Encinitas has chosen where a new pedestrian crossing should go on South Coast Highway 101 at the Solana Beach border. The City Council voted 3–2 on October 21 to direct staff toward a crossing near the Harbaugh Seaside Trail rather than a full traffic signal farther north.

The concept, known as Option 2A, also changes the proposed arrangement for cyclists and pedestrians along this section of the coastal road. It is design direction, not an announcement that construction is starting.

What Option 2A Would Change

The proposal places a pedestrian-and-bicycle signal at the municipal boundary. People would be able to activate the crossing signal rather than depend on a break in traffic to cross the four-lane highway.

The city's October 21 engineering presentation shows buffered bicycle lanes in both directions, a wider west-side sidewalk and two vehicle lanes each way. The city describes the preferred option as a 14-foot multiuse path on the west side; final dimensions remain subject to engineering review.

This differs from the current west-side protected cycle track. Painted buffers provide space between cyclists and vehicles, but they are not physical barriers.

Why the Location Matters

Council members considered another crossing at the South Cardiff State Beach parking entrance. That alternative would use a full traffic signal and place the main crossing farther north.

Option 2A instead keeps it near the Solana Beach line. Deputy Mayor Jim O'Hara and Councilmembers Marco San Antonio and Joy Lyndes supported the motion. Mayor Bruce Ehlers and Councilmember Luke Shaffer opposed it.

For people walking or riding between coastal trails, where the crossing lands is the central question. For drivers, the signal type determines where and when Highway 101 traffic may stop.

The Grant Adds Another Step

According to the city's project presentation, Caltrans awarded Highway Safety Improvement Program funding for the crossing project in February 2025. The original grant concept called for a high-visibility crossing, refuge island and rectangular rapid-flashing beacons.

The selected signal and roadway layout depart from that initial scope. City staff must therefore request a scope change from Caltrans before continuing with design and construction under the grant.

Selecting Option 2A does not guarantee that every line in the preliminary drawing will appear in final construction plans. State review and detailed engineering remain ahead.

What Residents Should Watch

The official October 21 council agenda identifies the decision as Item 12B, combining the South Coast Highway 101 sidewalk-and-bike improvements with the crossing near the city boundary.

The next meaningful updates will be Caltrans' response, revised designs and an actual construction timeline. The reviewed official documents do not establish a start date.

This project is separate from the Highway 101 improvements in Leucadia farther north. Both involve the same highway, but different stretches and decisions.

Questions You May Have About Highway 101

Where is the proposed crossing?

At the Encinitas–Solana Beach boundary near the Harbaugh Seaside Trail, rather than the South Cardiff State Beach parking entrance.

What did council approve?

Members selected Option 2A as the preferred design direction by a 3–2 vote.

Will Highway 101 lose vehicle lanes?

The concept retains two travel lanes in each direction.

When would construction begin?

No construction start date was confirmed in the reviewed agenda and staff presentation.