Commission backs El Camino Real widening; project to add third southbound lane and pedestrian bridges
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Summary
The Carlsbad Traffic Safety Mobility Commission voted 6-0 to support plans to widen El Camino Real between Arenal Road and La Costa Avenue, adding a third southbound lane, sidewalks, street lights and two pedestrian bridges; staff said bids are expected in early 2026 and construction could begin in spring 2026.
The Carlsbad Traffic Safety Mobility Commission on June 17 voted 6-0 to support staff recommendations approving plans and specifications for the El Camino Real widening project (Capital Improvement Project No. 6051).
The project, presented by Brandon Miles of Public Works, will add a third southbound travel lane on El Camino Real from Arenal Road past the bridges north of La Costa Avenue, install sidewalks on the west side where missing, add street lights, relocate utilities, and construct two separated pedestrian bridges over San Marcos Creek. Staff said the next steps are to finalize plans and cost estimates, acquire permits and any required property, then ask City Council to authorize bidding in early 2026 and to award construction in spring 2026.
The commission heard public comment from Christina McGoldrick, a Carlsbad resident and parent, who said the current construction on a different El Camino Real segment had removed a direct safe route to school and asked whether the widening project could avoid repeating that impact. John Kim, the city traffic engineer, said prior projects sometimes required removal of a bicycle lane during construction because of limited space and K-rail (concrete barriers) placed close to travel lanes, and that staff provided detours; for the El Camino Real widening, Kim said traffic control plans are not yet finalized but “we would be actively looking for a bike‑accessible path through the construction zone if at all possible.”
Miles noted the project footprint for this corridor is primarily within the roadway, with no large retaining walls anticipated, so staff expect more room to provide accommodations during construction than on some other recent projects.
Commissioners also asked whether a marked “keep clear” area at Arenal—used for fire station operations—would remain after work; Kim said that keep‑clear remains integral to the fire signal operation and will stay in place.
The commission approved the plans by motion; the item will go to City Council for final approval and contract authorization.
Votes at a glance: The commission recorded the item as approved by a 6-0 vote with one commissioner absent.
Ending: Staff will return to Council to seek authority to advertise the project for bid in early 2026; construction award is anticipated in spring 2026.
