Chapter 4 Affected Environment; Environmental Consequences;
and Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures
4.8
4.8 Aesthetics
AESTHETICS
This section evaluates potential visual effects that would result from the Proposed Action and is
based on the visual impact assessment prepared for the Proposed Action (Appendix G).
4.8.1
Regulatory Setting
The evaluation of potential visual impacts is based on the principles and guidelines in FHWA’s
Visual Impact Assessment for Highway Projects (FHWA 1981), which is the most widely used
and accepted visual resource assessment methodology for transportation projects. The concepts
contained in the FHWA methodology are accepted practices for evaluating visual resources both
objectively (visual character) and subjectively (visual quality). This is accomplished by
comparing the existing visual environment to the construction and post-construction visual
environment, and subsequently determining whether the Proposed Action would result in
physical changes that are deemed to be incompatible with visual character or degrade
visual quality.
4.8.2
Affected Environment
Visual Environment
The Proposed Action is located along the LOSSAN rail corridor between the rail undercrossing at
Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach to CP Del Mar, just north of Coast Boulevard in Del Mar.
Within the project limits, the existing railway consists of double track at the northern end of the
project limits, and approximately 1.1 miles of single track between CP Valley and CP Crosby.
There is also a siding on the east side of the single track between CP Crosby and CP Del Mar (refer
to Figure 2-1). The rail segment in Solana Beach is located in a trench below grade.
The Coastal Rail Trail and Highway 101 are located to the west with primarily commercial uses
along the west side of Highway 101. Residential and commercial uses are located immediately to
the east along the railroad in the Solana Beach. The rail alignment passes under Via de la Valle
and continues south along a berm as it traverses past the Del Mar Fairgrounds to the track’s
immediate east and then crosses over the San Dieguito River on a wooden trestle bridge. In
addition to the river, other natural resources adjacent to the San Dieguito River and Lagoon include
Stevens Creek to the east, the San Dieguito Lagoon to the west, a drainage channel parallel to the
west side of the ROW, and the wye (a generally triangular-shaped wetland area just south of the
San Dieguito River to the east). South of the San Dieguito River, the rail alignment occurs at grade
and curves westward under Camino Del Mar and continues toward the Del Mar bluffs. At the
southern boundary of the project limits at CP Del Mar, the rail alignment continues south toward
the bluffs on a single track. Surrounding uses south of San Dieguito River include residential
neighborhoods to the west, and commercial and residential uses to the east.
Landscape Unit
A landscape unit is a portion of the regional landscape and can be thought of as an outdoor room
that exhibits a distinct visual character. The Proposed Action lies within one landscape unit—the
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Chapter 4 Affected Environment; Environmental Consequences;
and Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures
4.8 Aesthetics
San Dieguito River Valley Landscape Unit. The San Dieguito River Valley Landscape Unit is
the area in and around the mouth of the San Dieguito River that includes the Del Mar
Fairgrounds and Race Track and portions of the Del Mar and Solana Beach. The San Dieguito
River Valley Landscape Unit is bounded by the hillsides of Del Mar and the Del Mar Heights
neighborhood to the south, Via de la Valle and portions of the City of Solana Beach to the north,
I-5 and the mesa top beyond to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
Viewshed
A viewshed is a subset of a landscape unit and is comprised of all the surface areas visible from
an observer’s viewpoint. The limits of a viewshed are defined as the visual limits of the views
from the project site. A viewshed also includes the locations of viewers likely to be affected by
visual changes brought about by project features.
The Viewshed Map for the Proposed Action is illustrated in Figure 4.8-1, Proposed Action
Viewshed. This area was delineated using spatial models that analyze the topographic data and
determine which portions of the Proposed Action site are potentially visible from surrounding
areas. Shielding as a result of intervening structures or landscaping is not taken into account.
Because of intervening structural or vegetation elements, the Proposed Action site would not be
visible from all of the points within the viewshed area. Even under conditions in which
topography or other intervening elements do not obstruct views, views to any given point within
a viewshed may not be clear due to levels of humidity or haze. Features can lose sharpness at
approximately one-half mile depending on these atmospheric conditions.
