Continuing to invest in infrastructure has been a top priority for the City of Carlsbad, even in the face of decreasing revenues. Since 2008, the city has cut its budget by about $10 million, focusing on areas with the least effect on core city services. Although it might be tempting to defer maintenance during lean times, in the long run these projects often end up costing more if they're put off. And, crumbling roads, broken pipes and flooded streets are not consistent with the high standards Carlsbad residents and businesses expect from their city.
Here's a roundup of some recent city projects happening around town:
Palomar Airport Road improvements:
Just in time for peak Flower Fields season, the city completed road construction on Palomar Airport Road between Armada Drive and Paseo del Norte. The project was designed to improve the traffic capacity of the roadway and relieve traffic congestion in the area. Improvements include an additional dedicated westbound through lane, a deceleration lane for a new driveway into the Flower Fields and Armstrong Garden Center parking lot, and overhead signage directing vehicles to the correct lanes.
Bridge replacement:
Construction began earlier this year to replace a 1920s-era bridge on Carlsbad Boulevard south of Palomar Airport Road and is just about wrapping up. After demolishing the existing bridge, a new concrete bridge, built to current safety and seismic standards, is being installed in its place. The new bridge will include two lanes for vehicle traffic, a bicycle lane, shoulders and aluminum safety rails on each side. The project also includes rebuilding and extending rock barricade on both the north and south sides of Las Encinas Creek to protect the roadway from damage during storms and high tides.
Storm drain projects:
New reinforced concrete storm drain pipes are being installed in the village to replace corroded metal pipes that have reached the end of their useful life. New curb inlets and manholes also will be constructed as part of this project. Also scheduled for repair are storm drain pipes at Westfield Shopping Center, a storm drain from Alder Avenue to El Camino Real and a storm drain off Via Libertad.
Kelly Drive channel repair:
Reconstruction of a deteriorating concrete-lined channel across from Kelly Elementary School will begin in mid June, after school is out for summer recess. The project includes removal and replacement of 90 feet of concrete liner with reinforced concrete, and will improve drainage in the area.
Recycled water expansion:
The City of Carlsbad continues to expand its recycled water distribution system and provide service to new and existing properties throughout the city. Work is starting on new recycled water pipelines in the Bressi Ranch area. The city added nine newly retrofitted properties to its recycled water program in the first quarter of 2010, which will save 9.5 million gallons of drinking water a year. In 2009, the city's water district delivered 4,352 acre-feet of recycled water. The city projects that recycled water usage will increase to 5,000 acre-feet annually by the end of 2010.
At the end of June, the City Council is scheduled to adopt the next fiscal year's budget, which includes funding for additional infrastructure projects, including $58 million in new funding for the city's Capital Improvement Program.
Here's a roundup of some recent city projects happening around town:
Palomar Airport Road improvements:
Just in time for peak Flower Fields season, the city completed road construction on Palomar Airport Road between Armada Drive and Paseo del Norte. The project was designed to improve the traffic capacity of the roadway and relieve traffic congestion in the area. Improvements include an additional dedicated westbound through lane, a deceleration lane for a new driveway into the Flower Fields and Armstrong Garden Center parking lot, and overhead signage directing vehicles to the correct lanes.
Bridge replacement:
Construction began earlier this year to replace a 1920s-era bridge on Carlsbad Boulevard south of Palomar Airport Road and is just about wrapping up. After demolishing the existing bridge, a new concrete bridge, built to current safety and seismic standards, is being installed in its place. The new bridge will include two lanes for vehicle traffic, a bicycle lane, shoulders and aluminum safety rails on each side. The project also includes rebuilding and extending rock barricade on both the north and south sides of Las Encinas Creek to protect the roadway from damage during storms and high tides.
Storm drain projects:
New reinforced concrete storm drain pipes are being installed in the village to replace corroded metal pipes that have reached the end of their useful life. New curb inlets and manholes also will be constructed as part of this project. Also scheduled for repair are storm drain pipes at Westfield Shopping Center, a storm drain from Alder Avenue to El Camino Real and a storm drain off Via Libertad.
Kelly Drive channel repair:
Reconstruction of a deteriorating concrete-lined channel across from Kelly Elementary School will begin in mid June, after school is out for summer recess. The project includes removal and replacement of 90 feet of concrete liner with reinforced concrete, and will improve drainage in the area.
Recycled water expansion:
The City of Carlsbad continues to expand its recycled water distribution system and provide service to new and existing properties throughout the city. Work is starting on new recycled water pipelines in the Bressi Ranch area. The city added nine newly retrofitted properties to its recycled water program in the first quarter of 2010, which will save 9.5 million gallons of drinking water a year. In 2009, the city's water district delivered 4,352 acre-feet of recycled water. The city projects that recycled water usage will increase to 5,000 acre-feet annually by the end of 2010.
At the end of June, the City Council is scheduled to adopt the next fiscal year's budget, which includes funding for additional infrastructure projects, including $58 million in new funding for the city's Capital Improvement Program.