FOLLOWUP: SDOT finally finishing 63rd/Beach Drive crossing

For five months, the poles for flashing beacons at the new 63rd/Beach Drive crossing have been in place (here’s our January update), awaiting the beacons. We’ve checked in periodically with SDOT, and they’ve replied repeatedly that they were waiting for the equipment to arrive. That’s finally happened; WSB contributor Anne Higuera noticed the crew at work while passing through the area a short time ago and stopped to ask about the project’s status and get a photo. They told her that the beacon should be operational today, but the activation buttons will be bagged because the striping has to be finished. We don’t have a timeline for that but will check with SDOT on Monday. It’s been a year and a half since this was announced as a “2025 project.”

North Admiral Cyclist June 21, 2026 (3:36 pm)

They also recently painted construction markings on Beach Dr that appear to be intended for extending the line of concrete curbs. I usually like a barrier to protect bike paths from cars – but at this location, the existing concrete curbs are a recognized hazard by many cyclists, as they trap the cyclist in with numerous pedestrians, dog walkers, etc. SDOT’s own study of the “healthy” street in 2024 shows cyclists avoid riding in the area “protected” by the concrete curbs.