Encinitas accepts state HSIP grant for pedestrian crossing, directs staff to develop B/C layouts with Solana Beach

The Encinitas City Council authorized the city manager to accept and administer a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant awarded by Caltrans for a pedestrian crossing on South Coast Highway 101 near the Solana Beach border.

City traffic engineer Abe Bandigan described three alternatives that were considered during the competitive grant: the submitted application (Alternative A) included a road diet, refuge median and rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs); Alternative B would rely on a shorter crossing with high‑visibility RRFBs; and Alternative C would install a full traffic signal at the Seaside parking lot with an east‑side pedestrian walkway. Bandigan noted the grant, as written, reflects Alternative A and staff recommended accepting the award so design can proceed.

Solana Beach officials attended and urged cooperation, stressing the need for a seamless connection between Encinitas and Solana Beach trail and safety projects. Solana Beach’s public works director said the Coastal Rail Trail extension and the Harbaugh Seaside Trails connection require close coordination.

Council members debated safety, future rail‑trail continuity and environmental constraints (including a conservation easement on Solana Beach property). Staff advised that accepting the grant as awarded (Alternative A) will allow the city to obtain grant authorization; after authorization staff can request Caltrans approve a scope change to B or C. Council directed staff to accept the grant and to prepare preliminary striping/layout concepts (using GIS curb‑to‑curb data rather than a paid survey) for Alternatives B and C so council can compare tradeoffs.

The council also authorized the city manager to execute the federal/state grant and adopted a budget amendment to place the project into the FY 2025–26 capital budget. The vote was unanimous. Staff said the design authorization timing with Caltrans means design work would move forward in 2026 with construction possible in 2027 if schedule and permits align.

Next steps: staff will post grant documents, prepare preliminary layout concepts for options B and C, coordinate scope‑change requests with Caltrans, and continue intercity design collaboration with Solana Beach.