UPDATE: The final segment of Oceanside’s Coastal Rail Trail is on track, with plans to present to the city’s Planning Commission this August 2023. Following this, the project will head to the California Coastal Commission for approval later this year, paving the way for construction to potentially start in 2026.
This half-mile segment will run from Oceanside Boulevard through Buccaneer Park to connect at South Myers Street. According to Kymberly Corbin, the project manager and senior civil engineer, a key feature will be a prefabricated steel-truss bridge for cyclists and pedestrians, crucial for completing this trail section.
The bridge, spanning 275 feet and measuring 14 feet wide, has been the project’s biggest hurdle due to its high cost and the number of agencies involved in its design and approval. Corbin emphasized, “It’s all because of this bridge, and how expensive it is and how many agencies are involved.”
Oceanside has applied for a federal Department of Transportation Safe Streets for All grant, which could cover most of the estimated $14 million needed for construction. During a recent City Hall meeting, residents expressed excitement about the rail trail but raised concerns about safety for cyclists and pedestrians.
The bridge will be constructed in two parts at a factory, then transported to Buccaneer Park and assembled. It will be strategically placed on the western side of the existing railroad bridge over Loma Alta Creek, ensuring minimal environmental impact. A viewing platform will also be installed, offering scenic views of the wetlands and nearby beach.
The pedestrian bridge will be ADA compliant, welcoming everyone, including skateboarders. Safety measures are under consideration, with planners suggesting that cyclists and skateboarders may need to dismount and walk down the ramp into Buccaneer Park.
In addition to the Coastal Rail Trail segment, two other projects at Buccaneer Park are fully funded and expected to begin soon. They include the environmental restoration of 6 acres of wetlands along Loma Alta Creek and the renovation of park facilities including playgrounds and restrooms.
This segment of the Coastal Rail Trail is part of a larger project designed to eventually stretch 42 miles from Oceanside Transit Center to the Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) initiated this extensive plan in the 1990s, aiming to create an interconnected network for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the region.
As the project progresses, the community remains engaged and eager for updates. With most attendees at the City Hall meeting being cyclists, there is a clear demand for safe and accessible routes.
Residents and city officials are keenly watching developments in this project, as it represents not just a transportation corridor, but also a boost to local recreation and environmental restoration efforts. The Coastal Rail Trail promises to enhance both connectivity and the overall quality of life in Oceanside.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Planning Commission meeting approaches this August, and prepare for a new era of cycling and walking in Oceanside!
