Steep Retaining Wall Project Delayed, Lane Closures Extended Into September

DEL MAR, CA — Construction of a retaining wall on a steep slope next to Jimmy Durante Boulevard just north of Camino del Mar is taking longer than expected because of utility coordination and challenging field conditions, officials said Tuesday.

Intermittent closures on northbound Jimmy Durante Boulevard between Luzon Avenue and David Way are expected to continue into September. Road closures will be limited to weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., according to Del Mar city officials.

Planners intend to avoid road closures during the San Diego County Fair from June 10 to July 5.

The project will extend an existing retaining wall made of steel beams and timber lagging. Crews installed the original wall in 2019 as an emergency project after a significant bluff failure on Easter Sunday that year.

Recent "geotechnical" reports recommended extending the structure 45 feet to help prevent future failures, the city said in a statement. The project also includes landscaping and drainage improvements.

A detour will direct northbound traffic onto Camino del Mar, then onto Via de la Valle. Motorists were asked to obey all traffic control signs and follow designated detour routes.

More information on the project can be found by calling Del Mar Public Works at 858-755-3294 or contacting PublicWorksGroup@delmar.ca.us.