Existing Visual Resources
Visual resources are characterized in terms of visual character and visual quality. Visual
character is descriptive and non-evaluative, which means it is based on visual attributes,
including pattern elements (i.e., form, line, color, texture) and pattern character (i.e., dominance,
scale, diversity, continuity). Visual quality is evaluated by identifying the vividness, intactness,
and unity present in the viewshed. These terms are briefly defined below:

Vividness is the visual power or memorability of landscape components, as they combine
in distinctive visual patterns.

Intactness is the visual integrity of the natural and constructed landscape and its freedom
from encroaching elements. It can be present in well-kept urban and rural landscapes, as
well as natural settings.

Unity is the visual coherence and compositional harmony of the landscape considered as
a whole.
Visual Character of the Proposed Action Area
Within the project limits, the railroad extends in a north-south alignment along the coast that
creates a dominant linear pattern element throughout the Proposed Action area. In the northern
portion within Solana Beach, the railroad occurs within a trench and then rises above grade on a
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Figure 4.8-1
Chapter 4 Affected Environment; Environmental Consequences;
and Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures
4.8 Aesthetics
berm and over the San Dieguito River on the existing wooden trestle rail bridge. South of the
San Dieguito River, the railway occurs at grade.
The northern portion of the Proposed Action site (i.e., within Solana Beach) contains residential
and commercial uses comprised of one- and two-story buildings with various building forms and
architectural styles and some variation in color. The Cedros Design District on the east side of
the railway provides an integrated, yet eclectic, feature in this area. The central portion of the
Proposed Action site (between Via de la Valle and the San Dieguito River) primarily is
dominated by coastal visual elements, including the San Dieguito River and Lagoon, the Pacific
Ocean, several beaches, and coastal bluffs. The Del Mar Fairgrounds is also a major visual
element within the immediate visual environment. Within this area, the railway is located
between the ocean and the Fairgrounds. South of the San Dieguito River, the visual character is
comprised mostly of residential homes with similar scales, styles, and colors. There are also
some larger commercial buildings that are more dominant than the homes that provide
additional diversity.
Representative photographs of the existing visual character of the Proposed Action area are
contained in Figure 4.8-2, Existing Visual Conditions. The photographs picture visual elements
within the portion of the Proposed Action area between Via de la Valle and the San Dieguito
River because that area contains the most notable visual resources. Photograph 1 depicts an
access point to the beach from Camino Del Mar, just north of the Camino Del Mar Bridge. The
photograph pictures one of the beaches in the vicinity of the Proposed Action. Photograph 2
pictures the same beach in Photograph 1, but looking northwest from the San Dieguito River. In
addition to the beach, a bluff and the ocean are visible in the middle ground. Photograph 3 looks
northeast across the San Dieguito River from the Camino Del Mar Bridge. The existing
San Dieguito River Bridge can be seen in the middle ground with the Fairgrounds grandstand
building behind it. Photograph 4 looks east towards the Fairgrounds grandstand building from
the parking lot within Fairgrounds property. Photograph 5 is taken from a trail on the west side
of the railroad ROW and south of the San Dieguito River. The view looks to the northwest and
encompasses the river, the Camino Del Mar Bridge, and a bluff. Photograph 6 looks south near
the Via de la Valle/Camino Del Mar intersection and shows the railroad tracks and Fairgrounds
buildings on the left side of the photograph, and a portion of the lagoon on the right side of the
photograph.
Visual Quality of the Proposed Action Area
The visual quality of the Proposed Action area is high based on its coastal location and
associated coastal scenic visual elements, including the San Dieguito River and Lagoon, the
Pacific Ocean, several beaches, and coastal bluffs. These visual elements are generally highly
valued visual resources and provide a high level of vividness, intactness, and unity.
Viewer Response
Viewer response is composed of two elements: viewer exposure and viewer sensitivity. These
elements combine to form a method of predicting how the public might react to visual changes
brought about by a project. Viewer exposure is typically assessed by measuring the number of
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viewers exposed to the resource change, type of viewer activity, duration of their view, speed at
which the viewer moves, and position of the viewer. Viewer sensitivity is defined both as the
viewers’ concern for scenic quality and the viewers’ response to change in the visual resources
that comprise the view.
Existing viewers in the Proposed Action area include the following viewer groups: (1) motorists
traveling on surrounding major roadways, including Camino Del Mar, Jimmy Durante
Boulevard, and Via de la Valle: (2) bicyclists and pedestrians on these same roadways; (3) rail
passengers; (4) visitors to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack; (5) visitors to the beach; and
(6) local residents.
