Encinas Creek bridge repair to start
May 8th, 2008 Categories: Carlsbad Beaches, Carlsbad City, Carlsbad South
CARLSBAD-In August of 2007 the U/T reported on 87 bridges rated deficient by CALTRANS inspectors. One of these bridges was the western portion of the Encinas Creek crossing in between Palomar Airport Road and Island Way. In response to this Carlsbad slated the bridge for replacement.
The first sign of activity was the closure of the western most lane of the two lane bridge in February of 2008. Upon inspection by myself of the bridge it is amazing how much more damaged 
the windward side of the bridge was versus the protected eastern side.
Next week the city will start the realignment of south bound Carlsbad Boulevard in order to create a new second lane. The bridge replacement is expected to take approximately 2 years according to city engineer Bob Johnson at a cost of approximately one million dollars. Congressman Bilbray has submitted this project for Federal Funding which may help offset some of this cost. The completion of the 
second lane should be completed by the end of May.
A question I had for Bob Johnson related to the realignment of Carlsbad Boulevard through this area. There has been discussion of bringing the ow separated road together meeting on the eastern side. It seemed odd to spend the funds now to rebuild the bridge if this realignment were to happen. I was told that if the realignment did take place the city is looking at using the abandoned western side as bike and pedestrian pathways.
Lastly another traffic impact due to the construction and realignment is a reduction in the speed limit starting from just south of Palomar Airport Road to Island Way. The city council on at Tuesday’s meeting voted on reducing the speed from 50 mph to 35 mph. This reduction will effect the south bound lanes only through the construction zone.
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As a Carlsbad resident, I’m pleased that the Encinas Creek bridge is being repaired. I have little doubt that in the capable hands of Bob Johnson that this will be done appropriately and at the least cost to the citizens of Carlsbad and safety will allow. However, I’m completely baffled by a Congressman seeking Federal Funds for an already funded project.
In this era of strained budgets, why is Brian Bilbray seeking to divert money needed to treat wounded veterans at VA facilities? I can’t help but wonder whether his request is simply pandering to potential voters for his re-election in November. Since he has no seniority in Congress, such a request is simply an idle gesture. I hope voters will see this for what it is.
Comment by Dale Ordas — May 9, 2008 #
Hopefully they will use GPR to conduct the bridge repair assesment!
http://www.southernradarimaging.com/bridge-assessments/
Comment by George — May 12, 2008 #