths)
•Expanded ADA beach access and added parking spaces
Walking & Biking
•Added safer space for pedestrians and bikes on both
sides of Carlsbad Blvd and Cannon Rd
•Created wider path on west side of Carlsbad Blvd
•Added amenities, like bike racks, recycle/trash cans
and benches, along Carlsbad Blvd
•Included new crosswalks on Carlsbad Blvd and
Cannon Rd with flashing lights for improved safety
Parking & Neighborhood Character
•Added parking spaces outside the neighborhood
–No. and So. ends of Carlsbad Blvd & Cannon Rd
•Removed “gateway” signage from designs
•Added street design features at all neighborhood entrances
to discourage cut through traffic
•Removed bus stops at Cerezo Drive and improved bus stops
near Cannon Park
Current Conceptual Designs
Final Conceptual DesignsBluff Top Features
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TERRAMAR AREA COASTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Decisions to Make
•Intersection option: traffic signal or
roundabout?
•Center turn lane: remove or keep?
Beach Access TERRAMAR AREA COASTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Safer vath to beach helvs vrotect bluff.
Decisions to Make
•Intersection option: traffic signal or
roundabout?
•Center turn lane: remove or keep?
Bluff Top Rendering TERR AMA R ARE A CO AS TA L IMPRO VEMENT PROJECT
Decisions to Make
•Intersection option: traffic signal or
roundabout?
•Center turn lane: remove or keep?
Cannon Road Traffic Signal TERRAMAR AREA COASTAL I MPROVEMENT PROJECT
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Decisions to Make
•Intersection option: traffic signal or
roundabout?
•Center turn lane: remove or keep?
Cannon Road Roundabout TERRAMAR AREA COASTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Final Conceptual DesignsCannon Road Options
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Final Conceptual DesignsCarlsbad Boulevard
Shore :Drive Segment
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Final Conceptual DesignsCerezo Drive Options
Traffic Signal
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•Intersection option: traffic signal or
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•Center turn lane: remove or keep?
Carlsbad Boulevard
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Additional Analysis
•Roadway alternatives: roundabouts or traffic
signals
•Center turn lane
•Reverse angle parking
Roadway Alternatives
Traffic Analysis
•Conducted extensive traffic analyses on both
alternatives
–Multimodal Level of Service
–Traffic modeling for signals and roundabouts
–Neighborhood cut through traffic
–Intersection Control Evaluation
Final Conceptual DesignsCannon Road Options
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Signal Roundabout
Features to discourage cut-through traffic in
neighborhoods
Good Better
Consistent with community values, project
goals and General Plan Good Better
Parking Adds 115 parking spots Adds 83 parking spots
Noise No change Quieter (by 1-3 decibels)
Estimated average wait time through both
intersections going south (2016)15 seconds 16 seconds
Estimated average wait time through both
intersections going north (2016)75 seconds 32 seconds
Estimated average wait time through both
intersections going south (2035)20 seconds 20 seconds
Estimated average wait time through both
intersections going north (2035)88 seconds 72 seconds
Safety for bikes and pedestrians Safer than current
conditions
Much safer than signal
alternative
Project cost $8 M $7.7 M
Center Turn Lane
Final Conceptual DesignsCarlsbad Boulevard
Shore :Drive Segment
TERRAMAR AREA CO ASTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJEC T
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Reverse Angle Parking
Decisions to Make
•Intersection option: traffic signal or
roundabout?
•Center turn lane: remove or keep?
Carlsbad Boulevard
Near Manzano Drive
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Benefits of Reverse Angle Parking
•Provides better visibility as vehicle exits parking
space
•Positions trunk in the unloading zone instead of
the roadway
•Vehicle doors direct passengers away from traffic
•Increases parking capacity vs parallel parking
Next Steps
•By Oct. 2018: City Council selects preferred roadway
alternative
•By March 2019: Staff completes environmental
analysis on preferred alternative and presents to
Planning Commission
•By Dec. 2019: California Coastal Commission review
•By Fall 2020: Construction begins
Thank You!