SUBJECT
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO’S 2025 TRANSNET LOCAL STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024-25 THROUGH 2028-29 AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (DISTRICTS: ALL)
OVERVIEW
In 1987, San Diego region voters approved the San Diego Transportation Improvement Program (TransNet) to establish a half-cent sales tax increase for 20 years to provide funding to help relieve traffic congestion, advance safety, and improve air quality. In 2004, the sales tax increase was set to expire, and the San Diego region voters approved extending TransNet for an additional 40 years through 2048. The accompanying TransNet Extension Ordinance and Expenditure Plan outlined funding for specific highway and transit corridor projects and allocated a percentage of the overall funding for local street and road projects that are identified by local jurisdictions on a biennial basis.
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is responsible for administering the TransNet program and for consolidating the projects that will be funded with TransNet revenue into one long-term regional transportation plan. SANDAG is also required by federal and State law to develop and approve a Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) that includes all transportation projects in the region that will receive federal, State, or local funds over a five-year period, including projects that are funded with sales tax revenue from TransNet.
The County of San Diego (County) represents more than 500,000 residents who live within the unincorporated communities throughout the region. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the County-maintained roadway transportation infrastructure, including nearly 2,000 centerline miles of roads that connect those communities to each other and the region. A percentage of the TransNet revenue collected by SANDAG is distributed to local agencies, including the County, through the TransNet Local Streets and Roads Program (LSRP) based on population and miles of road maintained within a jurisdiction.
The County receives funds from the LSRP annually to fund roadway improvements. Every two years, the County is required to provide SANDAG with an updated five-year County Program of Projects (POP) that outlines how the County will use LRSP funds. The County’s POP is then included in a regional POP for approval by SANDAG. SANDAG allows amendments to the POP on a quarterly basis to account for changes to project scopes, schedules, and costs that can occur over time as a project is developed and requirements change.
The County’s proposed 2025 TransNet POP (2025 Program) will use $203.6 million of TransNet revenue to develop and construct projects from DPW’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that reduce congestion, maintain roads, enhance emergency response and evacuation routes, increase safety for road users, expand services for pedestrians and bicyclists, and improve water quality. The projects will also help reduce flooding in communities. The projects will upgrade roadways and associated infrastructure, including culverts and storm drains, to be able to handle rain events and mitigate flood risks. Some projects will include additional features such as bioswales that will help capture stormwater and assist with groundwater recharge instead of sending water downstream.
The projects included in the 2025 Program incorporate federal, State, and local design standards and guidelines to provide a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system within the public road right-of-way. Design standards and guidelines are used to enhance projects in several ways: Green Streets are considered during project development to slow, filter, and clean stormwater runoff using trash capture devices, vegetation, and impervious surfaces to protect the environment, reduce pollutants, and strengthen overall community health; projects are also evaluated for the application of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards and guidelines to ensure new or improved facilities are accessible to people with disabilities; and, DPW implements the County’s Complete Streets policy by considering appropriate accommodation for persons of all abilities, and using all modes of transportation allowed within the public road right-of-way including, without limitation, people walking, people on bikes, users of transit, and drivers of motor vehicles.
The 2025 Program accommodates changes to project funding and schedules, programs unspent revenue from the County’s 2023 Program, and allocates forecasted TransNet revenue for two additional program years. Those changes are summarized below.
• Increase TransNet funding for the following currently programmed projects: South Santa Fe Avenue South in North County Metro; Cole Grade Road in Valley Center; Ashwood Street in Lakeside; Bradley Avenue in El Cajon (Bostonia); Camino Del Rey in Bonsall; Etcheverry Street in Ramona; and Countywide roadway maintenance and overlay projects.
• Decrease TransNet funding for currently programmed roadway extension projects on Dye Road and on Ramona Street in Ramona.
• Add funding for new intersection improvements on Riverford Road at State Route 67 in Lakeside and on Paseo Delicias at El Camino Del Norte in Rancho Santa Fe.
