Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue Complete Streets Project

Carlsbad, CA

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Valley Magnolia complete streets project area map zoom

At a glance

The city is working on making streets safe and inviting for everyone, whether traveling on foot, by bicycle or in a car.
Valley Street, between Magnolia and Chestnut, and a portion of the north side of Magnolia Avenue at Valley, is one area slated for improvements. Currently, large portions of the project area have no sidewalks or dedicated bicycle paths so pedestrians and bicyclists must share the narrow street with motorists.
Design for the project is in progress.

City Council meeting

The next City Council agenda on Tuesday, April 16 includes updating an agreement with SDGE to move overhead utility lines on parts of Valley Street, Magnolia Avenue and Brady Way underground to make way for new sidewalks and adding funding to the project because of a higher cost estimate.

City Council meeting
Tuesday, April 16, 5 p.m.
Read the staff report.
Comment in person or email clerk@carlsbadca.gov
Watch online

What are "complete streets"

Complete streets improvements

This project will help improve safety for everyone who walks, bikes, or drives, regardless of age or ability - a concept known as “complete streets.”

Features of complete streets can include:

Sidewalks
New curb and gutter
Improved conditions for bicyclists
Streetlights

Design is underway and additional details will be provided as work on the project advances.

Utilities undergrounding

San Diego Gas & Electric will conduct work along Valley Street and Magnolia Avenue to convert overhead utilities to an underground system.

Frequently asked questions

When is this work being done?
SDGE anticipates that construction will begin in June 2024 upon completion of the school year to minimize traffic impacts associated with construction.

What are the benefits of moving utilities underground?

Creates a more reliable system protected from natural elements
Creates unobstructed views
Enhances curb appeal

What is involved in moving utilities underground?
Work by SDGE and its contractors will occur in phases.

Phase one: Crews will dig trenches in the city’s right of way and on private property, and place conduits for new utility lines.
Phase two: Technicians will place new utility lines within the underground conduits. New above ground utility equipment, including transformers, cable boxes and pedestals will be installed in the city’s right of way.
Phase three: Service will cut over to the new underground system.
Phase four: Existing overhead poles will be removed.

Utility Lines Graphic

Where is undergrounding work being done?
Undergrounding is being performed for specific addresses on Valley Street between Chestnut Avenue and Magnolia Avenue and on the north side of Magnolia Avenue at Valley Street. See the map.

Who approved this project?
The Carlsbad City Council approved this project in 2015. The undergrounding project is an SDGE project and will be completed by SDGE, its contractors and communication companies.

What’s next?

SDGE plans to complete its permitting process and award a construction contract in spring 2024.
SDGE anticipates that construction will begin in June 2024 upon completion of the school year to minimize traffic impacts associated with construction.
SDGE is estimating their trench and conduit construction will be completed by mid-August 2024 before the fall school year starts.
Additional construction activities will occur after August 2024, but work will be minor in nature with minimal impacts during the school year.

Past actions

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