Motorists on Camino Del Mar, Jimmy Durante Boulevard, and Via de la Valle constitute the
largest viewer group. The annual average daily traffic volumes for the segments of these
roadways near the Proposed Action site are approximately 12,900 along Camino Del Mar
(between Via de la Valle and Jimmy Durante Boulevard), approximately 7,600 along Jimmy
Durante Boulevard (between Camino Del Mar and Via de la Valle), and approximately 18,400
along Via de la Valle (between Highway 101 and Stevens Avenue). Speeds along these
roadways are posted at 35 mph on Camino Del Mar and 45 mph on Jimmy Durante Boulevard
and Via de la Valle, although congestion reduces actual vehicle speeds. At these speeds, view
durations would range between approximately one and five minutes. Motorists’ exposure is
moderately high to high based on the number of vehicles and the duration of views associated
with the speeds on these local roadways. The orientation of views available from these roadways
also factors in to the moderately high to high exposure given the close proximity to scenic
elements that draw viewers toward San Dieguito River and the Pacific Ocean. The alignment of
the roadways provide for both direct and peripheral views of these coastal visual resources.
Bicyclists and pedestrians along these roadways travel at slower speeds and, thus, have a longer
view duration than motorists. Their view exposure, therefore, is high. Rail passengers generally
travel at higher speeds than motorists but, as passengers, are able to focus their views of a
viewpoint for a long duration and thus, their exposure also is high. Visitors to the Fairgrounds
generally are focused on activities within the Fairgrounds, but do have static views of
surrounding areas within some portions of the Fairgrounds; their corresponding view exposure is
moderate. Beach-goers visit the beach for recreational purposes and not only do they have long
view durations, but their views are specifically focused on coastal scenic resources. As a result,
their view exposure is high. Residents also have a high view exposure because their views are
static with a long duration and can be oriented to coastal scenic resources.
The sensitivity of the viewer groups discussed above to changes in the visual environment is
considered high given the proximity to coastal scenic features, such as the San Dieguito River and
Lagoon, the ocean, beach, and bluffs. These types of visual features are generally highly valued
visual resources, and changes to the viewshed of such resources would be highly noticeable.
Key Views
Analyzing all of the views from which a project potentially can be seen is not feasible; therefore,
it is necessary to select a few key viewpoints that illustrate typical views of the Proposed Action
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Photograph 1: Coastal Access From Camino Del Mar
Photograph 2: Del Mar Beach Looking Northwest From San Dieguito River
Photograph 3: Looking Northeast From Camino Del Mar Bridge
Photograph 4: Looking East Towards Del Mar Racetrack Grandstand
Photograph 5: Looking Northwest From Trail Near Railway
Photograph 6: Looking South Near the Via de la Valle/Camino Del Mar Intersection
Existing Visual Conditions
SAN DIEGUITO RIVER BRIDGE, DOUBLE TRACK,
AND DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS SPECIAL EVENTS PLATFORM PROJECT
Figure 4.8-2
Chapter 4 Affected Environment; Environmental Consequences;
and Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures
4.8 Aesthetics
and surrounding area from locations accessible to the public. The selected Key Views consist of
photographs taken from public viewpoints and were identified based on the number and
frequency of views, the potential sensitivity of viewers, and the types of Proposed Action
features that would be visible. These Key Views have been used as the basis for the
photosimulations of the Proposed Action. Locations for Key Views and simulations were
selected using the following considerations:

Type of viewers and their sensitivity and exposure—simulations generally are prepared
using views available to the public rather than privately available views due to access
issues and the generally higher viewer exposure (a greater number of viewers makes the
view more sensitive).

Scenic status of local roadways and recreation areas where highly sensitive viewers may
be present.

The amount of time (duration) and/or number of times observers are exposed to the view.

Breadth of the view—a more encompassing viewpoint generally provides a more realistic
representation of commonly available views, and often includes multiple elements rather
than focusing on a specific criterion.

Depth of the view—a short distance may provide detailed views of one element, while an
increased distance both includes more elements and makes them appear smaller and less
detailed, although visibility may be affected by atmospheric conditions such as fog,
smog, etc.
