News Summary
This weekend, the southbound lanes of Interstate 5 (I-5) in San Diego will be completely closed from State Route 52 to Mission Bay Drive for road and drainage improvements. The closure, starting Friday evening and lasting until Monday morning, is part of the I-5 Asset Management Project aimed at enhancing infrastructure. Drivers are advised to use alternate routes, while public transit will continue to operate without interruption. This marks the first of a series of planned closures that aim to provide better travel conditions in the region.
San Diego – Southbound Interstate 5 (I-5) will experience a complete closure from State Route 52 to Mission Bay Drive this weekend to facilitate road and drainage improvements. The closure is set to begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, September 5, and will last until 5 a.m. on Monday, September 8, marking the initial phase of a series of planned road enhancements along this key transportation route.
Motorists traveling in the affected area are advised to utilize alternate routes. Portable message signs will direct drivers to southbound Interstate 805 (I-805) and State Route 163 (SR-163), which can connect to westbound Interstate 8 (I-8). While the closure will restrict access to some entrances and exits, drivers will still be able to enter and exit I-5 at Genesee Avenue, westbound La Jolla Village Drive, and Nobel Drive. However, both the Gilman Drive and eastbound La Jolla Village Drive exits will be closed during the period of the road work.
Despite the highway closure, all southbound Metropolitan Transit Service bus routes originating from La Jolla and University Town Center will continue to operate as scheduled, ensuring that public transit options remain available. This closure is just the beginning of a planned six closures as part of the ongoing I-5 Asset Management Project aimed at improving the highway’s infrastructure.
The I-5 Asset Management Project is designed to maintain and improve the southern segment of I-5, ensuring better ride quality and fewer maintenance needs across San Diego, Chula Vista, and National City. Key goals of this project include pavement rehabilitation for roadways, shoulders, and freeway ramps, which is anticipated to extend their service life significantly. In addition, the improvements will incorporate enhancements focused on performance, safety, and environmental conservation.
The total cost of the improvements being made to I-5 is approximately $113.7 million, with funding sourced from the state Highway Operation Protection Program. This allocation comprises $102.6 million in federal funds combined with $11.1 million from state resources. These efforts are part of a more extensive, strategic investment in San Diego County infrastructure improvements, which totals $1.6 billion. Among this broader investment, $623 million is specifically earmarked for enhancing safety and infrastructure on major highways including I-5, I-805, and State Route 78.
Caltrans is urging drivers to plan ahead and allow for extra travel time, as significant delays are expected, particularly for beachgoers and weekend travelers. Future closures in the southbound I-5 corridor are expected to extend through the end of the year, with additional planned work on the northbound lanes occurring on the weekends of September 12 and September 19. Motorists are recommended to stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly to avoid traffic disruptions.
This weekend’s closure highlights the ongoing commitment to maintaining and enhancing vital infrastructure in the region, aiming to improve the overall driving experience for residents and visitors alike.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Google Search: California I-5 closure
- CBS 8 San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California highways
- Fox 5 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.
