News Summary
This weekend, the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in San Diego will be closed from State Route 52 to Mission Bay Drive for essential road improvements. The closure will begin at 9 p.m. Friday and last until 5 a.m. Monday. Motorists are advised to utilize detours and plan their trips wisely, especially weekend beachgoers, as portable message signs will guide drivers to alternative routes. These improvements are part of the ongoing I-5 Asset Management Project, which aims to enhance safety and infrastructure on this major thoroughfare.
San Diego
The southbound lanes of Interstate 5 will be closed this weekend from State Route 52 to Mission Bay Drive for crucial road improvements. The closure is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday and last until 5 a.m. Monday, posing significant delays for drivers, particularly weekend beachgoers.
The closure aims to facilitate road and drainage improvements, part of the ongoing I-5 Asset Management Project. To alleviate traffic issues, Caltrans has installed portable message signs throughout the region to direct drivers towards alternative routes.
Recommended detours for motorists include taking southbound Interstate 805 to State Route 163, and then west on Interstate 8 to return to I-5. Despite the closure, motorists will still be able to enter and exit I-5 at Genesee Avenue, westbound La Jolla Village Drive, and Nobel Drive. However, the on-ramps and off-ramps at Gilman Drive and eastbound La Jolla Village Drive will be unavailable during the shutdown.
All southbound metropolitan transit service bus routes from La Jolla and University Town Center will remain operational throughout the closure.
Project Background
The I-5 Asset Management Project encompasses a comprehensive set of upgrades aimed at enhancing safety, ride quality, and the overall condition of infrastructure stretching from San Diego to Chula Vista and National City. Key components of the project include extensive pavement rehabilitation, environmental enhancements, and the replacement of aging structures, such as a corrugated steel pipe that serves to mitigate flooding risks.
The cost of ongoing improvements is estimated at $113.7 million, with funding sourced from a combination of federal and state resources. This particular closure marks the first of six planned shutdowns associated with this significant project.
Future Closures
Further closures in the same vicinity are anticipated, including additional weekends in mid-September aimed at carrying out supplementary work on the northbound section of I-5. Motorists are encouraged to remain vigilant and informed about these upcoming changes.
Driver Recommendations
In light of the expected disruptions, Caltrans suggests that drivers plan their trips in advance, utilize map applications for navigation, and consider public transportation as a viable alternative to avoid the closures altogether.
Investment in Infrastructure
The I-5 improvement initiative is part of a broader $1.6 billion investment aimed at upgrading infrastructure within San Diego County. Specifically, $623 million of this funding is allocated for enhancements to major thoroughfares, including I-5, I-805, and SR-78.
Impact on Local Residents
During construction, nearby businesses and residents may experience disturbances due to noise and lighting associated with ongoing project activities. Efforts will be made to minimize disruption while ensuring that essential upgrades proceed efficiently.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fatal Crash on I-5 Freeway Leads to Fire and Traffic Chaos
Pilot Makes Emergency Landing on Interstate 805
Major Traffic Disruptions Expected in San Diego This Weekend
Fatal Accident on Southbound I-5 Freeway Near Oceanside
San Diego to Close Northbound Lanes of State Route 163
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- CBS 8
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Wikipedia: California State Route 5
- Google Search: I-5 closure San Diego
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
