The improvements for a one-mile segment of El Camino Real were proposed as part of traffic improvements associated with development of the master-planned community of Robertson Ranch in Carlsbad. The project sought to improve the outdated reach of this vital north-south surface arterial to serve the new community and provide parity with other improved portions of the El Camino Real corridor.

The design incorporates traditional median tree and landscape planters in conjunction with permeable pavement and bio-retention planters to treat stormwater runoff. The street parkway provides a safer and more enjoyable pedestrian experience with wide meandering sidewalks, undulating grade changes and mounding with landscaped buffers. The parkway embodies the best practices of low-impact-design using water wise ornamental and native plantings with state-of-the-art computer-controlled drip irrigation.

project highlights

• permeable median pavements
• median street tree planters and rain gardens
• incorporation of EPA Greenstreets infrastructure
• widened sidewalks with canopy trees
• Low Impact Development & high-performance landscapes

project team

• City of Carlsbad
• The Lightfoot Planning Group
• O’Day Consultants
• Toll Brothers Communities