The Cole Grade Road Improvement Project
Project Updates
Temporary work to relocate overhead utility lines is underway.
o SDG&E and Mediacom have completed work.
o AT&T is expected to begin in April
County Board of Supervisors has approved the advertisement of a construction contract for Phase 1 of the Cole Grade Road Improvement Project.
o County project to be advertised in Spring 2026
o County construction is expected to begin in Fall 2026
For any questions or additional information, you can call our Hotline # 619-814-2374.
We will try to respond to your inquiry within 24 hours.
You can also submit questions using the form at the bottom of the page.
Project Description
The Cole Grade Road Improvement Project will widen approximately 2.8 miles of Cole Grade Road between Pauma Heights Road and Fruitvale Road to add a new center, two-way left turn lane, bike lanes, and a multi-use trail. The project will also replace and improve existing stormwater systems, including a new bridge over Keys Creek, and install Green Street drainage features.
Project Rendering - Cole Grade Road at Millco Lane (Looking North)
Project Objectives/Benefits
o Reduce congestion and improve vehicular safety along the roadway
o Enhance multi-modal transportation and connectivity through the addition of bicycle lanes in both directions, and a multi-use trail along the west side of the road
o Provide a safe pedestrian and bicycle route between Valley Center Library and Valley Center High School for students using the corridor
o Reduce risk of flooding through improved stormwater systems
o Improve water quality of nearby creeks and streams through installation of Green Street drainage features like biofiltration swales along the side of the road
To help finish the project faster and reduce impacts on the community, the work will be done in two phases. Phase 1 will cover 1.0 mile, from Pauma Heights Road to Cool Valley Road. Phase 2 will cover 1.83 miles from Cool Valley Road to Fruitvale Road.
Utility Relocation
The project includes the conversion of overhead power poles and utility lines to an underground system. The utility companies have partnered with the County to allow the County’s contractor to construct the underground system while the road work is being done. To keep the project moving smoothly, the utility companies will temporarily relocate existing overhead poles and lines outside the Cole Grade Road project area, prior to the start of County construction. This temporary relocation will clear the project area for County construction activities and allow traffic to be safety shifted during the work. At the end of the project, the utilities will be permanently placed underground and all temporary facilities will be removed.
Phase 1 Timeline: Pauma Heights Road to Cool Valley Road
o SDG&E Distribution
SDG&E will relocate their facilities to a temporary position on the east side of the road, beyond the County’s construction zone. SDG&E will complete their temporary relocations for the Phase 1 limits between:
March 2025 – October 2025
o Mediacom
Mediacom will relocate their existing overhead communications lines to a temporary position, attached to the SDG&E temporary utility poles. Mediacom may need to install their own poles in a few locations. Mediacom will complete their temporary relocations for Phase 1 between:
February 2026 – March 2026
o AT&T
AT&T will relocate their existing overhead communications lines to a temporary position, attached to the SDG&E temporary utility poles. AT&T may need to install their own poles in a few locations. AT&T will complete their temporary relocations for Phase 1 between:
April 2026 – August 2026
o County of San Diego Phase 1 Construction
Once SDG&E has removed their existing electric poles, the County’s Contractor can begin work. Construction of the road widening will be completed by the County of San Diego’s contractor (to be awarded). A construction contract is anticipated to be awarded in summer 2026, with construction activities beginning in Fall 2026 and ending in early spring 2028.
Once the Contractor provides a construction schedule, the construction sequencing can be shared with the public.
Phase 2 Timeline: Cool Valley Road to Fruitvale Road
o Right-of-Way Phase
Late summer 2026 – Late summer 2027
o Temporary Utility Relocations
End 2026 – Spring 2028
o County of San Diego Phase 2 Construction
Summer 2028 – Fall 2029
Project-Related Upcoming Activities
The County of San Diego will have an engagement opportunity prior to Phase 1 construction start to answer community questions about upcoming construction activities and expect traffic control operations. More information to come once the date and venue has been confirmed.
For additional questions or information, you may call our project hotline at 619-814-2374, fill out the form below, or contact the Project Manager, Ryan Lau at ryan.lau@sdcounty.ca.gov.
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