The proposed changes also include reallocating approximately $50,563 from the Alpine Boulevard Streetscape Improvements project which was previously completed. The total amount remaining on the Alpine Boulevard Streetscape Improvements project will be reallocated to the South Santa Fe Avenue South project in North County Metro. The total amount to be transferred is estimated to be $50,563 but may vary at the time of transfer depending on accrued interest.
The County relies on TransNet funding to build, reinforce, and maintain transportation facilities that elevate roadway safety and promote smart growth development, including road infrastructure to support essential transit options. Today’s request is for a resolution to adopt the County’s proposed 2025 Program and reallocate programming from the Alpine Boulevard Streetscape Improvements project to the South Santa Fe Avenue South project. Upon Board approval, the resolution will be submitted to SANDAG for approval as part of the biennial 2025 POP adoption.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Find that the recommended action to approve the County of San Diego’s (County) 2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(3) and 15276 of the CEQA Guidelines because it relates to the development or adoption of a regional transportation improvement program and involves the identification of potential projects to establish funding without a commitment to a specific project.
2. Adopt a Resolution entitled: RESOLUTION OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ADOPTING THE TRANSNET LOCAL STREET IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEARS 2024-25 THROUGH 2028-29.
3. Direct that projects in the 2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects (POP), along with road and bridge projects receiving federal and State funds, be integrated into the County element of the POP for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29, respectively.
4. Authorize the Director, Department of Public Works, to submit the County’s TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects Resolution to the San Diego Association of Governments and the TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee.
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The transportation system must be safe and accessible for all road users and modes of transportation in all communities, and for people of all income levels, races, ethnicities, ages, and abilities. Data-driven safety and access initiatives are developed and administered considering equity as a key factor. The County of San Diego’s 2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29 (2025 Program) provides vital transportation infrastructure improvements and road maintenance services to unincorporated communities in the region. The County’s proposed 2025 Program includes projects that reduce congestion, maintain roads, reduce flooding, enhance emergency response and evacuation routes, elevate vehicle and pedestrian safety, expand services for pedestrians and bicyclists, and improve water quality. Additionally, the 2025 Program includes regular maintenance on critical transportation infrastructure extends the lifespan of roads, allows for better facilitation of transit, and promotes the economic interest of all communities.
To ensure that underserved populations are prioritized during the project selection process, the most recent available data is used by the Department of Public Works to evaluate and identify vulnerable populations, including data from the Healthy Places Index, CalEnviroScreen, San Diego Live Well communities, Environmental Justice Communities, and other relevant data sources.
SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT
The 2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29 (2025 Program) includes development and construction of projects from DPW’s Capital Improvement Program. The program will contribute to social, economic, and environmental sustainability benefits. The 2025 Program includes maintenance projects that will extend the useful life of roadways and reduce future repair costs for the County and save motorists money on vehicle repairs. The roadway improvement projects in the 2025 Program aim to increase safety for road users and expand services for pedestrians and cyclists, which supports reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollution from vehicles. The projects also incorporate enhancements that improve water quality, which will reduce the amount of pollution that reach streams and the ocean. Additionally, to advance sustainability goals, DPW requires contractors to recycle or reuse construction materials, use products with recycled content, and use of low-emissions construction equipment and vehicles whenever possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with these recommendations for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-
24. If approved, this request will result in costs and revenue of $200,634,550 in FY 2024-25 through FY 2028-29. The funding source is TransNet revenue. Individual projects will be brought before the Board of Supervisors for consideration as part of future year Operational Plans. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
Community Planning and Sponsor Groups across the unincorporated county were instrumental in developing the list of projects in the 2023 Regional Transportation Improvement Program. Department of Public Works’ (DPW) staff regularly attend Community Planning and Sponsor Group meetings and consider input from stakeholders to develop the project list based upon safety, traffic congestion, connectivity, current roadway condition, bicyclist, and pedestrian access, impacts to community health, number of customers the project will serve, community interests and backing, and project funding.