Based on these considerations, four publically accessible key viewpoints (Key Views 1
through 4) have been selected that most clearly display the visual effects of the Proposed Action
from various public vantage points. The selected Key Views are all located within the portion of
the Proposed Action area between Via de la Valle and the San Dieguito River because that area
would experience the most noticeable change in the visual environment due to replacement of
the bridge and construction of the special events platform. The selected Key Views used for
simulations and discussed in the analysis are briefly described below. Figure 4.8-3, Key View
Location Map, illustrates the location and direction of these views on an aerial photograph.
Detailed visual analysis of the Key Views is provided below in Section 4.8.3.
Key View 1
Key View 1 is located from a public trail adjacent to the south bank of the San Dieguito River on
the east side of the railway and looks northwest across the San Dieguito River. This viewpoint is
located approximately 800 feet southeast of the existing San Dieguito River Bridge. As shown
in Figure 4.8-4, Key View 1 Existing and Simulated View, the existing view encompasses the San
Dieguito River and southern river bank in the foreground and the existing wooden trestle rail
bridge in the middle ground. A multi-family residential building is visible on the left side of
view in the middle ground and Fairgrounds facilities are visible in the right side of the view in
the middle ground. Beyond the rail bridge, a coastal bluff with vegetation on the mesa top
occurs in the background.
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Key View 2
Key View 2 is located along northbound Camino Del Mar, just south of the Camino Del Mar
Bridge, and looks east across the San Dieguito River toward the Fairgrounds. This viewpoint is
oriented away from the ocean, which is generally a highly valued visual resource and focal point
for viewers traveling along this roadway. Key View 2 is located approximately 500 feet from
the railroad corridor. The view is dominated by the open water of the San Dieguito River in the
foreground and middle ground, as pictured in Figure 4.8-5, Key View 2 Existing and Simulated
View. This photograph was taken during the 2014 San Diego County Fair season. The existing
rail bridge and berm are visible in the middle ground, and Fairgrounds buildings and San Diego
County Fair attractions can also be seen behind the bridge in the middle ground on the right.
Background views encompass a distant ridgeline and hillside homes in Solana Beach.
Key View 3
Key View 3 is located along southbound Camino Del Mar, north of the Camino Del Mar Bridge,
and looks southeast toward the railroad corridor. Like Key View 2, this viewpoint is oriented
away from the ocean, which is generally a highly valued visual resource and focal point for
viewers traveling along this roadway. Key View 3 is located approximately 475 feet west of the
railway. As pictured in Figure 4.8-6, Key View 3 Existing and Simulated View, Key View 3
encompasses the roadway in the foreground and the San Dieguito River, the existing rail bridge
and berm, and Fairgrounds buildings in the middle ground. More distant Fairgrounds facilities
and ridgelines are visible in the background.
Key View 4
Key View 4 is located along eastbound Via de la Valle approximately 700 feet east of the
railroad corridor and looks south and down onto the Fairgrounds. This viewpoint is oriented
away from the ocean, which is generally a highly valued visual resource and focal point for
viewers traveling along this roadway. As depicted in Figure 4.8-7, Key View 4 Existing and
Simulated View, foreground views encompass a dirt parking lot within the Fairgrounds and a
portion of Stevens Creek. The Del Mar race track and grandstand building is pictured in the
middle ground. Although not highly visible, the existing San Dieguito River Bridge is also
pictured in the middle ground on the right. In the background, the ocean and a hill are visible.
The orientation of this key view generally provides peripheral views of these elements.
4.8.3
Environmental Consequences
Action Alternatives
The following analysis of potential visual impacts is applicable to all of the Action Alternatives
because each Action Alternative would occur in the same general location within similar
footprints. The viewshed is the same for all three Action Alternatives (as depicted on
Figure 4.8-1). Accordingly, potential impacts to visual resources would be the same for the
Action Alternatives.
