Encinitas Pedestrian Crossings
Four grade-separated pedestrian crossings are planned in the City of Encinitas along the Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) coastal rail corridor.
The project includes the construction of undercrossings (rail bridges), pedestrian approach enhancements, landscape beautification, crosswalks, and other street crossing improvements on adjacent roadways, as well as utility relocations and environmental mitigation as needed.
With the construction of the crossing, access to beaches, schools, commercial areas, and residential neighborhoods across a very active rail line will be dramatically improved.
Funding
A budget of $5.9 million has been allocated for the engineering and construction of the first pedestrian undercrossing at Santa Fe Drive.
Besides Santa Fe, other crossings are planned at El Portal Street, Montgomery Avenue, and Hillcrest Drive. The total cost of the four crossings is estimated at $25.7 million, of which $6.7 million in state and local funds have been identified. The City of Encinitas has contributed $1.25 million. SANDAG has allocated $2.75 million from TransNet, the regional half-cent sales tax for transportation projects. SANDAG will build the project in collaboration with the City and the North County Transit District.
North Coast Corridor Improvements
The Encinitas Pedestrian Crossing project is one of 20 capital improvement projects now in development along the 60-mile segment of the LOSSAN rail line. Along with the planned I-5 Express Lanes project, the LOSSAN rail corridor is critical to moving goods and people through the North Coast Corridor.