SOLANA BEACH — The city of Solana Beach can move forward with a long-awaited extension of the Coastal Rail Trail to the northern end of the city, after receiving $300,000 in needed state funding under Senate Bill 105.
The Coastal Rail Trail in Solana Beach runs along Coast Highway 101, providing a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. The trail starts at the city’s southern boundary at Via de la Valle and stops near Ocean Street, just short of the northern boundary near Ocean Street.
The $1 million project will complete the trail’s final missing piece, extending it to the northernmost boundary with the city of Encinitas. The city plans to begin construction this fall and finish the project in 2028.
State Sen. Catherine Blakespear secured $300,000 in funding for the project under SB 105, a budget trailer bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September that allows adjustments to already approved appropriations.
On Wednesday, the Solana Beach City Council approved a resolution to accept the funds.
“We’re looking forward to using these funds towards the completion of the project for its 2028 timeline,” Government Affairs Manager Dion Akers told the City Council.
For years, Solana Beach leaders have planned for the final piece of the trail to connect to a pedestrian crossing across Highway 101 between Harbaugh Seaside Trails and Cardiff State Beach, at the border with Encinitas.
The city of Encinitas received a $350,000 Caltrans grant to develop the crossing at this location, but Encinitas leaders are now expressing concerns about the design, as it would require the Coastal Rail Trail to take up part of the easternmost lane of the 101.
While the cities are still working together to determine what the crossing will look like, Solana Beach is moving forward with its plans for the trail extension in the meantime.
“We are on track to complete the project by March 2028 and look forward to continuing to collaborate with our neighbors in Encinitas throughout the process,” said City Manager Alyssa Muto.
Construction of the trail will involve extending the concrete multi-use path, installing decomposed granite shoulders, and installing landscaping and irrigation. The project will also refresh the existing northern portion of the trail, including minor concrete repairs and replacing the crescent deck platform with native plants.
The final piece of funding for the trail was part of $7 million total obtained by Blakespear for projects in the 38th Senate District under the bill, including for the expansion of the Oceanside Museum of Art and another trail project in Laguna Niguel.
“One of the ones she’s most proud of is being able to extend the rail trail here in Solana Beach,” said Senior District Representative Diana Kutlow. “It will improve access, it will improve safety along your beautiful northern border and Harbaugh Trails Park, and I want to thank you on behalf of the senator for your stewardship of this project and of the state funds.”
