North Coast Highway 101 Streetscape Project

Upcoming information workshops regarding the fate of a 2 mile stretch on Highway 101 from A Street to La Costa Avenue will be held on October, 3, 8, and the 10th in Encinitas (see calendar for details).

Early in 2008, the city of Encinitas “initiated a streetscape project to enhance the North Coast Highway 101 corridor.” The initial focus was to create livable streets that included traffic calming measures and allow usage for all users of 101 including pedestrians, bicyclists, and automobile drivers. Among the alternatives presented by the city, this is how the public have voted to date:

Alternative #1 was preferred by 77% of the respondents,
1 northbound lane, two southbound lanes
5 roundabouts
1 stoplight
328 parking spaces

Alternative #2 was preferred by 4% of the respondents,
1 northbound lane, two southbound lanes
0 roundabouts
4 stoplight
350 parking spaces

Alternative #3 was preferred by 19% of the respondents,

1 northbound lane, two southbound lanes  (meandering slightly to preserve existing trees)
5 roundabouts
1 stoplight
261 parking spaces

Alternative Proposal #4 includes space for a walking trail, a Class II bike lane, either parallel or reverse parking lane and roundabouts. As of today, we have no information on how the public voted on Alternative #4 . The Alternative Proposal #5 that will be presented at the next Streetscape Project session will be based on feedback from the public and will include no traffic calming measures such as roundabouts, reverse angle parking or lane reductions.

Encinitas residents attending the workshops have stated that preserving the character of the city is a prime concern. However, removing traffic calming measures and continuing to emphasize parking spaces and speed on the roadways is hardly the solution to preserving the beach town character of Encinitas. Allowing all users of a public roads to have equal access is important. But so is reducing vehicular speeds, improving safety and enhancing the quality of life.

Please feel free to contact Diane Langager, Principal Planner by phone at 760/633-2714 or by e-mail at dlangag@ci.encinitas.ca.us with any questions and/or comments you have regarding the North Coast Highway 101 Streetscape project.