Construction Notice: Crews are continuing pile driving work within the Batiquitos Lagoon in Carlsbad. This work will take place Monday through Saturday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. until April 15. During work hours, nearby residents and businesses can expect intermittent but continual construction noise from pile driving equipment and vehicle back-up alarms. (updated 03.19.2025)
As part of a suite of projects to increase the frequency and reliability of train service along the LOSSAN Corridor, SANDAG and Caltrans are constructing a second set of train tracks across the Batiquitos Lagoon. This will enable northbound and southbound traveling trains to pass at the same time, and for passenger trains to pass slower freight trains on the second track. The project also replaces a 1940’s wooden trestle bridge with a concrete, double-track bridge which will improve tidal flow underneath the bridge due to a wider channel.
The Batiquitos Lagoon Double Track project spans 0.6 miles across Batiquitos Lagoon, from La Costa Avenue in Encinitas to north of Avenida Encinas in Carlsbad. It is a critical component of the North Coast Corridor (NCC) program, which includes a combination of transportation improvements, environmental protection, and coastal access projects. Additionally, this project supports the objectives of North County Transit District (NCTD), Amtrak, and BNSF Railway to increase the overall efficiency and reliability of the LOSSAN Corridor.
Schedule
Construction began in August 2024 with preliminary activities including bird surveying, site preparation, and fence installation within the project area. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2028, with construction activities pausing from April 15 to July 31 each year during the California Least Tern nesting season.
Budget
The total estimated cost for the project is $166 million. Construction of the project is funded by TransNet and Solutions for Congested Corridors Program (SCCP) grants from the California Transportation Commission.
For more information, contact the SANDAG Build NCC project team at buildncc@sandag.org or call our hotline at 844.622.0050.
