Carlsbad Council Reduces Barrio Traffic Circles From Five to One

Carlsbad's City Council has decided to reduce the originally planned five traffic circles in the Barrio neighborhood to just one at Harding Street and Pine Avenue, addressing resident concerns about parking loss and traffic confusion. The project, part of the Village and Barrio Master Plan aimed at improving safety and walkability, faced opposition due to previous issues with traffic circles, including increased accidents and confusion, as well as the loss of parking spaces. Critics like Anthony Bona argue that traffic circles have caused more accidents and prefer alternatives such as four-way stops or raised crosswalks, while some residents see the circles as effective traffic calming measures despite the parking trade-offs. The city has worked with Caltrans and federal agencies to retain a $4 million federal grant despite reducing the number of traffic circles, and plans to add other traffic calming measures like stop signs and speed cushions. The single approved traffic circle will include an art element and is located near community centers, while the city plans to present a conceptual plan and cost estimate to the council in November. Community input continues to be sought as the city aims to balance safety improvements with neighborhood concerns.