Big Changes Taking Shape on the Escondido Creek Trail

Access Updates

Construction continues along the Escondido Creek Trail, with active work zones throughout the project area. As this work continues, temporary day-to-day closures will occur on the north and south sides of the trail during irrigation and electrical installation. The long-term closure at Date Street will remain in place on both sides of the trail during improvement work.

While this work continues, several exciting new features are beginning to appear along the trail. Here’s a look at what’s taking shape.

New Art Coming to the ECT!

The leaders behind the vibrant ESCO Alley Art initiative are working with local artists to bring six mural panels to the Neighborhood Healthcare building at Elm Street along the Escondido Creek Trail. These panels will celebrate Escondido’s historic floral and fauna, people, and agricultural roots. Panel installation is anticipated for April 4.

ESCO Alley Art welcomes the community to join them for the unveiling of the vibrant panels on Saturday, April 18, at 3:30 p.m., at 460 N Elm Street. The exciting ceremony will feature:

Community gathering honoring creativity and culture
First look at the murals
Celebration of this colorful edition to the ECT
Artist meet-and-greet
Kid-friendly activities
Music and refreshments

This is one of many incredible partnerships helping to bring these trail improvements to life!

Native American-Inspired Paver Patterns Underway

On Date Street near the bridge, a new design element is starting to take shape. Crews are installing decorative pavers inspired by Native American basket weaving patterns, designs that carry deep cultural meaning and honor the heritage of Escondido’s Indigenous Peoples. Beyond their symbolism, the stone pavers also add durability, helping the trail withstand changing weather while reducing long-term repair needs. Stay tuned for this beautiful addition to the trail!

Photo of concrete at the Escondido Creek

Fence Silhouettes in Progress
If you’ve crossed the bridges at Midway Drive or Rose and Harding Streets lately, you may have spotted something new along the trail. Steel fence silhouettes featuring people walking, biking, and exploring are beginning to appear along the Creek Trail. These designs reflect the many ways our community experiences the trail and celebrate that the Creek Trail is a place for everyone to enjoy.

Decorative fence installations are now complete at five locations, with one more underway at the Fig Street Bridge.

Finding Your Way Through the ECT
Navigating the Creek Trail is about to get easier! New ECT-branded signage has already been installed along the west side between Citracado Parkway and Quince Street, with installation along the east side coming in the weeks ahead.

Creek Trail Striping to Boost Rider Safety

Check out these before and after photos showing the new striping! Not only is this a beautiful aesthetic improvement, but it also improves safety for riders.

Major Underground Improvements

While many of the visible features are beginning to take shape above ground, a significant portion of the work is happening below the surface.

New underground irrigation systems will reduce water loss and require less long-term maintenance.
Installation of irrigation and electrical systems continues on both sides of the trail.

Adjacent Projects to the ECT

The Emergency Trunk Sewer Replacement project was completed in late February. For more information, visit the project website.

Open during construction

Businesses along the Creek Trail Corridor remain open during construction and appreciate your support — so be sure to stop by and shop locally throughout the year.

Contact us

We appreciate the community’s patience as we work on this important project. Reach out to the project team if you have any feedback or questions. A team member will get back to you in two (2) business working days.

Phone: Call us at 760-839-4949
Email: Email questions or feedback to creek@escondido.org
Regular updates: Subscribe here for regular updates. 
For additional information, please visit the Escondido Creek Trail webpage.

About the project

Construction for the Escondido Creek trail began in February 2025. Work will take place from Citracado Parkway to North Midway Drive, with construction generally moving from west to east. The project is expected to be completed in late 2025, pending any unforeseen delays. Construction hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the exception of city-recognized holidays.