In a significant development for Oceanside, the California Coastal Commission has greenlit the city’s proposal to implement a “road diet” on its downtown Coast Highway. The plan, aimed at revitalizing the historic Highway 101 corridor, includes dedicated bike lanes, mid-block crosswalks, and the introduction of roundabouts, according to a recent report from the San Diego Union Tribune. The Coastal Commission’s unanimous approval comes after the city made several modifications to address concerns raised by commission staff.
Oceanside planners initiated the proposal in 2020, envisioning a comprehensive revitalization spanning approximately three miles from Harbor Drive to Buena Vista Lagoon. This ambitious plan, known as the Coast Highway Vision and Strategic Plan, serves as a blueprint for the corridor’s improvement, acknowledging the evolving role of the coastal route from a transportation thoroughfare to a recreational and tourist destination.
One of the core elements of the plan involves reducing Coast Highway to one lane in each direction, a concept commonly referred to as a “road diet.” The proposal also includes replacing traffic signals with roundabouts at up to 12 intersections. While a pilot project in 2016 approved a half-mile segment for narrowing, the current plan expands these changes to the entire three-mile corridor.
The approval process was not without its share of deliberation. Oceanside engaged in multiple community meetings to gather opinions and refine the plan based on feedback. Despite some initial complaints during the 2016 pilot project, the city moved forward with the comprehensive road diet, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the downtown area and addressing the evolving needs of the community.
The Coastal Commission’s unanimous approval came with a set of modifications. These include requirements for traffic studies on major developments, provisions to safeguard existing low-cost overnight accommodations, and the addition of high-priority, visitor-serving uses such as campgrounds, recreational equipment rentals, and sportfishing supplies sales in specific commercial zones.
With the Coastal Commission’s endorsement, Oceanside’s Coast Highway revitalization project is poised to bring about transformative changes to the corridor. As similar plans have been successfully implemented in other cities along the San Diego County coast, the success of Oceanside’s initiative could set a positive precedent for future urban planning projects in the region.
