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Planning Commission recommends El Camino Real widening to city council, 5–2; commissioners divided over bike protections and pedestrian bridge design
Summary
The commission recommended two resolutions for the El Camino Real widening project — adoption of the environmental document and approval of required permits — by a 5–2 vote. Supporters cited pedestrian access and corridor consistency; opponents pressed for Coastal Commission‑recommended bike barriers and questioned the safety of isolated pedestrian bridges.
The Carlsbad Planning Commission on March 18 recommended that the City Council adopt the environmental documentation for and approve the entitlements for the El Camino Real widening project, a nearly 1‑mile capital improvement project in the southern part of the city. Staff presented the project as a corridor improvement that would add a third southbound vehicle lane between north of Arenal Road and La Costa Avenue, close a sidewalk gap along the lagoon, add two pedestrian bridges and overlooks, and provide landscaping.
Senior planner Scott Donald said the project would require five city permits — including a coastal development permit, a habitat management‑plan permit, two special‑use permits and a general‑plan open‑space waiver — and a subsequent Coastal Commission coastal…
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