View an aerial map and video showing speed table and raised crosswalk locations.

The project team worked with the city’s Fire Department to make some changes to the design to better accommodate emergency vehicles. 

• Reduced the total number of speed humps and raised crosswalks to 5.
• Changed the design of the humps from “cushions” to speed “tables.” Speed tables provide a more gradual incline, but do not have breaks, like speed cushions do.

In addition to the Tamarack Avenue traffic calming project, the Valley and Magnolia complete streets project is currently in design, and the Tamarack and Valley crosswalk improvements project is completed.

“Transformative Corridor” plan

Prior to the local emergency proclamation, the City Council had approved a citywide Sustainable Mobility Plan.

• This 2021 plan identified Tamarack Avenue as one of several “transformative corridors” that would be redesigned to focus on slowing down traffic and creating more space for walking and biking.
• The first step in this transformation would be to create a comprehensive plan for Tamarack Avenue from the coast all the way to Carlsbad Village Drive.

The City Council considered a $300,000 contract with a consultant to develop the transformative corridor plan for Tamarack Avenue. Staff presented two options:

• Approve the contract and proceed with the planning study.
• Don’t approve the contract, so the $300,000 could be made available for other city priorities.

After discussing the issue with city transportation engineers and considering community input and costs, the City Council decided not to proceed with the planning study at this time.

• Instead, city staff will continue to monitor traffic flow, speeds and other performance measures along Tamarack Avenue to ensure the recent changes are providing the desired results.

Completed improvements include:

• Five raised crosswalks and speed tables
• Resurfacing and restriping Tamarack Avenue, Carlsbad Boulevard to Carlsbad Village Drive
• Other pedestrian improvements

The City of Carlsbad cares about the community and we are committed to making roads comfortable for all who travel, whether it’s by walking, biking or driving.

Community input was gathered through a brief survey and at a public meeting was held Oct. 12 at Valley Middle School, where the community discussed short-term options to reduce speeding. View a recording of the meeting.

The city reviewed all feedback received and compiled a public input summary that outlines common themes.

• City staff remain available to discuss any specific concerns you may have along Tamarack Avenue or elsewhere in the city.
• Please email traffic@carlsbadca.gov anytime.

Feb. 27, 2024 | City Council

The City Council considered a $300,000 contract with a consultant to develop the transformative corridor plan for Tamarack Avenue. After discussing the issue with city transportation engineers and considering community input and costs, the City Council decided not to proceed with the planning study at this time.

Feb. 6, 2023 | Traffic & Mobility Commission

Staff presented updates to the traffic calming plan, including two speed tables and three raised crosswalks. These changes were made to better accommodate emergency vehicles, while still slowing traffic.

Dec. 5, 2022 | Traffic & Mobility Commission

Staff presented a short-term traffic calming plan for Tamarack Avenue, between Adams Street and Skyline Road, along with a public input summary. The Traffic & Mobility Commission voted to support staff’s recommended concept plan.

July 26, 2022 | City Council

Staff presented the Semiannual Transportation Report, outlining a phased approach to short-, mid- and long-term projects on Tamarack Avenue.

July 5, 2022 | Traffic & Mobility Commission

Staff presented an update on the Tamarack & Valley Crosswalk Improvements project, and the Traffic & Mobility Commission recommended to City Council that they direct staff to expedite a residential traffic calming program on Tamarack Avenue from Skyline Road to Adams Street.