California Construction News staff writer
The Encinitas City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday to finalize the current phase of the Santa Fe Drive Corridor project and begin reviewing possible design changes based on public feedback.
The vote approved a notice of completion for construction work performed by Tri-Group Construction, the release of related bonds, and a resolution to adopt interim improvements. The western phase of the project, completed in April 2025, added separated bike lanes, new sidewalks, reverse-angle parking, landscaping, improved drainage, and a mid-block pedestrian crossing near San Dieguito Academy.
According to a presentation by City Engineer Badr Suleiman, the project will improve safety and accessibility along the corridor, particularly for students traveling to and from the nearby school. The redesign shifted bike lanes next to the curb, shielded by reverse-angle parking, while vehicle travel lanes were relocated away from cyclists.
City staff conducted on-site evaluations, video monitoring, and a community survey that received more than 1,000 responses. Survey data showed that a majority of participants did not find reverse-angle parking helpful.
Public comments submitted to the council raised concerns about overall traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and emergency vehicle access. Several submissions cited difficulties with navigating the new parking configuration and raised questions about lost parking spaces and curb access for businesses.
Mayor Bruce Ehlers pointed to safety concerns, including a service disruption from the U.S. Postal Service, which paused mail delivery to 24 homes along Santa Fe Drive due to unsafe access related to the new design.
Following the discussion, the council directed staff to explore potential design adjustments. These may include pedestrian cut-throughs, restriping at bike-car conflict zones, reducing speed bump heights, and reconfiguring parking. Staff also noted that a future development at 845 Santa Fe Drive could provide funding for a full traffic signal at the mid-block crossing.
