Carlsbad approves scaled-back Barrio traffic project

City opts for stop signs, flashing signals, and one roundabout at 14 intersections after pulling back from original traffic circle plan

CARLSBAD — The long-awaited traffic improvements in the Barrio neighborhood to address traffic calming have a resolution.

The City Council approved a robust plan of stop signs, painted crosswalks, flashing signs, and one traffic circle at 14 intersections during its meeting on Tuesday. The plan has been in the works for 11 years and centered on five circles, which were outlined on the street earlier this year, but the council pulled the plug at the 11^th hour due to some vocal pushback from residents.

The council decided on July 29 and directed staff to return with other options to slow speeds, add safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists.

Transportation Director Tom Frank presented two options to the council, one with 14 intersections and the other addressing eight. The second option, though, had fewer features.

The council, though, added an amendment to the motion to include flexibility to add more stop signs if needed and removed one of the two raised speed humps. Frank said staff will analyze the new improvements and return to the council to determine if more signs are applicable.

“We have the opportunity to see how this continues to shape up,” Councilwoman Priya Bhat-Patel said. “Option 1 allows us to do what we can with a comprehensive approach. We do need a lot of these types of things just to get drivers to pay attention. A lot of it is about driver behavior.”

Intersections slated for all-way stop signs include Jefferson Street and Oak Avenue, Madison Street and Chestnut Avenue, and Madison Street and Magnolia Avenue. The council swapped the speed hump at Chestnut Avenue and Roosevelt Street for an all-way stop sign.

Flashing signals will be installed on Oak Avenue just east of Harding Street, while two will be placed on Madison Street at Pine and Walnut avenues, and one at Roosevelt Street and Walnut Avenue. The roundabout, meanwhile, will be at Harding Street and Pine Avenue.