DPW staff also conducted broad-based outreach for current and planned projects, including those in the 2025 Program, through two rounds of outreach including virtual and in-person open house meetings in 2023. The meetings engaged stakeholders to gather input on capital project planning and prioritization. DPW used email notices, social media, flyers at parks and libraries, an event webpage, and direct outreach with community groups to advertise the meetings. Additionally, DPW created a new webpage and a new engagement site to increase virtual engagement and education about capital improvement projects. The webpage includes information about DPW and how projects are developed, project planning documents, an interactive GIS map with detailed project information on projects, and an archive of virtual meeting recordings. DPW also created a project page on the County’s Engage platform that expanded participation options significantly, achieving the second highest level of meeting registration of all time and the third highest number of downloads across all County projects on the platform.
BACKGROUND
In 1987, San Diego region voters approved the San Diego Transportation Improvement Program, or TransNet, a half-cent sales tax to provide revenue for the region’s highest priority transportation projects. The initial 20-year TransNet program generated approximately $3.3 billion between 1988 and 2008, and the money was distributed in equal thirds among transit, highway, and local road projects. On November 2, 2004, San Diego region voters approved a 40-year extension to TransNet, extending the original half-cent sales tax through 2048. The TransNet extension provided additional funds that could be used to strengthen the regional transportation system and expand the original TransNet program and identified specific projects and programs that would be funded. The accompanying TransNet Extension Ordinance and Expenditure Plan outlined the revenue allocations to reinforce transportation facilities and services countywide in a manner consistent with the Regional Transportation Plan, including allocating a fixed percentage of the available revenue for local street and road projects that are identified by local jurisdictions on a biennial basis.
Transportation funding, such as TransNet, ensures resources are available to develop, preserve, and advance reliable and sustainable transportation infrastructure. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the region and is responsible for administering the funds collected under TransNet and for integrating the TransNet projects, among other projects, into one long-term regional transportation plan. SANDAG is responsible for ensuring the projects that receive TransNet revenue align with the regional transportation plan that serves as the planning roadmap for the region’s long-term transportation needs, priorities, and investments. It is also required by federal and state law to develop and approve a Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) for the region. The RTIP includes a list, or program, of all transportation projects in the region that will receive federal, state, and local funds over a five-year period, including the Program of Projects (POP) that are funded with sales tax revenue from TransNet.
The County of San Diego (County) represents more than 500,000 residents who live within unincorporated communities and rely on TransNet revenue to fund necessary transportation infrastructure. The Department of Public Works (DPW) is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the roadway transportation infrastructure, including nearly 2,000 centerline lines of roads that connect those communities to each other and the region. A percentage of the funds collected under TransNet are distributed to local agencies through the TransNet Local Streets and Roads Program (LSRP) based upon population and miles of road maintained within a jurisdiction. The County receives funds from the LSRP on an annual basis and is required to provide SANDAG with a five-year County POP every two years. The County POP is then included in a regional POP for approval by SANDAG. SANDAG also allows quarterly amendments to the POP to account for changes to project scopes, schedules, and costs that can occur over time as a project is developed and regulations and requirements change.
The County POP includes projects in DPW’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that will use TransNet revenue to fund projects to lessen congestion, maintain roads, reduce flooding, bolster emergency response and evacuation routes, further develop vehicle and pedestrian safety, expand services for pedestrians and bicyclists, and enhance water quality. The County POP incorporates federal, state, and local design standards and guidelines to provide a safe, sustainable, integrated, and efficient transportation system.
On March 2, 2022 (04), the Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted the County’s five-year 2023 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects for Fiscal Years (FY) 2022-23 through 2026-27 (2023 Program). The County’s 2023 Program totaled $203.6 million in County forecasted TransNet funded expenditures over the five-year period for projects in DPW’s Capital Improvement Program that relieve congestion, advance safety, and maintain roads in the unincorporated area. The list of projects and funding allocated in the County’s 2023 Program is included as Attachment A.
2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects Adoption
The County is required to submit a new biennial TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects every two years to SANDAG. The 2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects for Fiscal Years (FY) 2024-25 through 2028-29 (2025 Program) is required by SANDAG to reflect any necessary changes to current project budgets and schedules for FY 2024-25 through 2026-27 and to allocate TransNet revenues for FY 2027-28 and 2028-29 that were not in the 2023 Program.
