City of Santa Clarita - Capital Improvement Projects
A capital project adds to the City’s infrastructure. Projects include such things as constructing curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and public access ramps. Examples of capital projects might include the Santa Clarita Sports Complex, constructing the Newhall Metrolink Station, and realigning and upgrading Railroad Avenue. Additionally, constructing storm drains, widening roads, installing and upgrading traffic signals, and improving roadway conditions by realigning, striping, overlaying, and slurrying roads contribute to improving the City’s infrastructure. Capital projects also include right and left-turn pockets, installing sewers, constructing or upgrading roadway medians to beautify the City, etc.
The City receives numerous requests for improvements each year. Engineering staff organizes all requests into a logical format. Staff can then evaluate the pros and cons of each proposal and recommend appropriate projects to be included in the City’s Capital Improvement Program, utilizing available funds.
Current Projects
Newhall Crossing Safety Improvements Project
The City of Santa Clarita is pleased to announce the start of design on the Newhall Ave Crossing Safety Improvements Project in Newhall. This project plays a key factor in the City’s five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025, focusing on the themes of sustaining public infrastructure and public safety.
This railroad crossing was identified by California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as a candidate location for vehicular and pedestrian improvements through the Federal Section 130 fund program. With collaboration from the CPUC, Caltrans, and the Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA), this project will improve the safety and circulation at the Newhall Avenue crossing.
Some of the project improvements include but are not limited to:
- Street rehabilitation on vehicular approaches and departures from the crossing
- Modifications to the intersection traffic signals and railroad warning devices
- Installation of pre-signals for advance preemption
- Restricting vehicular traffic onto Pine Street to the East with sidewalk, curb, and gutter
- Channelized path for pedestrian and bicyclist crossing with emergency egress exit gates
- Installation of medians and new signing and striping
The project is currently in the preliminary engineering phase and will be in design in early 2025. For more information about the Newhall Ave Crossing Safety Improvements Project, please contact Connor Hahm, Engineer at chahm@santaclarita.gov.
River of Lights Project
The “River of Lights” project is an exciting new addition to Central Park, marking the final phase of the park’s expansion. This project brings together art, lighting, and community space, enhancing the park’s appeal and offering a unique experience for visitors. Here’s an overview of the key features:
- LED Lighting and Exercise Stairs:
The exercise stairs on the south hillside, which have been incredibly popular since their installation, are being further enhanced with 80 LED lights along both sides. These lights will create a flowing “river” effect, with the ability to change colors and brightness to add a dynamic visual element to the stairs, especially in the evening. - Flowing “River” Effect in the Plaza:
At the base of the stairs, the “river” theme continues into the plaza, where more than 100 LED lights are embedded in the concrete. These lights will create the illusion of flowing water, enhancing the overall theme and adding to the park’s aesthetic appeal. - Sculpture: When a Cloud Met a Cloud:
A stunning 14-foot sculpture titled When a Cloud Met a Cloud by artist Sujin Lim will be the centerpiece of the plaza, creating a central gathering point for groups and families. The sculpture, featuring white clouds and colorful “rain” columns, is designed to create an immersive experience with lights that blink to mimic rainfall. This interactive feature will add an enchanting, whimsical touch to the space. - Educational Displays:
Throughout the area, informative podiums will provide graphic illustrations that educate visitors about water use and how it reaches Santa Clarita. This educational component adds an important layer of environmental awareness to the park, making it a space for learning as well as relaxation. - Special Events and Programming:
The lighting can be programmed to create different effects for special events and holidays. For example, the lights can display red, white, and blue for Fourth of July celebrations. Additionally, a 20-foot flagpole will be installed at the top of the stairs, with up lighting to enhance the overall visual impact of the park during these events.
The “River of Lights” project is a beautiful blend of art, education, and public space that will create a vibrant gathering place for the community. It will offer both locals and visitors a place to relax, learn, and enjoy the natural beauty of Central Park, while also celebrating the area’s culture and environmental awareness.
The Central Park Buildout supports the Building and Creating Community theme of the City’s five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025. For more information about the River of Lights construction, contact Alan Stump at astump@santaclarita.gov.