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SAN DIEGUITO RIVER BRIDGE, DOUBLE TRACK,
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Figure 4.8-3
Before
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Looking northwest from trail near City of Del Mar Public Works Dept. Building
After
Key View 1 Existing and Simulated View
SAN DIEGUITO RIVER BRIDGE, DOUBLE TRACK,
AND DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS SPECIAL EVENTS PLATFORM PROJECT
Figure 4.8-4
Before
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Looking east from northbound Camino Del Mar
After
Key View 2 Existing and Simulated View
SAN DIEGUITO RIVER BRIDGE, DOUBLE TRACK,
AND DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS SPECIAL EVENTS PLATFORM PROJECT
Figure 4.8-5
Before
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Looking southeast from southbound Camino Del Mar
After
Key View 3 Existing and Simulated View
SAN DIEGUITO RIVER BRIDGE, DOUBLE TRACK,
AND DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS SPECIAL EVENTS PLATFORM PROJECT
Figure 4.8-6
Before
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Looking south from eastbound Via de la Valle
After
Key View 4 Existing and Simulated View
SAN DIEGUITO RIVER BRIDGE, DOUBLE TRACK,
AND DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS SPECIAL EVENTS PLATFORM PROJECT
Figure 4.8-7
Chapter 4 Affected Environment; Environmental Consequences;
and Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures
4.8 Aesthetics
Analysis of Key Views
As previously stated, the selected Key Views represent typical views of the Proposed Action and
surrounding area from locations accessible to the public and are all located within the portion of
the Proposed Action area between Via de la Valle and the San Dieguito River because that area
would experience the most noticeable change in the visual environment due to replacement of
the rail bridge and construction of the special events platform. Therefore, the following analysis
focuses on the changes to the visual environment due to these components of the Proposed
Action. The other components of the Proposed Actions are discussed elsewhere in this
section (4.8.3).
Key View 1
Key View 1 is representative of public views from Jimmy Durante Boulevard where the roadway
crosses over the San Dieguito River, as well as views from along the pedestrian trail parallel to
the San Dieguito River. The location of Key View 1 location occurs along a trail, and there is an
interpretive sign with information on the native flora and fauna in the area nearby, so it is a
natural stopping point for people walking along the trail.
As shown in Figure 4.8-4, features of the Proposed Action that would be visible from
Key View 1 include the new rail bridges over the San Dieguito River and a portion of the east
side of the special events platform, which include pole-mounted lights on the platforms. A
portion of the retaining wall abutment on the south bank of the San Dieguito River crossing is
also visible where the trail passes under the bridge.
Changes to the existing visual setting include a new bridge structure in virtually the same
location with lighter color concrete replacing the dark color of the existing wooden bridge and
support structure. The substantially wider spacing of the bridge supports from 14 feet to 56 feet
provides more open views through the new bridge structure to the mouth of the San Dieguito
River and beach beyond. The additional width of the new special events platform is not apparent
from this viewpoint; however, the pole-mounted lights on the platforms would introduce a new
vertical feature. Although the new bridge would be higher than the existing bridge (by up to
eight feet), the increase in height would not be highly noticeable from this viewpoint and would
not block views of coastal resources.
Viewer response is anticipated to be generally neutral to positive as the lighter color concrete
structure is less of a focal point than the existing darker color bridge, and the wider-spaced
bridge supports provide additional views to the ocean. Although the pole-mounted lights on the
platforms would be a new vertical visual element, their visibility would be somewhat obscured
by the coastal bluff beyond. The lights would not be silhouetted against the sky or alter horizon
views from this viewpoint.
The resulting visual impacts to Key View 1 from the Action Alternatives would be minimal.
Enhanced design of the new concrete bridge structure and introducing a side elevation with a
shape to add a thin shadow line would help make the overall structure appear thinner.
Additionally, coloring the pole mounted lights on the platforms with non-reflective paint to
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match the soil color of the coastal bluff beyond could make them virtually disappear from this
Key View during the day.
Key View 2
Key View 2 is representative of public views from northbound Camino Del Mar (south of where
the roadway crosses over the San Dieguito River), as well as public views from along the
pedestrian trail parallel to the river.
As shown in Figure 4.8-5, features of the Proposed Action that would be visible from Key
View 2 include the new bridge over the San Dieguito River and the special events platform,
which include the pole-mounted lights on the platforms. Pedestrian ramps and stairways for
accessing the special events platform also would be visible.