The 2025 Program totals $203.6 million in County's forecasted TransNet funding expenditures that will be funded by future revenues and by funds available from previous years. SANDAG will incorporate the County’s 2025 Program into the regional POP for approval by the SANDAG Board on September 23, 2024. SANDAG’s regional POP schedule requires that each agency submit their proposed 2025 Program by April 30, 2024. SANDAG also requires that a resolution adopting each agency’s 2025 Program is approved by the agency’s governing body and submitted by July 1, 2024. The County’s 2023 Program and 2025 Program are included in Attachments A and B, respectively, and the proposed resolution for adoption of the 2025 Program is included in Attachment C.
In addition to updating the POP, the proposed changes include reallocating approximately $50,563 from the Alpine Boulevard Streetscape Improvements project which was previously completed. The total amount remaining on the Alpine Boulevard Streetscape Improvements project will be reallocated to the South Santa Fe Avenue South project in North County Metro. The total amount to be transferred is estimated to be $50,563 but may vary depending on accrued interest.
Today’s request is to adopt a resolution adopting the County’s 2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement POP for FY 2024-25 through 2028-29 and reallocating programming from the Alpine Boulevard Streetscape Improvements project to the South Santa Fe Avenue South project. Upon Board approval, the resolution will be submitted to SANDAG for approval as part of the biennial 2025 POP adoption.
2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects Changes
The County’s proposed 2025 Program includes projects that reduce congestion, maintain roads, reduce flooding, revamp emergency response and evacuation routes, advance vehicle, and pedestrian safety, expand services for pedestrians and bicyclists, and improve water quality. The proposed 2025 Program updates the forecasted TransNet funded expenditures for the remaining three years (FY 2024-25 thru 2026-27) from the 2023 Program and adds two years (FY 2027-28 and 2028-29) of additional forecasted TransNet funded expenditures based on current forecasted revenue as described below and included on Attachment B. Projects have been selected for funding based on their eligibility for TransNet funding, regional significance, community support and benefits, operational advances, and health and safety considerations.
The changes between the 2023 Program project totals and the 2025 Program project totals are shown below and are listed in order of SANDAG’s TransNet Project ID. Attachment B totals are based on calculations using amounts from Schedule A, cash drawdown, prior programming, available balance, and revenue and cost projections. In some cases, changes to the estimated project costs do not align with changes between the 2023 Program and the 2025 Program. That is because the estimated project cost includes past expenditures as well as future anticipated costs, whereas the POP only covers a five-year period.
South Santa Fe Avenue South - $2,790,000 Increase (District 5)
This project will improve traffic operations and reduce congestion on South Santa Fe Avenue from west of Robelini Drive to Smilax Road, including improvements to the intersection at South Santa Fe Avenue and Buena Creek Road. The project is adjacent to the North County Transit District’s Buena Creek Sprinter Station (Sprinter Station), the only transit station in the unincorporated area, and next to a planned mobility hub that was identified in the SANDAG 2021 Regional Transportation Plan. The project was prioritized to assist with public safety response time, multi-modal access, and traffic congestion adjacent to the Sprinter Station and between the City of Vista and the City of San Marcos. The project area is identified in the County’s Transportation Study Guide as an infill development area. The project will be phased to accommodate available funding.
Phase 1 will modify South Santa Fe Avenue between Robelini Drive and Buena Creek Road to address immediate traffic operation and safety issues related to the Sprinter Station. Phase 1 is currently being designed and will be ready for construction in 2025. Phase 2 will realign Robelini Drive to connect to South Santa Fe Avenue at Buena Creek Road to further support traffic operations associated with the existing offset intersections. An offset is a four-leg intersection that is split into two three-leg T-intersections to reduce the number of conflicts and improve traffic flow. The proposed funding will be used to construct Phase 1 and continue the project planning for Phase 2. The project is in the unincorporated community of North County Metro in the vicinity of the City of Vista with a population of approximately 45,375 and Healthy Places Index (HPI) of 40%. The HPI maps data on social conditions that drive health, like education, job opportunities, clean air and water, and other indicators that are positively associated with life expectancy at birth. HPI scores are represented as percentiles, with lower scores indicating less healthy conditions and high scores indicating more healthy conditions compared to other communities across the state. The estimated total project cost is $60 million which increased by $2.8 million since the 2023 Program because of increases in labor and materials costs.
