ENCINITAS — The $4.1 million Santa Fe Drive improvement project is nearing completion, with final landscaping and construction work set to wrap up by March 10, barring weather-related delays, according to an update at Wednesday’s council meeting.
The corridor — east of Interstate 5 and west of Windsor Road/Bonita Drive — boasts a high traffic volume, with vehicle and pedestrian circulation occurring multiple times daily due to several churches, residential homes and San Dieguito Academy.
Interim City Manager Jennifer Campbell said crews have completed landscaping on the north side of the roadway, with mulch and cobble work near San Dieguito Academy expected to finish this week. Landscaping and irrigation work on the south side is also scheduled for completion this week, followed by mulch and cobble installation.
“We’re looking to wrap up this project with the landscaping, mid-block crossing and everything by March 10, pending any weather delays,” Campbell said. “We might have some rain coming in on Sunday, Monday, and then maybe Thursday. So depending on how much weather we do get, that might delay [the timeline].”
Additionally, the mid-block crossing near SDA is scheduled to begin Sunday night and will require three nights of work. If there are no weather delays, Campbell said the crossing should be finished within two weeks.
Following completion, the city will enter an observation period to monitor traffic, bicycle and pedestrian flow along the corridor. During this time, staff will gather public feedback and conduct a community meeting to assess the project’s impact.
“And so the goal there is to have it done with enough time while school is still in session, we can see how it operates,” Mayor Bruce Ehlers said during the meeting.
City officials tasked with overseeing this project have cited traffic and safety concerns as the primary reasons for the corridor changes.
The project has been a source of frustration for residents who saw the construction along Santa Fe Drive as disruptive and unnecessary.
Citing delays — the city initially stated the contractor was expected to complete work by August 2024 — the City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 18 to pause construction on specific aspects of the improvement project for six months while assessing the impact of the most recently completed upgrades.
Councilmember Luke Shaffer inquired about removing construction cones along the north side of Santa Fe Drive. In response, Campbell said the city intends to remove the cones as sections are completed and aims for full removal by March 10.
“As everything clears, we will clean up as it clears up,” Campbell said.
