The new third lane on the northbound side of El Camino Real between College Avenue and Jackspar/Rancho Carlsbad drives is now open.

This marks the completion of the first phase of widening El Camino Real and significant progress on the city’s goal to improve traffic flow and safety by widening segments along the road that are only two lanes in one direction.

Crews will add permanent lane striping soon, but you’ll already find new sidewalks and landscaping on the northbound side along with a bike lane that improves safety by providing extra breathing room between cars and cyclists.

You can see the improvements in this video.

The second phase of the widening project is already underway in the northbound lanes of El Camino Real between Poinsettia Lane and Camino Vida Roble. That work is expected to be done by next summer. During construction, there will be a temporary barrier separating traffic from construction crews and a 45 mph speed limit in the construction zone. The bike lane in the area is also temporarily closed.

The third and final phase to create an additional southbound lane between Arenal Road and La Costa Avenue is being designed, and construction is expected to start early next year.

Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure that everyone driving, biking or walking can get where they’re going safely and quickly on El Camino Real. 

Learn more.