EMERGENCY BLUFF STABILIZATION NORTH OF ENCINAS CREEK BRIDGE ON THE WEST SIDE OF CARLSBAD BOULEVARD

The project involves the Declaration of Local Emergency and completion of emergency bluff stabilization work along the west side of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, north of the Encinas Creek Bridge. City staff identified coastal bluff erosion on June 25, 2026, and subsequently observed minor changes in pavement cracking along the roadway shoulder. A Sept. 8, 2026, geotechnical technical memorandum identified active ongoing bluff retreat with the potential for additional, unpredictable instability with little to no warning, threatening the integrity of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard and creating a risk to public safety, coastal access, and roadway infrastructure. Emergency stabilization consists of extending the existing rock revetment approximately 192 feet north through placement of approximately 4- to 8-ton rock rip-rap along the affected bluff. The work may extend into an additional approximately 65-foot portion of the bluff if necessary to address field conditions and stabilize the affected area. The work is limited to that necessary to stabilize the bluff, maintain the continued operation of southbound Carlsbad Boulevard, and prevent or mitigate further erosion and roadway damage. The city has submitted an application to the California Coastal Commission for an Emergency Coastal Development Permit for the emergency work.