The Phase 1 project was started in FY 2019-20 and is anticipated to be complete by FY 2025-26. The Phase 2 project will start in FY 2025-26 and is anticipated to be complete by FY 2029-30.
Bradley Avenue Overcrossing at SR-67 - $36,591,046 Increase (District 2)
This project resulted from collaboration with Caltrans, the City of El Cajon, and members of the residential and business community to modify Bradley Avenue in the unincorporated community of Bostonia. Phase 1 of the project will widen Bradley Avenue from Mollison Avenue to Magnolia Avenue and Phase 2 will construct a new bridge and widen the overcrossing at State Route 67 between Graves Avenue and North Magnolia Avenue. The project area is identified in the County’s Transportation Study Guide as an infill development area.
The project was prioritized to reduce congestion at State Route 67, further develop multi-modal access and water quality, encourage economic development, reduce localized flooding, and increase access to Gillespie Field Airport for regional emergency response. The project will incorporate Green Street features, including replacing an existing concrete channel with a vegetated permeable surface to capture runoff, remove pollutants and infiltrate stormwater runoff as it moves downstream to enhance water quality throughout the length of the project. The project will also amplify Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant structures such as sidewalks and curb ramps where required to make the public right-of-way accessible to people with disabilities.
The project is located within an area that is designated a Senate Bill (SB) 535 Disadvantaged Community, which means that ranks in the bottom 25th percentile of communities in the state based on social and environmental factors. The Bostonia community has a population of approximately 77,701 and Healthy Places Index of 16.4%-31.9%. The estimated total project cost is $59 million which increased by $18 million since the 2023 Program because of increased construction costs, additional project requirements for storm water quality features, and Caltrans oversight of project development and construction administration.
The project was started in the early 2000s and was shelved after the design was fully developed in late 2014 pending construction funding. The project is now fully funded, and Phase 1 is anticipated to be complete by late 2025 and Phase 2 complete by late 2027.
Cole Grade Road - $17,565,000 Increase (District 5)
This project was requested by the Valley Center Community Planning Group to widen Cole Grade Road from Fruitvale Road to Pauma Heights Road in the community of Valley Center. The project was prioritized to address public safety response and evacuation, multi-modal access, stormwater flooding, water quality, and to reduce traffic congestion that will therefore reduce vehicle idling and air pollution in this community. The project is being phased to accommodate project development, minimize community impacts, and match funding availability. The project will enhance traffic flow along Cole Grade Road during peak commuting hours at key intersections, particularly near the Valley Center High School, and provide residents with a multi-use pathway for pedestrian, equestrian, bicycle, and other recreational uses. This project will provide ADA compliant pathways and curb ramps in the public right-of-way, which increases accessibility to people with disabilities. Additionally, stormwater protection best management practices will be incorporated to infiltrate and convey stormwater reducing pollutants and trash from entering creeks and streams.
Phase 1 of the project, from Pauma Heights Road to Cool Valley Road, including a new bridge, is anticipated to begin construction at the end of 2024. Phase 2 of the project, from Cool Valley Road to Fruitvale Road, is still being developed and is planned for construction in 2026. The project's estimated total cost is $61,300,000 which increased by $18.5 million since the 2023 Program. Increased programming of $17,565,000 is required to finalize design, acquire right-of-way, and fund construction costs which have increased. The community of Valley Center has a population of approximately 11,077 and Healthy Places Index of 51.6%-53.8%.
The Board of Supervisors previously certified the Final Environmental Impact Report for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 on November 20, 2019, allowing the design to move forward to construction. Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed in 2026, and Phase 2 in 2028.
