SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZE THE ADVERTISEMENT AND AWARD OF THE WOODSIDE AVENUE SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AND FIND THAT THE MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION WAS ADOPTED IN COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA AND STATE AND COUNTY CEQA GUIDELINES (DISTRICT: 2)
Body
OVERVIEW
The County of San Diego (County) serves more than 500,000 residents living in unincorporated communities. The Department of Public Works (DPW) maintains and operates the County’s transportation network, which includes nearly 2,000 miles of roadway. DPW prioritizes, designs, and constructs capital improvements on the roadway network based on feedback from community members and Community Planning and Sponsor Groups, health and safety benefits, operational considerations, and County plans. These capital projects improve the roadway network and improve the quality of life for community members, businesses, and visitors.
The Woodside Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project (Project) will construct sidewalks and bicycle lanes and will make improvements to traffic signals on Woodside Avenue between Marilla Drive and Winter Gardens Boulevard in the community of Lakeside. The Project corridor extends approximately 6,660 feet between Marilla Drive and Chestnut Street and includes several key intersections, including Winter Gardens Boulevard, Los Coches Road, and Marilla Drive. The improvements will incorporate Complete Streets and Green Streets design elements, meaning features that make the road safer and more comfortable for everyone and include drainage features. Improvements will enhance pedestrian mobility, modify traffic signals to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists, provide an accessible route that complies with current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, and make it easier and safer to walk and bike on Woodside Avenue. This Project also supports the County of San Diego’s 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP) by incorporating measures that reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions and enhance community resilience as adding bike lanes encourages the use of alternative modes of transportation.
The planned improvements are consistent with and support DPW’s Pedestrian Gap Analysis and the Local Road Safety Plan, which identify pedestrian safety needs and sidewalk gap closures as priority strategies for improving accessibility and safety within unincorporated communities. By implementing projects that close gaps identified in these plans, DPW enhances connectivity, supports Safe Routes to Schools programming, and promotes equitable access to community resources; for instance, the Woodside Corridor is within an underserved community. The proposed improvements will provide a continuous sidewalk network, creating safer and more direct pedestrian routes for students, families, and seniors traveling to nearby facilities such as the U.S. Post Office, Lakeside Library, Lindo Lake County Park, Lakeside Middle School, as well as many businesses and residences. Existing facilities are discontinuous, with gaps in sidewalk and bicycle lane coverage. In 2022, a Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) analyzed collision data from 2015-2019 and identified Woodside Avenue as one of the corridors with the highest collision rates and equity related factors in the County. The segment between Winter Gardens Boulevard and Prospect Avenue ranked as the County’s top priority for safety improvements and is included in this project.
The Project aligns with key CAP strategies by promoting sustainable infrastructure, supporting low‑carbon transportation options, and integrating resource‑efficient design practices. These elements contribute to the County’s long‑term goal of achieving net‑zero emissions by 2045 while delivering co‑benefits such as improved public health, reduced operational impacts, and enhanced environmental stewardship.
This is a request to approve the advertisement and subsequent award of a construction contract for improvements to Woodside Avenue. Upon Board approval, the Department of Purchasing and Contracting will advertise and award a construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2027 and be completed by summer 2028. The total estimated Project cost is $15,982,792. Construction is estimated to cost $11,040,000, including 10% contingency for unexpected conditions during construction. The funding sources are Transportation Impact Fees (TIF) ($1,768,400), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) ($8,661,862), a federal grant program, State Match ($195,505), State Exchange ($180,000), bond proceeds ($2,750,000), prior year available General Fund fund balance ($697,224), and available prior year Road Fund fund balance ($1,729,801). There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years. Caltrans awarded the HSIP grant on December 12, 2016.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Find that the Mitigated Negative Declaration on file in the Department of Public Works for the Woodside Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project dated April 18, 2022, State Clearinghouse # 2021110082, was adopted in compliance with CEQA and State and County CEQA guidelines, that the decision-making body has reviewed and considered the information contained therein prior to approving the Project; and:
Find that there are no substantial changes in the Project or in the circumstances under which it is undertaken which involve significant new environmental impacts which were not considered in the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND), dated April 18, 2022, that there is no substantial increase in the severity of previously identified effects, and that no new information of substantial importance has become available since the MND was adopted as described in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 findings dated April 16, 2026.
