ENCINITAS — The city has received positive news at the state level for a long-awaited rail crossing project in Leucadia aimed at improving pedestrian and bicycle safety.
The 1.3-mile stretch of train tracks between Leucadia Boulevard and La Costa Avenue currently has no legal crossing. The city has received a preliminary ruling from an administrative law judge with the California Public Utilities Commission approving its application to build two at-grade rail crossings for pedestrians and cyclists, City Manager Jennifer Campbell announced at Wednesday’s City Council meeting.
“This is the first big hurdle,” Campbell said.
She added that the city anticipates receiving a formal decision from the CPUC within the next three to four months.
“So please everyone keep your fingers crossed,” Campbell said.
In northern Leucadia, the rail line separates a largely residential area to the east from a mix of businesses, homes, restaurants and the beach to the west. The years-long project would reconnect those areas through at-grade crossings at Phoebe Street and Grandview Street.
An initial site analysis and conceptual design for the crossings were funded during the 2021-22 fiscal year, according to city records. The city appropriated $644,900 to complete initial studies and conceptual designs at both locations, as well as the CPUC application.
The total project cost is estimated at between $6 million and $6.5 million. In October, the City Council approved staff’s request to seek federal funding through a Federal Railroad Administration program to cover 80% of the expense.
According to Campbell, the design and permitting phase is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with funding needing to be secured by early 2027.
Though work remains, Campbell described the development as “big” and credited a “huge team effort.”
“Thank you very much for direction and support by council,” Campbell said. “Great work by city staff really continuing to move this forward and thank you to all the public. I know that we’ve had so many residents — especially the folks in Leucadia — that want those at-grade rail crossings.”
Following the announcement, council members Marco San Antonio and Luke Shaffer bumped knuckles.
“Holy cow,” Mayor Bruce Ehlers said.
“It’s moving forward, and this is really good news,” Campbell said.
Source: Encinitas clears ‘first big hurdle’ toward Leucadia rail crossings by Cameron Adams, The Coast News Group, published January 30, 2026. Read original article
