SANDAG will celebrate another milestone in its ongoing Build NCC project this Saturday, Aug. 12: The grand opening of the San Elijo Activity Hub Park & Ride in Encinitas.

The new facility — located at 2581 Via Poco, behind the Chevron station — features 166 parking spaces, bike racks, and info on how to access and explore nearby trails and the San Elijo Lagoon. SANDAG says it’ll also serve as a centralized location where locals and visitors can use the new HOV/carpool lanes on Interstate 5.

The new multi-use hub features 166 parking spaces. | Photo via SANDAG

Saturday’s free community celebration will include snow cones, games, a guided lagoon tour, and a chance to check out new biking and walking paths.

We’ve been keeping an eye on Build NCC, the ~$882 million project to improve highway, rail, environmental, and coastal access in Solana Beach, Encinitas, and Carlsbad. Construction on the remaining parts of the plan is expected to continue through 2024.