CARLSBAD, Calif. — A major change is in the works for a section of Highway 101 in Carlsbad, also known as Carlsbad Boulevard. The Carlsbad City Council is discussing plans to move the roadway to inland as sea levels rise.
Coastal erosion is posing a threat to Carlsbad Boulevard. Residents said waves are known to crash onto some areas of the road during high tide.
The city is considering rerouting the road from Manzano Drive to Island Way. Right now a median separates the north and southbound lanes. The new project would put the lanes next to each other along with cycling and pedestrian pathways.
"This attempt to narrow down lanes to one car, it makes walkers and bikers on the same roadway. It's problematic," said a resident during Tuesday's city council meeting.
The city's beach preservation commission is recommending a fast-tracked "retreat now" plan. A phased plan to break the project into four segments is also on the table. Members of the Surfrider Foundation want to see the project happen as quickly as possible.
"This isn't just about infrastructure, it's about protecting our playground, our environment and allowing people to enjoy our coast for generations to come," said Alex Ferron with the Surfrider Foundation.
Coastal access studies and cost analysis are still needed. The city's Transportation Director says the project includes building a bridge over Encinas Creek. He says that alone costs at least $150 million dollars. The city is hoping to have a preliminary design plan for the project by 2028.
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