San Diego County is preparing for major highway improvements with substantial construction work beginning this fall.
San Diego County is set to invest $623 million in highway construction projects starting this fall. Key projects include the extensive overhaul of I-805 and improvements to State Route 78 and Interstate 5. With construction beginning soon, significant traffic disruptions are expected, affecting local communities. Authorities aim to enhance road safety and quality, but local businesses express concerns over the impact on their operations during this period.
San Diego County will see a significant investment of $623 million in highway construction projects beginning this fall as Caltrans initiates the largest freeway upgrade effort since the highways were originally built in the 1960s and 70s. This major project will affect key corridors, including Interstate 5, Interstate 805, and State Route 78.
The largest of these projects involves a complete overhaul of I-805, running from the Mexican border to State Route 15, which will receive $222 million. This extensive renovation is expected to last three years, with work commencing this fall.
Another significant project worth $126 million will resurface 18 miles of State Route 78, connecting Oceanside to Escondido. Additionally, Interstate 5 will undergo a $114 million renovation aimed at enhancing ride quality and extending the pavement’s lifespan from National City to Del Mar.
Two additional projects on I-805 will prioritize infrastructure enhancements. These improvements will include upgrades to traffic management systems and repairs to drainage infrastructure, crucial for preventing sinkholes and flooding in the area.
Caltrans emphasizes that the main goals of these construction projects are to maintain existing roadways and improve safety through enhancements such as electronic signage and improved lighting.
Orange construction signs are already visible on I-805 and State Route 78, alerting drivers to upcoming work zones. Motorists should expect significant traffic disruptions, which will include lane closures and weekend highway shutdowns. Most of the construction projects are expected to be completed by next year, with the extensive I-805 project potentially extending two to four years.
Caltrans has committed to providing regular updates on traffic impacts as construction progresses, ensuring that the public remains informed about road conditions.
In addition to the freeway improvements, local construction projects are also causing concerns among residents and businesses. In City Heights, a $13 million project on University Avenue aims to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists by introducing roundabouts and new storm drain systems. However, local businesses have voiced frustration, claiming that the prolonged construction is negatively affecting their sales. Currently, both eastbound and westbound lanes on University Avenue are fully closed for the next nine weeks, with the project expected to conclude by the end of March 2024.
The focus of this improvement project is safety, and officials recognize the challenges faced by local enterprises during this time. As the project nears completion, an increase in pedestrian traffic and enhanced parking accessibility are anticipated.
Meanwhile, in El Cajon, the Bradley Avenue Road Improvements Project has begun, marking the first phase of needed street and bridge enhancements. This initiative will not only widen the street but will also implement features designed to reduce stormwater pollutants, reflecting the County of San Diego’s commitment to enhancing public facilities and infrastructure for community wellbeing.
San Diego County is on the cusp of significant changes to its highway infrastructure, aimed at improving safety, ride quality, and traffic management. While the construction is vital for the county’s growth and maintenance, it presents challenges such as traffic disruptions and impacts on local businesses, which the community will have to navigate in the coming months.
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