Changes to the existing visual setting include a new bridge structure in virtually the same
location with lighter color concrete replacing the dark color of the existing wooden bridge and
support structure. The substantially wider spacing of the bridge supports from 14 feet to 56 feet
would open up views through the new bridge structure to the back lot of the Del Mar
Fairgrounds, but not quite as much as in Key View 1 due to the angle of view. The additional
width of the new special events platform is more apparent than in Key View 1, and the
pole-mounted lights on the platforms also would add a new vertical feature to the visual
environment. Although the new bridge would be higher than the existing bridge (by up to eight
feet), the increase in height would not be highly noticeable from this viewpoint and would not
block views of coastal resources. The potential height increase in the bridge profile of eight feet
from this viewing distance (approximately 500 feet) and view orientation (eastward) would not
create a highly evident change in the overall viewshed. A rail bridge currently exists at this
location, and the proposed new double track bridge would not represent a new visual element
viewed from this public vantage point. As shown in Figure 4.8-5, the new bridge would not be
appreciably taller than the existing bridge, nor would it obstruct ridgeline or skyline views.
Viewer response is expected to be mixed. For viewers traveling on Camino Del Mar, the lighter
color concrete structure is less of a focal point than the existing darker color bridge and the
wider-spaced bridge. Depending on the time of day and sun angle, the additional width of the
special events platform would be more or less apparent. For viewers on the trail along the San
Dieguito River, the lighter color concrete structure would only be less of a focal point than the
existing structure at the north end, or the left side of this viewpoint. For these viewers with a
longer view duration than motorists, the lighter color concrete structure would be more dominant
on the south side, or the right side in this viewpoint as it contrasts with the darker existing
vegetation in the foreground and the Del Mar Fairgrounds in the background. For all viewers,
many, but not all, of the pole-mounted lights would be silhouetted against the sky. Similar to
Key View 1, their visibility would be somewhat obscured by the ridgeline in the background.
Additionally, because this viewpoint is oriented to the east and away from the ocean, which is
generally a highly valued visual resource and focal point for viewers, viewer interest is expected
to be higher to the west.
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The resulting visual impacts to Key View 2 from the Proposed Action would be moderate.
Enhanced design of the new concrete bridge structure and introducing a side elevation with a
shape that would add a thin shadow line would help make the overall structure appear thinner.
Key View 3
Key View 3 is representative of views from southbound Camino Del Mar (just north of where
the roadway crosses over the San Dieguito River) and from the coastal access parking to the
beach along Camino Del Mar.
As shown in Figure 4.8-6, Proposed Action features visible from Key View 3 would include the
new bridge over the San Dieguito River and the special events platform, which include the
pole-mounted lights on the platform. Pedestrian ramps and stairways for accessing the special
events platforms would also be visible.
Changes to the existing visual setting would include a new bridge structure in virtually the same
location with lighter color concrete replacing the dark color of the existing wooden bridge and
support structure. The substantially wider spacing of the bridge supports from 14 feet to 56 feet
would provide more open views through the new bridge structure to the back lot of the Del Mar
Fairgrounds, but not quite as much as in Key View 1 due to the angle of view. The
pole-mounted lights on the platforms would also introduce a new vertical feature in the visual
environment. Although the new bridge would be higher than the existing bridge (by up to eight
feet), the increase in height would not be highly noticeable from this viewpoint and would not
block views of coastal resources.
In general, viewer response is expected to be neutral to positive. For viewers traveling
southbound on Camino Del Mar, the lighter color concrete structure would be less of a focal
point than the existing darker color bridge and the wider spaced bridge would allow for some
views through the structure. From this Key View, the pole-mounted lights on the special events
platform would not be silhouetted against the sky, but may contrast with the views to
Fairgrounds building and hillsides beyond. Additionally, because this viewpoint is oriented to
the east and away from the ocean, which is generally a highly valued visual resource and focal
point for viewers, viewer interest is expected to be higher to the west.
The resulting visual impacts to Key View 3 from the Proposed Action would be minimal.
Enhanced design of the new concrete bridge structure and introducing a side elevation with a
shape that would add a thin shadow line would help make the overall structure appear thinner.
Key View 4
Key View 4 is representative of views from eastbound Via de la Valle and the residential area of
Del Mar and Solana Beach north of Via de la Valle.
As shown in Figure 4.8-7, features of the Proposed Action visible from Key View 4 would
include the new bridge over the San Dieguito River and the special events platform, which
includes the pole-mounted lights on the platform.
