The Del Mar City Council received an update Feb. 17 on the citywide utility undergrounding project, focusing on the active undergrounding districts.

The council will also consider longterm funding plans for the undergrounding project during its first meeting in March.

Stratford Court South

Stratford Court South, known as District 1A, is close to the end of construction. The district has 56 poles and 7,500 linear feet of overhead conversion to 11,165 linear feet of underground trench spanning 227 properties, according to a council agenda report. Fifty-five of those properties require undergrounding of private service lateral, which the property owners have to pay for.

“Teichert Utilities remains in the district to address minor items and assist utility companies as needed. Final paving will occur following completion of utility service cutovers. It is important to note that additional full-width pavement improvements are scheduled as part of the City’s Stratford Court South Pavement Improvements Project in Fiscal Year 2026-2027,” the council agenda report states.

SDG&E is also removing overhead wires and is expected to finish pole removals in March.

Crest Canyon

Crest Canyon, known as District X1A, is in the construction phase, which is divided into three work zones that run through September.

“Overall, construction in Work Zone 1 has been successful, with minimal design changes,” according to the agenda report. “Lessons learned from Stratford Court South (1A) have been implemented, including early development of the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan to avoid construction delays and close coordination with residents.”

Some of the challenges so far have included the deteriorated pavement conditions on San Dieguito Drive, between Racetrack View Drive and Oribia Road, as well as the narrow width of Oribia Road.

Stratford Court North

Stratford Court North, known as District 1B, is in the design phase.

“Construction is currently anticipated in the second half of Fiscal Year 2026-2027, contingent upon the City receiving the necessary easements and permit-to-enter forms from property owners,” according to the agenda report. “The City’s construction duration is estimated at 4 months with the full project timeline to pole removals estimated at 10 months.”