Dye Road Extension - $8,235,000 Decrease (District 2)
This project will construct a new road to extend Dye Road from Ramona Street to San Vicente Road in Ramona. The project is supported by the Ramona Community Planning Group and was initiated by the County to further develop Dye Road to current road standards for its eventual incorporation in the Ramona Southern Traffic Bypass. The project was prioritized to improve public safety, multi-modal access, stormwater runoff, and reduce congestion for both commuters and residents. This project also addresses roadway safety by realigning the road to meet current County engineering design standards. The Dye Road extension design will reinforce traffic circulation in the community, incorporate storm drain improvements and Green Street features, such as trash capturing devices and biofiltration systems, and incorporate ADA compliant facilities.
The total estimated project cost is $12.5 million which is the same as the 2023 Program. The 2025 Program shows a decrease in $8.2 million in programming compared to the 2023 Program because the project schedule was revised to begin project development in FY 2027-28 and the latter years of programming are beyond the five programming years in the 2025 Program. The project’s cost estimate will be reevaluated in the next POP. The community of Ramona has a population of approximately 36,540 and Healthy Places Index of 43.5%.
The project was initiated in response to community requests in the early 2000s and underwent some initial study and design work. It is anticipated that the project will continue design in FY 2027-28 and be completed by FY 2030-31.
Ramona Street Extension - $4,531,000 Decrease (District 2)
This project was initiated by the Ramona Community Planning Group and the Ramona Economic Revitalization Steering Committee to construct a new section of road extending Ramona Street from Warnock Drive to Boundary Avenue in the community of Ramona. The project was prioritized to address public safety, multi- modal access, stormwater runoff, and to reduce congestion for both commuters and residents to comply with the Ramona Mobility Element Network. This project also reinforces roadway safety by paving the roadway to the current County engineering design standards. The project design will strengthen traffic circulation in the community, incorporate storm drain improvements and Green Street features such as trash capturing devices and biofiltration systems, while incorporating ADA compliant facilities.
The total estimated project cost is $8 million which is the same as the 2023 Program. The 2025 Program shows a decrease of $4.5 million in programming compared to the 2023 Program because the project schedule was revised to begin project development in FY 2027-28 and the latter years of programming are beyond the five programming years in the 2025 Program. The project’s cost estimate will be reevaluated in the next POP. The community of Ramona has a population of approximately 36,540 and Healthy Places Index of 43.5%.
The project was initiated in response to community requests in the early 2000s and underwent some initial study and design work. It is anticipated that the project will continue design in FY 2027-28 and be completed by FY 2030-31.
Roadway Maintenance and Overlay - $2,750,000 Increase (Districts: ALL)
These projects are part of the DPW road resurfacing program, which includes repairs, road resurfacing treatments, and associated improvements to culverts and ADA pedestrian ramps countywide. The projects are prioritized to maintain and enhance existing road infrastructure to facilitate multimodal transportation and transit services for all San Diego commuters and workers. The proposed maintenance program also improves pedestrian access and drainage throughout the unincorporated area. Where necessary, pedestrian facilities are improved to meet ADA standards, and existing drainage facilities are rehabilitated to protect the community.
The 2025 Program increases annual funding from $5.7 million to $6.25 million and adds funding for FY 2027-28 and 2028-29. Maintaining the road network prevents more costly maintenance treatments in the future, and well-maintained roads allow vehicle owners to use fewer resources for vehicle maintenance and operation. The TransNet ordinance allows jurisdictions to spend up to 30% of revenues on maintenance activities and improving and maintaining County roads is a priority for DPW. The 2025 Program increase for road maintenance aligns with recent increases in construction costs so DPW can maintain a similar level of maintenance effort as in previous years.
Ashwood Street Corridor - $430,000 Increase (District 2)
This project will modify Ashwood Street in the community of Lakeside, from Mapleview Street to Cactus Park, and the intersection of Wildcat Canyon Road and Willows Road. The project is supported by the Lakeside Community Planning Group and includes partnerships with the Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) and the Barona Tribe of Mission Indians (Barona). The GUHSD partnership includes the installation of a new traffic signal at the entrance of El Capitan High School to further develop access and pedestrian safety, and the Barona partnership includes improving the intersection at Wildcat Canyon and Willows Road by adding a traffic signal and realigning the road to reduce congestion and increase roadway safety at the primary southern access to Barona. The project will include ADA compliant upgrades such as pathways and curb ramps where necessary to make the public right-of-way accessible to people with disabilities. The project will also provide stormwater best management practices to infiltrate and convey stormwater reducing pollutants and trash from entering creeks and streams. Part of the project area is identified in the County’s Transportation Study Guide as an infill development area.
