DATE:
February 11, 2026
02
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
AUTHORIZATION TO ESTABLISH APPROPRIATIONS, EXECUTE UTILITY REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS, AND ADVERTISE AND AWARD A CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR COLE GRADE ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT - PHASE 1 AND CEQA FINDING (DISTRICT: 5)
Body
OVERVIEW
Cole Grade Road is a heavily traveled 7.9-mile road that connects the Valley Center community to State Route 76 and provides essential access to residential neighborhoods, agricultural operations, schools, and tribal communities. It also serves as a designated emergency evacuation route and supports access to the Valley Center Library and Valley Center Fire Protection District Temporary Fire Station No. 3. Much of the roadway currently exists as a two-lane road with no dedicated turn lanes, narrow shoulders, no pedestrian facilities, and insufficient drainage facilities.
The improvements to Cole Grade Road (Project) were identified by the Department of Public Works (DPW) based on community input and concerns regarding congestion and safety at key intersections, particularly near the Valley Center High School, and the lack of bike lanes and pathways. The Project proposes widening approximately 2.8 miles of Cole Grade Road between Pauma Heights Road and Fruitvale Road to add a new center, two-way left turn lane, bike lanes, and a multi-use trail. The Project also proposes to replace and improve existing stormwater systems to reduce the risk of flooding, underground overhead utilities to reduce fire risk, and install Green Street drainage features to improve water quality. The Project has been divided into two phases to streamline project development and minimize construction impacts to the community. The Project is listed by the Valley Center Community Planning Group as the number one capital improvement project priority for their community.
Design, environmental clearance, and right-of-way acquisition for Phase 1 of the Project between Pauma Heights Road and...
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