Rainbow Green Street Project

Estimated Cost: $15M | Estimated Completion: Summer 2026

Identified in the County's Green Streets Clean Water Plan, this project improves water quality in the Santa Margarita Watershed by removing pollutants from stormwater runoff, and enhances pedestrian safety and mobility.

Learn how you can limit your watershed impact with our Educational Resources.

Learn more about the Santa Margarita Watershed on Project Clean Water.

Green Infrastructure elements will include:

In alignment with the Green Street Clean Water Plan, this project takes a holistic approach to improving water quality by installing infrastructure that delivers multiple community benefits. These include safer pedestrian walkways, new green spaces, expanded tree canopy, and native landscaping.

Stormdrain and Channel Upgrades

This project will upgrade existing channels and stormdrains to meet present-days needs, which will the issue of ponding illustrated in the image above.

Water Quality Improvements within the Right-of-Way

This project will install underground modular wetland systems within the County's right-of-way to remove pollutants, such as nitrrogen and phosphorous, from stormwater runoff.

Sidewalks

This project will add approximately 500 feet of sidewalk and two access ramps to improve pedestrian safety and mobility.

Driveways

This project will replace 27 driveways within the County's right-of-way.

Construction: What to Expect

Construction began in April 2025 and is expected to be completed in Summer 2026.

Project area includes segments of Fifth Street, Huffstatler Street, and Rainbow Valley Boulevard.

Please note that construction dates are subject to change due to compliance requirements, inclement weather, and/or other unforeseen circumstances.

During construction, the County will make every effort to minimize disruptions along Huffstatler Street, Fifth Street, and Rainbow Valley Boulevard. While most work will occur within the public road right-of-way, temporary access to private property will be needed in some cases. There will be temporary impacts to utilities, and to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Traffic control measures, including signage placed prior to and during construction, will be implemented to ensure the safety of our customers.

The County of San Diego Project Manager for this project is René Vidales. Contact information for Mr. Vidales is provided below:

Email: Rene.Vidales@sdcounty.ca.gov
Phone: (858) 282-1239

The County of San Diego is proud to implement projects like this to improve water quality, support sustainability, and enhance our local communities.

Learn about our Other Green Infrastructure Projects

Visit our Watershed Protection Program Home Page