Want to weigh in on ways to improve safety, beach access and traffic flow around Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue? Take this survey!
The project covers Carlsbad Boulevard from Redwood Avenue to the south jetty of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon inlet, including a portion of the bluff top area above the Tamarack parking lot. The project also includes proposed improvements that make it easier to get to the Coastal Rail Trail along Tamarack Avenue and new signage for the Coastal Rail Trail along the railroad tracks between Tamarack and Oak Avenue. The project will only involve land owned or controlled by the city.
The City of Carlsbad is at the very beginning stages of this project and is considering three concepts for the intersection, a four lane design with a traffic signal, very similar to what is there now; a three lane design with a traffic signal; and a two lane design with a roundabout. All of the options include:
- Improving safety for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and cars
- Adding more free on-street parking
- Widening the sidewalk on the west side of Carlsbad Boulevard, including across the lagoon inlet bridge
- Moving the southbound bus stop out to a more easily accessible location
- Adding a crosswalk with flashing lights across Carlsbad Boulevard south of Sequoia Avenue to the lagoon trailhead
- Adding native landscaping, lighting, benches and other elements to make the area more attractive and functional
- Designating more space to sit and enjoy the view
After gathering input from the public, the city will refine the concepts and eventually present them to the City Council, along with technical and environmental analyses. According to city officials, the public will have a chance to weigh in on the revised concepts as well as more detailed designs prior to construction. The city has set aside up to $4 million for these improvements and has obtained grant funding that could be applied to this cost if the final design meets the grant requirements.
Construction is expected to begin at the end of 2017. The city would schedule construction to avoid peak beach-going times of year.
You can read more on other recent coastal improvements here.