Speed limits could rise on parts of Camino del Mar and Jimmy Durante Boulevard under recommendations heading to Del Mar's Traffic and Parking Advisory Committee on Monday, Sept. 14.
An engineering report prepared by ZONE Traffic Engineering Consulting analyzed 16 street segments across four Del Mar corridors and found three where current speed limits fall below how fast drivers actually travel. The report, dated Wednesday, Sept. 9, is part of the TPAC meeting agenda for the 5 p.m. session at Del Mar Town Hall, 1050 Camino del Mar.
The biggest proposed change: Jimmy Durante Boulevard between Camino del Mar and the eastern city limits, where the measured 85th percentile speed hit 42 mph against a posted limit of 35. The report recommends raising that segment to 40 mph, citing rural characteristics and limited development.
A second Jimmy Durante segment, between the Rideshare Gate and San Dieguito Drive, would also go from 35 to 40 mph. The 85th percentile speed there was 38 mph, and the report described the stretch as having fewer access points and a more open character.
On Camino del Mar, only the segment between La Amatista Road and 4th Street is recommended for an increase, from 25 to 30 mph. The measured 85th percentile speed was 31 mph in what the report called a primarily residential area with moderate pedestrian activity.
Downtown stays at 25
The remaining 13 segments would keep their current limits. The downtown commercial village stays put. The report specifically recommended retaining 25 mph through that stretch, citing high pedestrian activity, outdoor dining and frequent crosswalks.
One segment near 9th Street drew particular attention. Data there supported an increase to 30 mph, but the report recommended keeping 25 mph because of a school zone and residential driveways.
Coast Boulevard would also stay at 25 mph due to heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic along the beachfront.
Pedestrian safety also on the agenda
The Monday meeting will also take up pedestrian safety concerns at the 11th Street and 13th Street intersections on Camino del Mar. TPAC staff is asking the committee to consider potential actions and recommend next steps to the City Council.
TPAC Chair Zach Groban will lead the meeting. Karen Falk is staff lead. Council liaisons are Deputy Mayor John Spelich and Councilmember Dan Quirk.
The City Council approved roughly $20,000 plus 40 staff hours for the annual speed survey as part of TPAC's fiscal year 2026-27 work plan on June 16.
Any speed limits set through the survey remain valid for seven years, or up to 14 years if an engineer determines road and traffic conditions have not significantly changed.
Residents who want to weigh in can submit written comments by noon Monday to [email protected]. The committee's recommendations will go to the City Council for final approval.
