Background

On November 27, 2019, a report from Park Rangers in the field was received by the Transportation & Storm Water Department concerning a failure of a corrugated metal pipe storm drain and propagation of sink holes within Crest Canyon Park. As the rainy season has begun, there has been continuing deterioration of the existing storm drain pipe which has caused the failure to continue to grow. Further erosion of the surrounding soil is contributing to the site stability nearing the road and safety of pedestrian access within the canyon as well as causing sediment discharge into the downstream San Dieguito lagoon. Work to repair the area began on December 24, 2019 which involved the initial investigative work of the storm drain system and coordination with the California Coastal Commission.

Scope of work

In order to address the issue of the sink holes growing, the contractor developed a temporary access road along the existing trails, fenced off the construction area, and exposed the existing failed storm drain pipe. Then, a temporary system is installed in order to allow storm water to travel through the storm drain system during rain events and to decrease the rate of soil erosion within Crest Canyon Park. Next, the contractor will install approximately 1,100 feet of new reinforced concrete pipe and fill the existing sink holes while continuing to investigate the existing storm drain pipe along the whole system to determine the structural integrity of the pipes. Once pipe installation and the filling of the sink holes is complete, revegetation of the park and reestablishment of the trails will commence. It is anticipated that this work will occur over several years for plants to reestablish.

Pedestrian and vehicle access

The Crest Canyon Park trails are currently closed during construction and fenced off to pedestrian access. The unknown sub-surface soil condition poses a risk to pedestrians. Standard traffic control is being implemented on Racetrack View Drive.

Pedestrian and vehicle access may be altered at any time throughout the project due to the current activities. Please abide by the posted signs and barriers at all times. For your own safety, do not go over or around barriers into the construction zone.

Work schedule and hours

Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Work is estimated to be complete in January 2021. Please be advised that only after the major underground work is completed will subsequent work to revegetate the park and reestablishment of the trails will begin.

The work schedule and hours are subject to change based on the current scope of work.

Comments and questions

All comments and questions can be directed to engineering@sandiego.gov or 619-533-4207. Please reference the Crest Canyon Emergency Storm Drain project in your inquiry.

Updates will be provided periodically via email as the project progresses. To receive these updates, please send an email or call the number above and request for your email address to be added to the list of recipients for this project.