Rink Sports Pavilion
The Rink Sports Pavilion (Rink), located at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex, adjacent to the gymnasium will be the first of its kind in the City of Santa Clarita and will offer the community a new intergenerational recreation amenity. This multi-use facility will offer a roller-skating rink with overlays of a basketball court, three pickleball courts, a volleyball court, spectator seating, an audio/disc jockey booth with a sound and lighting system, designated area for special events, and a commercial kitchen/concession area to meet the future needs of the community. Other improvements include landscape and hardscape enhancements surrounding the facility. This project will also feature a civic art piece located on-site and accessible to the public.
The Rink will be constructed in two phases. Phase I construction was completed in Fall of 2024. This included the rough grading, relocation of the sand volleyball court to a temporary site, grading certification of the building pad, and utility adjustments.
Construction of Phase II is anticipated to be completed in Summer 2026.
For any questions about The Rink Sports Pavilion, please contact Araz Valijan at avalijan@santaclarita.gov.
Magic Mountain Parkway Project
The City of Santa Clarita is excited to announce the start of construction on the Magic Mountain Parkway Beautification Project in Valencia. This project is an integral component of the Santa Clarita 2025 Strategic Plan, focused on community beautification and sustainability. This project will complete the curb and gutters and raised landscape median, along Magic Mountain Parkway. The pavement along Magic Mountain Parkway will then undergo overlay resurfacing treatment from Tourney Road to McBean Parkway.
Magic Mountain Parkway is a major arterial road that connects to Interstate 5 Freeway to the West and Railroad Avenue to the East. Magic Mountain Parkway is currently built out from Avignon Dr. to Railroad Avenue. This project will improve the final 2,500 linear feet of Magic Mountain Parkway roadway from McBean Parkway to Interstate 5 with landscaped medians, curb and, gutter. Construction is anticipated to begin construction in Spring of 2025.
This project showcases the City’s commitment to improving the quality of life to its residents and meets the goals of the Community Beautification and Sustainability theme of the City of Santa Clarita’s five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025.
For more information about the Magic Mountain Beautification Project, please contact Carla Callahan, Senior Engineer at ccallahan@santaclarita.gov.
Vista Canyon Bridge
The City of Santa Clarita is announcing the start of construction on the Vista Canyon Bridge and Road Improvements Project in Canyon Country. This project is an integral component of the Santa Clarita 2025 Strategic Plan, focused on building and creating community.
The Vista Canyon Bridge and Road Improvements Project includes the construction of a two-lane bridge approximately 780 feet in length, with one lane in each direction. The bridge will feature a striped median for emergency vehicles, highway safety lighting, concrete barriers and metal railing. Additionally, the project will incorporate a raised landscape planter, a shared-use sidewalk with a Class I bike lane and a new bike trail under the bridge, ensuring that the infrastructure supports various modes of transportation.
Complementing the bridge construction, road improvements will include the installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Vista Canyon Boulevard, formerly Lost Canyon Road. The improvements will also feature new exclusive eastbound left-turn and right-turn lanes, an extension of the existing westbound left-turn lane and roadway enhancements along Vista Canyon Boulevard, north of the bridge. South of the bridge, a new roundabout and extension of Vista Canyon Boulevard will be constructed to provide access to the Vista Canyon Multi-Modal Transit Center.
The Vista Canyon Bridge and Road Improvements project will provide a secondary access point from Soledad Canyon Road to the Vista Canyon community and Metrolink station. This new connection will enhance traffic circulation and transit services for the development and neighboring communities. The bridge will also serve as an alternate emergency access route, offering an additional evacuation path for the Sand Canyon community.
At this time there is no impact to residents, however, in the spring of 2025, there will be construction along Soledad Canyon Road and residents will be notified of future lane closures. Construction is anticipated to be completed in spring of 2026.
David March Park
This project will design Phase II improvements to David March Park, including additional amenities within the existing park footprint and development of a portion of the lower
park property.
