Updated:  03.21.24

PROJECT STATUS

The initial analysis and conceptual design of the Leucadia At-Grade Rail Crossing project was funded in FY 21/22.  The City has awarded an engineering contract and site analysis and Concept Plans are complete. On June 29, 2023, the city hosted a site visit and diagnostic meeting with NCTD and the CPUC to evaluate the concept plans and viability of the CPUC application. 

BACKGROUND

Leucadia At-Grade Rail Crossings Project (WC22A/CS24B)

The rail corridor bisects the community of Leucadia and impedes travel between dense residential development and an elementary school on the east side of the rail corridor; and the beach, residences and thriving business district on the west. There is a high volume of pedestrian and cyclist activity in the area; however, legal pedestrian crossings are only available at the far north end of Leucadia at La Costa Avenue or at Leucadia Boulevard to the south.  This leaves a 1.3-mile gap in the heart of the community without a safe, legal place to cross the railroad tracks.

The crossing locations at Grandview/Hillcrest and Glaucus were selected based on community input gathered through the City’s Cross Connect study. This project will require coordination with North County Transit District (NCTD) and BNSF Railway; and requires approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

The City has completed the initial studies and conceptual designs for the 2 at grade crossings.  Click here to view the North Leucadia Pedestrian & Bicycle At-Grade Crossings Study.

The City is now moving to prepare a full CPUC application and preliminary engineering design for these 2 identified crossing locations.  This should take between 12-18 months to complete.