2. Establish appropriations of $7,770,000 in the Department of Public Works Road Fund, Services and Supplies, for construction of the Woodside Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project based on Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) ($6,130,300), a federal grant program and Transportation Impact Fee (TIF) ($1,639,700). (4 VOTES)
3. Authorize the Director, Department of Purchasing and Contracting, to advertise and award a construction contract and to take any action authorized by section 401 et seq. of the Administrative Code, with respect to contracting for the Woodside Avenue Sidewalk Improvements Project.
4. Designate the Director, Department of Public Works, as the County Officer responsible for administering the construction contract, in accordance with Board Policy F-41, Public Works Construction Projects.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Installing concrete sidewalks, curbs, and gutters is a critical mobility improvement that enhances safety and walkability within unincorporated communities. Along this segment of Woodside Avenue, existing sidewalk facilities are highly inconsistent, and bicycle lanes are fragmented. These discontinuities, combined with frequent vehicle ingress and egress from numerous commercial driveways, present significant mobility challenges for both pedestrians and bicyclists. The proposed improvements will provide equitable access for all community members in an underserved community, including individuals with disabilities, by establishing continuous pedestrian facilities that comply with ADA requirements. This Project will positively advance equity outcomes by delivering pedestrian infrastructure in an area where such improvements are most needed.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
Implementing effective sustainability objectives is essential for fostering safe, healthy, and resilient communities as well as for supporting the long-term success of the region. This Project will advance the County’s sustainability goals by enhancing community engagement, improving equitable access to County services, supporting the transition to a green and carbon-free economy, and protecting the health and wellbeing of all residents within the Project area. The improved sidewalks and bicycle lanes will foster safer mobility choices for residents and visitors which enables more healthy, active lifestyles and more sustainable transportation. In addition, the Project incorporates a suite of modern water quality features designed to reduce pollutant loads and protect local waterways. Biofiltration areas, dispersion zones, and underdrain systems help naturally filter stormwater, remove sediments and contaminants, and reduce runoff volumes before flows re‑enter the watershed. These sustainable stormwater practices improve regional water quality, contribute to long‑term ecosystem health, reduce localized flooding risk, and support the County’s broader environmental stewardship goals.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are partially included in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Operational Plan in the Department of Public Works (DPW), Road Fund. If approved, this request will establish additional appropriations of $7,770,000, resulting in additional costs and revenue for DPW Road Fund, as outlined in recommendation 2. The total estimated project cost is $15,982,792, consisting of $4,942,792 for design, environmental review, right-of-way acquisition and $11,040,000 for construction, including a 10% contingency for unforeseen conditions. The funding sources are Transportation Impact Fees (TIF) ($1,768,400), Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) a federal grant program ($8,661,862), State Match ($195,505), State Exchange ($180,000), bond proceeds ($2,750,000), prior year available General Fund fund balance ($697,224), and available prior year Road Fund fund balance ($1,729,801). There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
County of San Diego construction contracts are competitively and publicly bid and help stimulate the local economy by creating primarily construction-related employment opportunities and providing more contracting opportunities for small and local businesses through the County’s Small-Local Business Preference Program. All workers employed on public works projects must be paid the prevailing wages determined by the Department of Industrial Relations, according to the type of work and location of the project. The prevailing wage rates are usually based on rates specified in collective bargaining agreements. A skilled and trained workforce requirement will be included in the contract in compliance with the County of San Diego’s Working Families Ordinance requirements for County construction projects.
