Assessment Recommendations 2.5.1-2.5.5 suggest ways to improve recreational trails within the watershed. These suggestions are being implemented in several ways.
Rose Creek Bikeway Project
Assessment Recommendation 2.5.3 suggests the creation of regional recreational connections. One way this project is being carried forward is through the San Diego Association of Government’s (SANDAG) Rose Creek Bikeway Project . The project is part of the planned Coastal Rail Trail – a 40-mile system of multi-use paths extending from the City of Oceanside to Santa Fe Depot in downtown San Diego. The project will improve an important connection between points to the north, such as University City and UC San Diego, and points to the south such as Mission Bay and Pacific Beach.
The Rose Creek Bikeway Path will begin at the north end of Santa Fe Street and connect to the existing bike path at Damon Street and Mission Bay Drive. The exact alignment has yet to be determined. As proposed by SANDAG, the southern portion of the path will be separated from motor vehicle traffic (Class I) and the northern portion will by a 2-way cycle track on the side of Santa Fe Street (Class II). The Assessment suggests that the entire path be Class I.
SANDAG will continue analyzing various options and collecting public input before embarking on the construction portion of the project.
7/3/13 SDNews.com article: Public expresses wants, needs to bridge gap in Rose Creek bike path connecting UC to PB
Rose Creek Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge
Hundreds of bicyclists use the Rose Creek Bicycle Trail beneath the I-5/SR-52 interchange on a daily basis for commuting and recreation.
Assessment Recommendation 2.5.5 suggests creating safe and legal railroad crossings. The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition has received a $200,000 grant from the California Coastal Conservancy to help implement this recommendation. They are working to build a bicycle and pedestrian bridge under I-5 and SR-52 that would connect riders and walkers in Rose and San Clemente canyons to the Rose Canyon Bicycle Trail. Currently, users are forced to detour or cross the railroad tracks illegally. Ultimately, this bridge would enhance the ability for riders and walkers from University City and Clairemont to reach Pacific Beach and Mission Bay.
The Coalition’s consultant is preparing preliminary engineering plans, specifications and an estimate to complete the bridge. The Coalition held two open house meetings to collect ideas and gather support from the community that uses the trails. Over 120 signatures were collected from people in support of this critical project.
Mike Gotch Memorial Bridge
Bicyclists enjoying the Mike Gotch Memorial Bridge spanning Lower Rose Creek.
The 260-foot Mike Gotch Memorial Bridge was dedicated on April 20, 2012, honoring the late San Diego City Councilmember and California State Assemblymember who tirelessly promoted the enhancement of Mission Bay. The bridge connects Pacific Beach Drive to the Mission Bay Drive bicycle network over Rose Creek, providing a safe and convenient route for bicyclists and pedestrians to access Mission Bay Park. The $2.9 million construction project began in May 2011 and was completed in 11 months, on time and within budget. The opening of this bridge is a milestone for local beach-lovers, who can finally cycle, jog or walk around all of Mission Bay Park. The bridge will provide its users with a new upstream view of Rose Creek, which we hope will increase awareness that the creek is a sensitive habitat that needs our protection. Alliance members were supportive of this project, which included a study which concluded that the bridge would not significantly conflict with the creation of wetlands at the mouth of the creek.
See the Alliance letter to the Coastal Commission here.
See photos of the bridge’s construction here.
See the City of San Diego’s photos from the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony here.