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Council opts for smaller‑scale pedestrian and ADA improvements at Tamarack and Carlsbad Boulevard to preserve SANDAG grant
Summary
After months of discussion and public testimony, council selected a $2 million smaller‑scale design that widens sidewalks and improves crosswalks instead of a $19 million roundabout or a $17 million signalized alternative, citing grant timing and cost uncertainty.
The City Council voted to pursue a smaller‑scale package of pedestrian and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements at the Carlsbad Boulevard and Tamarack Avenue intersection, selecting an option intended to deliver quicker construction and retain $455,000 in remaining SANDAG Active Transportation grant funds.
Why it matters: The intersection is a major beach access for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Choices ranged from a single‑lane roundabout (staff estimate: ~$19 million) and a signal alternative (~$17 million) to a limited pedestrian upgrade (~$2 million). The council’s choice prioritizes near‑term pedestrian safety and the practical risk of losing grant funds if the city delays.
What the council reviewed
- Staff presentation: Transportation Director Tom Frank reviewed the three options, grant history and timeline, and estimated costs. He reported the grant was originally $1,054,000 with roughly $455,000 remaining; SANDAG had declined a further extension and asked for progress. The larger roundabout alternatives required substantial additional local match and multiyear delivery.
- Public testimony: Residents and community groups provided split testimony. Many speakers urged Option 3 (smaller‑scale pedestrian/ADA improvements) because it was lower cost, faster, and more likely to preserve the remaining SANDAG funds. Others, including some proponents of roundabouts, cited safety research and roundabout performance in other jurisdictions; several speakers and data presenters raised concerns about collision rates at some local Pacific Highway roundabouts and differences between locations.
- Emergency/operational concerns: The Fire Chief noted roundabouts can reduce conflict points but emphasized the practical complications of retrofitting a roundabout in an existing corridor that is a primary emergency response route (Station 7) and near a railroad and freeway corridors.
Council rationale and vote
Council weighed grant risk, community preference, cost, and emergency response considerations. Two council members favored a more transformational change (roundabout) but the majority favored Option 3 to keep the project affordable and deliverable given grant timelines. The council approved Option 3 by a 3–2 vote.
Next steps
Staff will work with SANDAG staff to request the necessary grant extension for construction (to retain the remaining funds) and begin environmental review and final design for the smaller‑scale improvements, aiming to deliver ADA‑compliant ramps, high‑visibility crosswalks and removal of some guardrail to increase walkway width.
