Espola Road Safety Improvements Project

Project Background

The Espola Road Safety Improvements Project was designed to improve safety for those who walk, jog, cycle or ride horses along the west side of Espola Road between Poway High School and Twin Peaks Road. The first phase of the project was the undergrounding of utilities by SDG&E, Cox Communications, and AT&T. The second phase of the project was the City’s pathway improvements, which includes a DG pathway, new asphalt berm, grouted rock surface parkway, lodgepole fencing, and retaining walls.  

The utility undergrounding began with the installation of the underground infrastructure. Much of the infrastructure for utilities undergrounding was designed to be installed within the proposed pathway along the west side of Espola Road. Infrastructure includes installation of conduit, vaults and above grade structures. Due to conflicts with an existing high-pressure gas main, infrastructure in the northern portion was installed either in the street or on the east side of Espola Road. 

The next phase following infrastructure included installing cables in new underground conduits and working on utility connections for individual properties along the undergrounding route. SDG&E completed the installation of their underground cables first followed by Cox and AT&T. After the three utility companies completed all conversion work the utility poles were removed. 

While the utility undergrounding was taking place, the city began the design work needed to re-bid the remaining portions of its work on the Espola Road Safety Improvements project. To avoid construction coordination conflicts the city restarted pathway improvement construction activities after the utility poles are removed. 

The project was completed in 2022.