The City of Carlsbad has begun construction of a new traffic roundabout at the intersection of Carlsbad Boulevard and State Street, making it the first roundabout on the historic coastal highway in North San Diego County.


Construction of the roundabout will enhance the entryway into the historic Carlsbad Village by allowing vehicles to make turns that are not possible under the intersection's current Y-shaped configuration. Vehicles traveling north on Carlsbad Boulevard cannot currently turn right onto State Street, and vehicles traveling north on State Street cannot turn south onto Carlsbad Boulevard. After the roundabout is completed vehicles will be able to turn in any direction between State Street and Carlsbad Boulevard.


The construction project began on Jan. 6 and should be completed this spring. Construction Manager John Maashoff said that the city does not expect to close Carlsbad Boulevard during the four-month project, but work crews will occasionally reduce travel to one lane, with flag crews controlling the lanes. State Street will be closed intermittently during construction, with motorists detoured to Grand Avenue.