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
Department of Public Works staff coordinated with the Lakeside Community Planning Group (CPG) regarding the Project. The Project advances pedestrian and infrastructure improvements that have been identified as important to the community by enhancing safety, accessibility, and connectivity in the area. The CPG expressed support for the Project and its objectives, and DPW will continue engagement with the CPG and community members during construction to ensure ongoing communication and collaboration. On April 1, 2026, the CPG voted 12 in favor, 2 opposed, 0 abstain, and 1 absent to recommend approval of this Project.
BACKGROUND
Woodside Avenue serves a major commercial corridor within the community of Lakeside and provides access to SR-67 at Riverford Road and Winter Gardens Boulevard. In addition to serving a substantial commercial district, the corridor provides access to key community facilities, including Lakeside Middle School, the Lakeside Community Center, the Lakeside Public Library, and Lindo Lake County Park. This location was chosen because it was identified as a high priority by the local roadway safety plan. The roadway configuration varies along the corridor, transitioning between two, three, and five travel lanes. Traffic volumes (23,590 average daily traffic) remain within the capacity of a Major Road as defined in the County’s Public Road Standards. Between 2020 and 2024, 143 collisions were reported along the corridor, including several bicycle and pedestrian-related injuries, underscoring the need for safety improvements.
The corridor includes inconsistent pedestrian and bicycle facilities, with sections of sidewalk and curb in some areas and dirt shoulders or undefined edges in others. These conditions create challenges for people walking or biking. To address this, the Woodside Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project will add continuous sidewalks, buffered bike lanes, new curbs and gutters, curb ramps, driveway improvements, utility adjustments, and updates to traffic signals between Marilla Drive and Winter Gardens Boulevard, creating a safer and more consistent route for everyone. These improvements align with the County’s Pedestrian Gap Analysis and Local Road Safety Plan, both of which identify sidewalk gaps and pedestrian safety needs as priority areas in unincorporated communities. Closing these gaps strengthens connectivity, supports Safe Routes to Schools efforts, and improves equitable access to community destinations. The Project will establish a continuous sidewalk network, providing safer and more direct routes to the U.S. Post Office, Lakeside Library, Lindo Lake County Park, Lakeside Middle School, and nearby homes and businesses. The 2022 Local Roadway Safety Plan, which reviewed 2015-2019 collision data, identified Woodside Avenue as one of the County’s highest‑risk corridors, with the segment between Winter Gardens Boulevard and Prospect Avenue ranked as the top priority for safety improvements.
By improving pedestrian and bicycle facilities, the Project encourages short trips to be made without a vehicle, helping reduce transportation-related emissions. In addition, the incorporation of modern stormwater features and context-sensitive roadway design supports broader CAP goals related to climate resilience, water quality protection, and sustainable community development.
This is a request to approve the advertisement and subsequent award of a construction contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder for the Project. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2027 and be completed by summer 2028. The total estimated Project cost is $15,982,792, which includes $11,040,000 for construction with a 10% contingency to cover unexpected costs. The construction phase is funded by Transportation Impact Fees (TIF), the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), State Match, State Exchange, bond proceeds, prior year available General Fund fund balance, and prior year available Road Fund fund balance.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
The Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Woodside Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project was adopted by the Director of Public Works on April 18, 2022. The MND addressed construction of the Woodside Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project. The current action to advertise and award a construction contract for the Woodside Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project does not contain any substantial changes from the Project identified in the MND resulting in either significant new environmental impacts not considered in the MND, or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects. In addition, no new information of substantial importance has become available since the MND was adopted. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, no subsequent environmental document is required for this Project. The 15162 findings completed on April 16, 2026 are attached hereto as Attachment B and are included with this Board letter as part of the CEQA record.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approving the recommended actions for the Woodside Avenue Sidewalk Improvement Project supports the Sustainable Environments/Thriving and Living Safety Initiatives in the County of San Diego’s 2026-2031 Strategic Plan by providing infrastructure and by building safe communities to improve the health and quality of life for all residents.
Respectfully submitted,
DAHVIA LYNCH
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
Attachment A - Vicinity Map
Attachment B - CEQA 15162 Findings, April 16, 2026