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Changes to the existing visual setting would include a new bridge structure in virtually the same
location as the existing condition. The pole-mounted lights on the platforms would also add a
new vertical visual feature; however, the view angle and elevation of the viewers would result in
the pole-mounted lights to generally blend into the background view. Although the new bridge
would be higher than the existing bridge (by up to eight feet), the increase in height would not be
highly noticeable from this viewpoint and would not block views of coastal resources.
In general, viewer response is expected to be neutral to positive. As demonstrated in
Figure 4.8-7, the views of the Proposed Action from this Key View would be virtually the same
as the existing view with the minor exception of pole-mounted lights. Additionally, because this
viewpoint is oriented away from the ocean, which is generally a highly valued visual resource
and focal point for viewers, viewer interest is expected to be higher to the west.
The resulting visual impacts to Key View 4 from the Proposed Action would be minimal.
Coloring the pole-mounted lights on the platforms with non-reflective paint to better blend in with
the background beyond could make them virtually disappear from this Key View during the day.
Summary of Anticipated Visual Impacts
Implementation of any of the three Action Alternatives would result in a project that would be
substantially similar in many ways to the existing condition. Although the double tracking
would add 1.7 miles of additional track with up to 1,650 feet supported by new elevated
structures, and the rail and track bed would be up to eight feet higher in elevation at places, the
new structure color and form would have less contrast with background views. Additionally, the
concrete supports would be wider spaced and parallel to each other, resulting in a more visually
open overall structure compared to the existing wood structure.
Pole-mounted lighting, railings, and the stairs/ramps associated with the 1,000 foot-long special
events platform would introduce new visual features with a moderate visual impact. However,
the visual impacts could be minimized by incorporation of architectural detailing and enhanced
design features such as non-reflective paint colors similar to the background colors for the
pole-mounted lights. Overall, visual impacts would not be substantial.
Analysis of Other Proposed Action Components
In addition to new double-track rail bridges and rail platforms, the Action Alternatives propose
to construct approximately 2.1 miles of track improvements within the project limits. Track
improvements would include the replacement of existing track and addition of a second track.
Such improvements would not substantially change the existing visual character or quality of the
Proposed Action area because (1) railroad tracks are very low profile visual elements that are
more or less surface improvements; (2) track improvements would occur within in an existing
railroad corridor where tracks already occur; and (3) proposed track improvements would occur
within the existing railroad ROW and thus, there would be no expansion of the ROW. While a
second track would be added in portions of the rail corridor that currently contain only a single
track (approximately 1.1 miles), the addition of a second track within the existing railway would
be visually compatible with the existing track and would not introduce a new dominant visual
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element. The track bed would be raised by up to eight feet at the southerly abutment of the new
track bridges, but this change in track bed elevation would not be highly noticeable along the
linear rail alignment and would not result in view blockage of visual resources. The ROW
would not be widened and the resulting change in the visual environment would low. As a
result, no adverse visual impacts would occur as a result of the proposed track improvements.
Similarly, other rail facilities would be constructed along the improved rail way, including
turnouts, signals, signal houses, crossovers, and access roads. These rail features already occur
along the rail corridor and the replacement, relocation, or provision of additional rail features
with similar types would not substantially change the visual character or quality of the visual
environment. No substantial adverse visual impacts would occur.
The Action Alternatives would also include drainage improvements, the extent of which would
depend on the alternative. Each of the Action Alternatives would construct a drainage channel
parallel to the east side of the railroad tracks north and south of the wye to direct flows into the
wye. The addition of these drainage channels would be visually compatible with the existing
visual environment, particularly because other linear drainage and water courses are located in
the immediate vicinity. In addition, the East Side-Loading and East Center-Loading alternatives
would realign a portion of Stevens Creek, which currently runs parallel to the east side of the
railroad track embankment and outfalls into the San Dieguito River. A portion of the creek
would be filled and realigned to flow under the railroad track embankment in a box culvert and
within a new low-flow channel that would outfall into the lagoon west of the tracks. The
realignment of Stevens Creek would not substantially change the visual character or quality of
the existing environment because it would continue to be a water feature in the viewscape. The
realigned portion of the creek would be more visible from surrounding roadways and within the
rail corridor than it currently is because it would no longer run parallel to the tracks, but would
extend westerly toward the ocean. The box culvert would introduce an additional developed
element within the visual environmental of the San Dieguito River, but would be visually
compatible with other elements of the immediate built environment, such as railroad
infrastructure, roadways, and surrounding development. No adverse visual impacts would occur.
