Del Mar council receives update on Jimmy Durante Boulevard improvements

by Luke Harold

Jimmy Durante Boulevard received pavement condition index scores ranging from 49 to 62 out of 100 during a 2024 citywide pavement condition assessment, according to the city. The citywide score was 76, within the “good” range.

The project replaces all pavement between the southern side of the intersection between Via de la Valle and the northern side of the San Dieguito River Bridge, according to Del Mar Principal Engineer Karen Falk.

“This road segment is approximately three quarters of a mile and ranges in width from 40 feet to 112 feet,” according to a council agenda report. “It includes multiple lanes in each direction, dedicated turn lanes, a striped median, and northbound and southbound bicycle lanes. The improvements will fit within the existing curb-to-curb width; existing curbs, gutters, and sidewalks will remain as-is. Project improvements will include a grind and overlay and asphalt replacement, structural repairs to the subsurface if needed, and new reflective traffic striping.”

The plans include traffic striping that aims to address more buffers to the bicycle lanes, “conflict areas” with green paint, pedestrian spaces that are more identifiable, and proper merging conditions, according to the agenda report.

“The goal is to create a final plan that will reduce vehicle speeds, allow for flexible traffic flow, and provide more conspicuous facilities for vulnerable users such as cyclists and pedestrians.

“The modifications have been discussed with staff from the Fairgrounds and were developed to improve traffic circulation and complement their typical traffic control for special events.”

There will still be traffic in both directions during construction, which is scheduled to be completed by May 2026, according to the city. Following the end of the design phase, the city currently expects to advertise the project for public bidding by the end of January.

The estimated project cost is $3.5 million, funded by the general fund and other city funds.