Updated:  02.26.26

PROJECT STATUS

Design and permitting were completed in April 2025.  Custom metal brackets had to be fabricated for the staircase repair.  Bracket fabrication was completed, and construction began, in late August 2025.  Installation of the undermount brackets in some sections of the stairs were delayed due to both impacts from king tides and moisture condensation issues which created dangerous slippery conditions for the installers.  The bracket installation was completed along with some minor lighting and electrical repair in mid-January.  The project is complete and the staircase was reopened to public access on January 21, 2026.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The D Street Staircase was built in April 1989 and renovated through the year 2002. The stairway consists of 6 main segments: an at-grade concrete walkway, a raised timber walkway, an upper four-flight timber stair tower, a timber transition staircase, a lower four-flight timber stair tower, and a timber landing staircase. D Street staircase is the most structurally complex beach access point in the City of Encinitas. 

On April 8, 2025, a site visit with Engineering staff, Parks & Recreation staff, Building staff, and Dokken Engineering took place to identify maintenance issues to be addressed in a future rehabilitation project. During this meeting, Dokken Engineering and the Building Official identified areas of significant deterioration and concern with the steel connection members resulting in a recommendation to close the staircase in the interest of public safety.

An Emergency Declaration was filed with the City Council on April 23^rd and staff begin efforts to repair the structural deficiencies as soon as possible.