Lagoon Enhancements

San Diego County has six lagoons within the North Coast Corridor. Each lagoon supports critical habitat including various marine life, birds and plants, while providing trail access to pedestrians and bicyclists.  As part of the NCC Program, transit improvements will be met as part of a balanced program that includes environmental protection and coastal access enhancements. The NCC program proposes to protect more than 170 acres of critical coastal habitat and support lagoon restoration.  Listed below is a partial list of enhancements proposed for the lagoons within the corridor.

Buena Vista Lagoon – The highway and rail bridges that crosses Buena Vista Lagoon is proposed to be replaced and lengthened resulting in improved tidal circulation. In a separate effort, SANDAG is preparing an Environmental Impact Report to evaluate potential lagoon enhancement alternatives.

Agua Hedionda Lagoon – SANDAG and Caltrans, through the Environmental Mitigation Program, have acquired 19.3 acres of property that will be preserved and restored.

Batiquitos Lagoon – A proposed suspended trail under the I-5 freeway bridge will complete a missing link for trail users and connect to a new lagoon nature center.

San Elijo Lagoon – A proposed trail and suspended pedestrian bridge will be built under I-5 improving access around the lagoon. Additionally, the proposed rail and highway bridge lengthening will help improve water quality and tidal flow.

San Dieguito Lagoon – SANDAG and Caltrans will restore two critical coastal habitat sites adjacent to the lagoon resulting in over 100 acres of restored wetland and upland preservation.

Los Peñasquitos Lagoon – A proposed trail connection includes a new, paved bicycle/pedestrian trail, providing access to the lagoon and the ocean, and creating a link to the proposed Carmel Valley park and ride trailhead.