By James Koh FOX 5 San Diego Reporter

8:06 a.m. PDT, May 10, 2011

ENCINITAS, Calif. -- A recently approved railroad undercrossing project in Encinitas will improve public safety and access to a popular surf spot, officials said.

The project, estimated to cost $4.4 million, is to be built near the corner of San Elijo Avenue and Santa Fe Drive, according to officials with San Diego Association of Governments.

"The purpose of the pedestrian crossings is to improve pedestrian access and improve rail/pedestrian safety conditions," SANDAG said in a statement.

In a two-mile area from E Street to the north and Chesterfield Drive to the south, there are currently no legal railroad crossings, yet officials and longtime residents say a number of pedestrians cross the tracks illegally on a daily basis.

"When we had the street fair, they were coming across the tracks in droves," said Nita Williamson, a 30-year resident of Encinitas. "I think it's very important because there's no place to cross unless you go all the way down to Cardiff before there's a safe place to walk through."

The undercrossing would essentially create a direct walkway for pedestrians to popular Swamis Seaside Park.

"I think that's sounds like a terrific place to go with it," said Wayne Wieboldt, a resident of Encinitas for the past 40 years. "I'm in favor of people having better access."

Officials said the tunnel would be approximately 8-feet high and 8-feet wide. The tunnel will be lit and compliant to standards set by the American with Disabilities Act.

Construction is set to begin in late September or early October, SANDAG officials said. The project is scheduled to last about 12 months.

The project is a combined effort of SANDAG, North County Transit District and the city of Encinitas utilizing money appropriated from the state and city.

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