Grading and Retaining Walls
The Action Alternatives would require relatively large amounts of grading to accommodate the
proposed double track and new rail bridge (refer to Table 3-1 for estimated grading quantities for
the Action Altenatives). In the northern portion of the Proposed Action site within Solana Beach
(between Lomas Santa Fe Drive to Via de la Valle), the railroad track occurs within a trench.
The addition of a second track within this portion would require widening the trench and
construction of retaining walls generally along both sides of tracks within this segment. The
walls would range in height between 5 and 30 feet tall. These walls would not be highly visible
from surrounding areas because they would be below grade within the trench. They would be
most visible by rail passengers within the rail corridor, and to a lesser degree, by pedestrians and
bicyclists on the Coastal Rail Trail to the west between the rail corridor and Highway 101.
Views would not be provided from outlying areas to the west and east due to the below grade
location and intervening structures and vegetation. No adverse visual impacts related to
landform alteration would occur.
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The railway within the central portion of the Proposed Action site (between Via de la Valle
and the southern bank of the San Dieguito River) would be above grade and located on a new
berm and new rail bridge. Grading required for this portion of the site would involve
construction of fill slopes on both sides of the tracks north proposed rail bridge. The berms
would be similar in height to the existing berm, and would be revegetated with native species
following construction. As a result, the change in landforms within this portion of the
Proposed Action site would not be noticeably different than the existing condition. As a result,
no adverse visual impacts would occur.
The rail bed in the southern portion of the Proposed Action site (south of the San Dieguito River)
would generally be at grade but would be up to eight feet higher than the existing rail bed. Fill
slopes would be constructed on the east side of the tracks, adjacent to the wye, and retaining
walls would be constructed along the east side of the tracks south of the wye to accommodate the
second track. The retaining walls in this area would be up to 14 feet high and would be visible
from surrounding roadways, notably from Jimmy Durante Boulevard and Grand Avenue. While
they would represent new visual features along the railroad corridor, they would not substantially
contrast with existing visual elements because they would be constructed in a developed area
with similar materials, colors, and surfaces. Consequently, no adverse visual impacts related to
landform alteration would occur.
Construction-related Impacts
The Action Alternatives would result in temporary visual impacts during the three-year
construction period. Construction activities would contrast with existing conditions, and may
include exposed soil, stockpiled dirt, debris from demolished structures, scaffolding, temporary
barriers, and heavy construction equipment.
Additional erosion control, storm water
management practices, and vegetation removal/re-establishment also may introduce visual
elements, such as gravel bags, fiber rolls, silt fences, and irrigation lines. The required
equipment staging areas also may be visible. Construction staging for the Action Alternatives
would most likely occur within the Fairgrounds, but also may occur at other locations adjacent to
the project limits.
The visual construction elements would temporarily reduce the visual quality of the area. While
they would result in changes to visual environment, the visual impacts caused by construction
would be temporary in nature. Visual disruptions would be removed upon completion of the
construction period for each phase. No associated adverse visual impacts would occur during
construction of the Action Alternatives.
No Action Alternative
Under the No Action Alternative, the proposed rail improvements would not be constructed. As
a result, no change from the existing visual conditions would occur. Therefore, no short-term
construction-related or long-term visual impacts would occur.
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Avoidance, Minimization, and Mitigation Measures
Action Alternatives
Although not required to avoid an adverse visual impact, architectural design elements would be
incorporated into the design of the proposed rail bridges, rail platforms, and retaining walls.
Specifically, architectural details, such as shadow lines and shaped architectural elements, will
be incorporated into the design of the proposed rail bridge and rail platforms in an effort to
reduce the bridge and platform profile. Enhanced design features such as non-reflective paint
colors may also be incorporated into the design of the pole-mounted lights on the platforms.
Surface treatments and textures may also be incorporated into the design of retaining walls to
break up the surface plane and provide visual interest.
No Action Alternative
Because the No Action Alternative would not cause or contribute to any visual impacts, it would
not require any avoidance, minimization, or mitigation measures.
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