Transit authorities celebrate Del Mar bluff improvements, ready for next round
ABC 10News
and last updated 2021-01-13 17:08:48-05
DEL MAR (CNS) - The latest phase of erosion-prevention work on the Del Mar bluffs has been completed, local transit authorities announced Wednesday.
On Wednesday morning, the San Diego Association of Governments, North County Transit District, Caltrans District 11 and the City of Del Mar celebrated the completion Phase 4 of the six-phase project. Phase 5 will begin next year.
Phase 4 work began in May 2020 and included the installation of additional support columns to stabilize localized areas and sea walls, construction of a drainage channel along the top of the bluffs and improvements to concrete channels and storm drain outfalls. Phase 5 will begin next year.
NCTD proposal to fence coastal railroad tracks draws strong opposition at Del Mar council meeting
A Coaster train on the bluffs in Del Mar, where the transit district plans to install a fence to keep trespassers off the tracks.
(Union-Tribune)
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A proposal by the North County Transit District to install a 1.4-mile-long, 6-foot-high chain-link fence along each side of the railroad tracks atop Del Mar’s beachfront bluff drew an ocean of condemnation from city residents and council members at a council meeting on Monday, Jan. 11.
Residents and council members alike said the proposed fencing – from south of 4th Street to Seagrove Park - would obstruct beach access, denigrate pristine ocean views, and potentially lower property values and discourage tourism.
Del Mar residents, officials are against the construction of a fence to prevent railroad track crossings because it will ruin views and effect tourism.
Illegal crossing in Oceanside (in foreground), 400 feet south of legal underpass
The North County Transit District held off on plans to install the Del Mar portion of its rail corridor fencing last fall due to intense opposition, but as the year begins, the waiting is over.
Construction is imminent, city officials say. On Monday (Jan 11), transit district staff told the city council why the six-foot tall chain-link fencing that will run along both sides of the tracks for 1.5 miles, from the south end of Del Mar to Coast Boulevard, is so badly needed. We have an obligation to mitigate the risk, said Tony Kranz, transit district board chair and deputy mayor of Encinitas, one of three cities that were part of a safety study now in its final phase. Encinitas, Oceanside, and Del Mar were chosen for their high incidence of trespassing compared to other locations along the corridor.
Tue January 12, 2021 - West Edition #2
Irwin Rapoport â CEG Correspondent
The coastal bluffs in the city of Del Mar is an integral part of the 351-mi. Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor that is a vital link for passenger and freight movements within San Diego County and San Diego, Los Angeles and points farther north.
Crews from
Blue Pacific Engineering and Construction (BPEC) completed Phase 4 of the
Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization project in December 2020 for San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) and the North County Transit District (NCTD) to stabilize portions of the coastal bluffs in the city of Del Mar. This is an integral part of the 351-mi. Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) rail corridor that is a vital link for passenger and freight movements within San Diego County and San Diego, Los Angeles and points farther north.