The project is scheduled to begin construction in 2025 and the total project estimated cost is $41 million, which increased by $8.2 million since the 2023 Program. The 2025 Program includes an increase of $430,000 in programming compared to the 2023 Program to fund increased design and construction costs. The project will also be funded by an estimated contribution of $8.6 million from Barona. The community of Lakeside has a population of 21,917 and Healthy Places Index of 33.2%.
The project was started 2016 and is anticipated to be complete by 2027.
Camino Del Rey Drainage - $3,345,000 Increase (District 5)
This project is located within the community of Bonsall and is sponsored by the County to modify Camino Del Rey in Bonsall by raising the roadway out of the flood plain and installing new drainage culverts to prevent the road from becoming inundated from stormwater runoff and becoming flooded. This project enhances traffic safety by eliminating ponding on the road during heavy rain events that may cause vehicles to lose control when the roadway is flooded. The project design will incorporate storm drain improvements, Green Street features such as trash capturing devices, and biofiltration systems.
Increased programming of $3,345,000 will be used for final design, right-of-way acquisition, and for construction costs which have increased. Construction is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025. The estimated total project cost is $11.5 million which is $2.4 million higher than in the 2023 Program. The community of Bonsall has a population of approximately 4,458 and Healthy Places Index of 71.3%.
The project was started in FY 2016-17 and is anticipated to be complete by FY 2025-26.
Etcheverry Street - $226,000 Decrease (District 2)
This project was initiated through coordination between the DPW, San Diego County Supervisorial District 2, the Ramona Community Planning Group, and property owners along Etcheverry Street in the community of Ramona. The project will improve Etcheverry Street by paving the unpaved portions of the road between Main Street (SR67) and Hunter Street. This project was prioritized to further develop public safety and provide improved access for the area.
The total estimated cost for the project is $1,600,000, which is $64,000 higher than the estimate in the 2023 Program because of increased construction costs and minor scope revisions. The project experienced delays during design, so a majority of funds in the 2023 Program are being reprogrammed in the 2025 Program. Because progress has already been made on the project’s design, the 2025 Program includes $226,000 less programming for this project compared to the 2023 Program to complete design and construction. The community of Ramona has a population of approximately 36,540 and Healthy Places Index of 40.5%.
Project design development was initiated in July 2023 and construction is scheduled to be completed by December 2025.
Riverford Road Roundabout Project - $16,500,000 Increase (District 2)
This project is being added to the TransNet program for the first time in the 2025 Program. The project proposes to modify Riverford Road in the community of Lakeside, from North Woodside Avenue to Woodside Avenue in the vicinity of the State Route 67 interchange. The project will consolidate three existing intersections into two roundabouts, as well as provide sidewalk and bicycle lane continuity. The project will also provide stormwater best management practices to infiltrate and convey stormwater reducing pollutants and trash from entering creeks and streams. The project area is identified in the County’s Transportation Study Guide as an infill development area.
The project was initiated through a partnership between the County and a private developer to mitigate traffic impacts along the roadway corridor resulting from development adjacent to Riverford Road. The total project cost is estimated to be $25,000,000, including $6,000,000 of Traffic Impact Fees collected by the County and a $4,500,000 fair-share contribution from the private developer. Transnet funding in the amount of $16,500,000 will be programmed for construction, with an anticipated 24-month duration between 2027 and 2029. The community of Lakeside has a population of approximately 21,917 and Healthy Place Index ranking between 40% and 64%.
The project was started in 2023 and is anticipated to be complete by 2029.
