SANDAG breaks ground on complete streets projects in City Heights, Kensington

Construction is underway on two transportation projects in City Heights and Kensington designed to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety and upgrade roads.

City and San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) officials gathered with community advocates last Thursday at Teralta Park in City Heights for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Orange Avenue and Central Avenue Complete Streets projects.

The projects will add more than three miles to a growing network of bikeways connecting La Mesa with City Heights, Kensington, Normal Heights and North Park.

"Complete Streets" projects typically include improvements such as pothole and pavement repairs, enhanced sidewalks, raised or improved crosswalks, buffered or separated bike lanes and traffic-calming features.

"SANDAG is delivering projects that benefit San Diego residents above and below ground," SANDAG vice chair Joe LaCava said in a statement, noting similar projects throughout the county are aimed at improving road safety, mobility and infrastructure.

The $14.5 million Orange Avenue project covers 2.1 miles between 32nd Street and Estrella Avenue. Improvements will include buffered bike lanes, median islands and diverters, a traffic circle, curb extensions and other traffic-calming measures.

It is expected to open to the public in about two years.

The $7.2 million Central Avenue project covers a mile-long corridor that begins along Adams Avenue in Kensington and continues south along Terrace Drive and Central Avenue to Landis Street.

The project will add a separated bikeway and include a new cul-de-sac, curb extensions, enhanced crosswalks, traffic signal modifications and new signs. It is expected to open in about one year.

The projects are part of seven Complete Streets projects SANDAG has underway across the region, representing more than 21 miles of connected transportation improvements under construction.

"Breaking ground on the Orange Avenue and Central Avenue Complete Streets projects means turning that commitment into real improvements that will make it safer and easier for people to walk, bike, drive, take transit, and connect to schools, parks, businesses, and one another," San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera said in a statement.

SANDAG said it worked with residents, businesses, schools and community organizations during the planning, environmental and design phases to incorporate community feedback.

The projects are funded with a combination of federal, state and local money, including TransNet, the regional half-cent sales tax for transportation administered by SANDAG.

"These projects will give people the option to walk or ride - whether it's to work, school, or just to have fun," Caltrans District 11 deputy director Caridad Sanchez said.

Alexis Villanueva, president and CEO of City Heights CDC, said the improvements will help residents move through the neighborhood more safely.

"We're grateful to SANDAG and the City of San Diego for investing in the kind of infrastructure that lets our neighbors walk, bike, and move through their own community safely," Villanueva said.