Construction has begun on a multi-year, $13 million project to widen the sidewalks of Carlsbad’s oceanfront promenade and replace four sets of rusted and crumbling, steel-reinforced, concrete stairways from the top of the bluffs down to the beach. “Work is being divided into two phases, with two stairways being replaced in each phase,” said Lindsey Hansen, communications and engagement manager, in an email Monday. “The current phase is scheduled to be complete by May 2026, and includes replacing the stairways at Hemlock and Cherry avenues and widening the sidewalk between Maple and Tamarack,” Hansen said. “The next phase is scheduled for September 2026 to May 2027.” Doing the work in two phases leaves people a way to walk to the beach during the construction in the 10 blocks along Carlsbad Boulevard between Pine and Tamarack avenues. Along with replacing the stairways and their foundations, the sidewalks west of the boulevard between Pine and Cherry avenues will be widened by 2.5 feet. Crews were conducting exploratory drilling and taking soil samples Monday on top of the bluff as part of a separate, future project to build new ADA-compliant access ramps, she said. The exploratory work will help gather information needed to finish the project’s design, plan for construction and obtain the permits needed. Workers also were preparing for the storm that arrived Tuesday by securing construction materials and placing sandbags and other materials around the construction site to prevent erosion and protect the stormwater system, she said. No significant delays were expected despite the prediction of heavy rain. The project is proceeding within its budget and on schedule for completion in May 2027, Hansen said. The total cost is expected to be about $13 million, which includes about $11 million for construction. Speeds on Carlsbad Boulevard, also known as Pacific Coast Highway or Highway 101, at times are temporarily reduced and traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction for the work, which also could briefly halt traffic. Bike lanes will be maintained throughout the construction. While the sidewalk on the seaward side of Carlsbad Boulevard is closed, pedestrians can use either the sidewalk on the inland, eastern side of the boulevard or on the lower walkway on the seawall near the beach. No dogs are allowed on the lower seawall. The suspension of work between the Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends will avoid effects on the summer tourist season. Built in the 1980s, the seawall and its upper walkway overlooking the beach are favorite attractions for North County residents and tourists. But the salt air has taken a toll, and the stairways and landings going down to the beach were in bad shape with peeling paint, crumbling concrete steps and exposed, rusting rebar. Phil DiehlRubble and twisted steel were all that remained Monday of this stairway being replaced just north of Tamarack Avenue at the beach in Carlsbad. (Phil Diehl) “The replacements and other improvements would use new high-strength beams with corrosion-resistant, precast concrete,” states the city’s website. “The new stairs and sidewalk are expected to last approximately 50 years.” The beachfront improvements are on land owned by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Carlsbad has an agreement with the state that allows the city to maintain the sidewalks, stairways, landscaping and restrooms on the property to higher standards than the state requires for its parks. The project is one of several to make beach access easier and safer that Carlsbad has completed, is working on or is planning. A few years ago, the city upgraded seven stairways down the bluff farther north along Ocean Street, widening some and adding benches, tile and other features. In October, the Carlsbad City Council approved a revised plan for the first sidewalks and other improvements along several blocks of Carlsbad Boulevard at Cannon Road in the neighborhood known as Terramar. ...read more read less