Rancho Santa Fe Roundabouts - $3,000,000 Increase (District 3)
This project is being added to the TransNet program for the first time in the 2025 Program. This project will install roundabouts on Paseo Delicias to reduce traffic congestion, increase safety, facilitate multi-modal connectivity, and enhance the village feel along the historic district within the community of San Dieguito. The project will incorporate updates to stormwater drainage, crossings for pedestrians and equestrians that improve visibility, and graded pathways with connections to trails, all with sensitivity and inclusion of aesthetic elements reflective of the surrounding area.
TransNet funding in the amount of $3,000,000 will be programmed to construct a roundabout on Paseo Delicias at El Camino Del Norte. In 2016, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was certified by the Board of Supervisors that included this roundabout and two more on Paseo Delicias with a total estimated project cost of $15,000,000. The other two roundabouts will be constructed when additional funding becomes available. The community of Rancho Santa Fe is located within the rapidly urbanizing community planning group area of San Dieguito, which has a population of approximately 97,253 and Healthy Place Index ranking along the project corridor of 75.7%.
The project was requested by the community approximately 20 years ago and has undergone several design iterations while construction funds are being identified. The first roundabout is anticipated to be completed in 2028.
Estimated 2008/2012 Bond Debt Service Payment - $25,834 Increase
This funding is for the bond debt service payment to SANDAG for funds that the County borrowed in 2005 as part of the TransNet Debt Service Financing Program. This debt was previously refinanced in 2008 and 2012 with a final payment scheduled for 2038. The annual funding has been increased by $25,834 to account for updated bond service payment information from SANDAG.
Regional Arterial Management System Funding (RAMS) - No Change
RAMS is the primary arterial management software tool that allows the implementation of cross- jurisdictional signal timing plans. This system enhances traffic flow and eases congestion by enabling jurisdictions to synchronize signals across jurisdictional boundaries. SANDAG is assisting local agencies with the implementation of RAMS. Each local agency contributes its formula-derived share of costs into a regional pool that is managed by SANDAG. The County’s estimated annual share of cost is $12,500 and will be deducted from the County’s TransNet revenues. The 2025 Program adds the same annual level of funding to the two added fiscal years of 2027-28 and 2028-29.
Today’s request is to adopt a resolution adopting the County’s 2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement POP for FY 2024-25 through 2028-29 and reallocating programming from the Alpine Boulevard Streetscape Improvements project to the South Santa Fe Avenue South project. Upon Board approval, the resolution will be submitted to SANDAG for approval as part of the biennial 2025 POP adoption.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
Section 15276 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines provides that “CEQA does not apply to the development or adoption of a regional transportation improvement program or the State transportation improvement program.” The proposed action includes the adoption of a resolution to adopt the County of San Diego 2025 Transportation Improvement Program Ordinance and Expenditure Plan Local Street Improvement Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29 (2025 Program). Upon Board of Supervisors approval, the resolution will be submitted to the San Diego Association of Governments for approval as part of the planned 2025 Program of Projects. The proposed action is, accordingly, excluded from review by Section 15276 of the CEQA Guidelines because it relates to the development or adoption of a regional transportation improvement program.
CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) also exempts activities from CEQA review that are not considered projects, such as government funding or fiscal activities that do not involve a commitment to a specific project. While there are projects listed in the TransNet Local Street Improvement Program and Regional Transportation Improvement Program for purposes of establishing funding eligibility, inclusion in these documents does not guarantee funds will be allocated or the projects completed. As such, the proposed action to establish TransNet and federal earmark eligibility are a mere funding or fiscal activity exempt from CEQA review by Section 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed actions to adopt a resolution adopting the County of San Diego’s (County) 2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2024-25 through 2028-29 promotes Sustainability, Community, and Equity initiatives in the County’s Strategic Plan by providing infrastructure and building safe communities to improve the quality of life for all residents and to invest in communities that have too often been left behind.
Respectfully submitted,
dahvia lynch
Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. 2023 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects - March 2, 2022
B. 2025 TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects
C. Resolution of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors Adopting the TransNet Local Street Improvement Program of Projects for Fiscal Years 2024-25 Through 2028-29