David March Park was originally built by L.A. County in 2004. The park is about 13.2 acres, and was transferred to the City of Santa Clarita (City) in June 2016. Phase I was completed
by the County and included the build out of approximately 2 acres of the northern portion of the property including a playground, fitness zone, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, restroom building, and parking.
A Master Plan for Phase II was originally put together by L.A. County and was updated by the City in March of 2022 to meet City standards. Phase II amenities will include improvements to the existing park as well as development of an additional 5 acres of the park property.
New amenities will include shade canopies for those warm summer days. A basketball court with sport court lighting to utilize and enjoy during the day and evening hours. Lighted walkways provide for leisurely evening strolls. Expanded parking will be added to the existing park.
Park improvements will also include a baseball field and backstop. Residents can enjoy watching sporting events under new shaded spectator stands, and participate in or watch evening sports with the sport field lighting. Additionally, a new restroom building will be constructed.
An accessible walkway will provide ease when transitioning between activity levels. Security lighting will be added along walkways. A new parking lot will also be added to accommodate residents visiting the newly expanded park.
Shaded community gathering areas will provide opportunities for residents to enjoy time with family and friends while enjoying the enhanced landscape supported by irrigation improvements.
This project exemplifies the City’s commitment to improving the quality of life of its residents and meets the goals of the Building and Creating Community theme of the City of Santa Clarita’s (City) five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025 and also supports the Develop, Enhance, and Rehabilitate Park Features and Facilities theme identified in the Parks and Recreation 5-Year Plan.
For more information about the David March Park Phase II Improvement project, please contact Carla Callahan, Senior Engineer at CCALLAHAN@santaclarita.gov.
Via Princessa Park
The City of Santa Clarita is excited to announce the construction of Via Princessa Park, adding to our many parks throughout the Sant Clarita Valley. This project will provide numerous amenities like four full-sized multi-purpose fields with sports field lighting, welcoming players and spectators alike. In addition to conveniently located restrooms.
A nature themed playground and natural play area will encourage children to use their imaginations to explore, grow and socialize with other young explorers. Shaded picnic areas provide opportunities to relax, enjoy a snack, lunch or just a moment to take a quick break from fun activities. Via Princessa Park will offer amenities that create and encourage outdoor recreational opportunities within the community.
The City is proud to share that this project will also include a regional subterranean infiltration facility that will improve water quality to the Santa Clara River. The facility is consistent with the City’s 2025 goal of working toward the stormwater infiltration requirements outlined in the Upper Santa Clara River Enhanced Watershed Management Program.
The Via Princessa Park project provides community benefits through water quality improvements, increased park space, and the creation of new recreational opportunities. The project displays the City’s commitment to providing future recreational needs for its residents and supporting the Building and Creating Community theme of the City of Santa Clarita 2025 5-Year. The project promotes an increase in access, and opportunities for, passive and active recreational programming within the community as identified as a focus area in the Parks and Recreation 5-Year Plan.
For more information about the Via Princessa Park project, please contact Leslie Frazier, Project Manager or lfrazier@santaclarita.gov.
Newhall Gateway Beautification
The Newhall Gateway Beautification project is located at the State Route 14 on-ramp and off-ramp interchange at Newhall Avenue.
The current design project will provide for plans to beautify this location. This will be done using landscaping to enhance the appearance of the project area. Landscaping such as trees, shrubs and groundcover will bring out the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Efficient irrigation, low water use plant material, and the balance of hardscape and landscape are elements to be included in the drought conscious design. As well as creating hardscape to complement the landscape.
The existing project location includes approximately 200,000 square feet of blighted, unimproved land with no existing irrigation. The beautification of the area surrounding the interchange will improve existing conditions, highlight the mountainous terrain of the area, enhance previously-constructed Caltrans freeway infrastructure, and enhance a primary entry point for the Newhall community.
As residents and visitors to the Santa Clarita Valley exit the freeway at Newhall Avenue, they will be greeted by attractive landscaping and pleasing hardscape.
This project supports the Community Beautification and Sustainability theme of the City of Santa Clarita’s (City) five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025.
For more information about the Newhall Gateway Beautification project, please contact Lisa Campos, Project Development Coordinator at LCAMPOS@santaclarita.gov.
