Carlsbad, California – The city of Carlsbad has declared a local emergency as coastal bluffs face the threat of collapse due to erosion, exacerbated by the anticipated arrival of a super El Niño.
The emergency declaration will expedite the stabilization of a section of the coastal bluff along south Carlsbad Boulevard, north of the bridge at Las Encinas Creek. This action follows a Sept. 8 geotechnical report that recommended extending the existing rock revetment approximately 192 feet northward to protect the bluff and shoreline.
City officials stated that emergency repairs could begin as early as the week of Sept. 14, pending permit approval from the California Coastal Commission. The plan involves placing large boulders, weighing 4-8 tons each, to reinforce the coastline. This emergency work will augment the existing shoreline defense system, which currently spans 1,270 feet along the base of the coastal bluff.
"As we’ve seen throughout this year, the city takes a proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining our infrastructure, particularly ahead of storm seasons, so we can identify potential issues and address them before they become problems," said Geoff Patnoe, Carlsbad City Manager, in a statement.
The current rock barrier, designed to protect Carlsbad Boulevard from erosion, was installed in phases. A 750-foot section was completed in 2009, with an additional 520 feet added between 2015 and 2016.
"We understand this is a heavily traveled roadway, and maintaining its integrity is essential to protecting public safety, as well as property and our coastal environment," Patnoe added.
Intermittent southbound lane closures and traffic delays are anticipated on Carlsbad Boulevard between Palomar Airport Road and Island Way during the construction period. The city is monitoring site conditions and will announce a finalized work schedule once permitting is complete.
