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Staff briefs commission on Grand Avenue work, fiber rollout, new signals and sidewalks
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Summary
City transportation staff updated the commission on Grand Avenue construction, the Kalmia traffic circle, a citywide fiber build, new signals tied to local developments and several pedestrian projects.
City of Escondido transportation staff on April 10 briefed the Transportation Community Safety Commission on the status of multiple city and development projects that affect travel, pedestrian access and traffic operations.
Craig Williams summarized work underway on Grand Avenue (phased construction and the Broadway roundabout section), the recently completed Kalmia traffic circle, and downtown streetscape elements including outdoor dining areas and ADA parking replacements. Williams said the Grand Avenue work is progressing — some segments are expected to open in May — and the city is holding public outreach about an art feature for the Bridal roundabout.
Williams also reported on the Palomar Heights development, noting a new signal at Valley Parkway and Ivy installed as part of project conditions that should go live shortly. He described a Smart City contract with a fiber installer (described in the presentation as a citywide fiber rollout that will pass fiber to city buildings, parks and signals and provide future residential connections). Williams said the contractor would trench a narrow slot at the curb and install a small utility box at each sidewalk for future service connections; staff described the project as a multi-year rollout. The presentation referred to about 3,000,000 linear feet of fiber optics as part of the overall program.
Other items: a Caltrans grant-funded sidewalk infill project on Valley Parkway east of Rose (parkway-style separated sidewalks and new benches); an active-transportation multiuse path along the north side of the canal near Broadway; a pedestrian-connectivity walk audit near the Park Avenue community center; and new signals associated with Bear Valley Parkway development that are scheduled to be activated soon. Williams also showed photos of construction at Zlatibor Ranch Road and the Bear Valley widening, and noted a redevelopment site (the former Marie Callender's) planned for a new restaurant location.
Commissioners raised routine maintenance and landscaping issues and asked staff to pass concerns to Public Works where appropriate. No votes were taken on these informational updates; staff said several projects will return to the commission with project lists or requests for prioritization later in the year.
