Caltrans has announced another weekend closure of northbound Interstate 5 lanes near Mission Bay in San Diego. The closure is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday and will continue through 5 a.m. Monday. This work is part of a larger project to rehabilitate pavement and enhance freeway infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Northbound I-5 will close from I-8 to Mission Bay Drive.
- Closure runs from Friday 9 p.m. to Monday 5 a.m.
- Drivers should use alternate routes like SR-163, SR-15, and I-805.
- The project includes pavement rehabilitation and culvert replacement.
- Total project cost is over $113 million, funded by state and federal sources.
Planned I-5 Closure Details
The upcoming closure will affect all northbound Interstate 5 lanes between Interstate 8 and Mission Bay Drive. This section of the freeway is a major corridor for traffic in San Diego. The work involves road repairs and the replacement of a culvert, which is a drainage structure.
According to Caltrans, the closure will start on Friday night at 9 p.m. and is expected to reopen early Monday morning at 5 a.m. Motorists traveling through the area during these times should plan for significant delays and use alternative routes.
Important Fact
The I-5 closure will last 56 hours, impacting weekend travel for thousands of commuters and visitors in San Diego.
Recommended Detour Routes
Caltrans has advised drivers heading northbound on I-5 to consider several alternate routes. These include State Route 163, State Route 15, and Interstate 805. These routes can be used past I-8 to reconnect with I-5 further north.
For those northbound I-5 motorists who travel past State Route 163, the recommendation is to take either westbound or eastbound I-8. These detours are in place to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion around the construction zone.
"Drivers heading northbound on I-5 were advised to take alternate routes such as state Route 163, state Route 15 and Interstate 805 past I-8 to connect to I-5," Caltrans officials stated.
On-Ramp Closures and Openings
Several on-ramps to northbound I-5 will also be closed during this period. The Moore Street on-ramp in Old Town will be shut down. Officials said this is to limit the amount of traffic detoured onto I-8.
Additionally, on-ramps at Camino Del Rio West in the Sport Arena Area, including Sea World Drive-Tecolote Road and Clairemont Drive, will be closed. However, the northbound I-5 on-ramp from Mission Bay Drive will remain open to traffic.
Project Background
This closure is part of a larger, ongoing effort to upgrade San Diego's freeway system. The overall project aims to extend the service life of the roadways and enhance safety for drivers. It also includes environmental conservation measures.
Project Scope and Funding
The current project focuses on rehabilitating pavement along the main roadway, shoulders, and freeway ramps. Beyond resurfacing, the work will include various upgrades designed to improve performance, safety, and environmental conservation, according to the state agency.
The total cost for these planned improvements is $113,745,800. This funding comes from a combination of state and federal sources. Specifically, $102,618,300 is federal funding, and $11,127,500 is state funding through the Highway Operation Protection Program.
This particular project is part of a larger $1.6 billion investment in San Diego County's infrastructure. It represents a segment of a $623 million investment specifically targeting safety and infrastructure improvements on I-5, I-805, and State Route 78, according to Caltrans.
Impact on Local Businesses
Businesses located near Damon Avenue should anticipate noise and lighting from the construction activities during the closure. Residents in the vicinity may also experience these effects. Caltrans aims to minimize disruption while completing necessary work.
- Noise: Expected from construction machinery.
- Lighting: Required for nighttime work operations.
- Traffic: Increased on local roads due to detours.
The goal of these comprehensive upgrades is to create a more durable and safer transportation network for the region. These closures are temporary inconveniences for long-term benefits to commuters and the local economy.
Motorists are encouraged to check real-time traffic updates before traveling and to allow extra time for their journeys this weekend.
