Updated:  12.10.25

PROJECT STATUS

The initial site analysis and conceptual design of the Leucadia At-Grade Rail Crossings project was funded in FY 21/22.  An engineering contract was awarded for preliminary design and on June 29, 2023, the city hosted a site visit and diagnostic meeting with NCTD, and the CPUC to evaluate the concept plans and viability of the CPUC application.   The CPUC recommended a grade separation feasibility study and a grade crossing safety memo be completed prior to submitting the formal application. 

The project’s status has the design drawings at about 35%.  The City's consultant, RailPros, submitted the City’s CPUC Formal Application on March 21, 2025.  The CPUC’s Rail Safety Division (RSD) responded to our application on April 15, 2025, stating that they did not object to our application.  An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) ruled on April 23, 2025, to set the date for a remote prehearing conference (PHC) on May 9, 2025.  The PHC was called to determine the parties, the positions of the parties, issues, and other procedural matters.  Upon conclusion of the PHC, the ALJ asked that the parties provide supplemental information by May 30, 2025.  On May 23, 2025, RSD submitted a Joint PHC Statement from RSD and the City.  On May 28, 2025, the City submitted a Response to ALJ Inquiry.  The City now anticipates a decision on the two crossings by January 2026. 

ABOUT THE PROJECT 

The LOSSAN/NCTD rail corridor bisects the community of Leucadia and impedes travel between dense residential development and an elementary school on the east side of the rail corridor; and the beach, residences and thriving business district on the west. There is a high volume of pedestrian and cyclist activity in the area; however, legal pedestrian crossings are only available at the far north end of Leucadia at La Costa Avenue or at Leucadia Boulevard to the south.  This leaves a 1.3-mile gap in the heart of the community without a safe, legal place to cross the railroad tracks.

The crossing locations at Grandview St. and Phoebe St. were selected based on community input gathered through the City’s Cross Connect study.   The locations will also tie in with the pathways and pedestrian crossings along the Leucadia Streetscape N. Coast Highway 101 improvements.  This project will require coordination with North County Transit District (NCTD) and BNSF Railway; and requires approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

The City has completed the initial studies and conceptual designs for the 2 at grade crossings.  Click here to view the North Leucadia Pedestrian & Bicycle At-Grade Crossings Study.