Drivers in San Diego should prepare for significant travel disruptions this weekend as Caltrans has scheduled a full closure of a key section of southbound Interstate 5. The closure, part of a long-term infrastructure project, will affect the area near Pacific Beach and Mission Bay, requiring motorists to use designated detour routes.
The shutdown is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Friday and will last until 5 a.m. on Monday. This will allow crews to perform necessary pavement rehabilitation work safely and efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- A full weekend closure is planned for southbound Interstate 5 in San Diego.
- The closure starts Friday at 9 p.m. and ends Monday at 5 a.m.
- The affected area is from State Route 52 to the Mission Bay Drive on-ramp.
- Extensive detours will be in place, primarily using I-805 and SR-163.
- The work is part of the $113.7 million I-5 Asset Management Project.
Closure Details and Affected Areas
The closure will impact a heavily trafficked corridor of southbound I-5. Specifically, all lanes will be blocked starting from the junction with State Route 52 and continuing south to the Mission Bay Drive on-ramp. This effectively cuts off direct access to Pacific Beach and Mission Bay from the north via I-5.
In addition to the mainline freeway closure, several key access points will be unavailable. Both Gilman Drive and the eastbound La Jolla Village Drive on-ramps to southbound I-5 will be closed to traffic. Motorists attempting to enter the freeway from these points will be redirected.
Caltrans officials have advised that travelers should expect significant delays and, if possible, avoid the area or use public transportation. The Metropolitan Transit Service (MTS) has confirmed that all its southbound bus routes originating from La Jolla and University Town Center will operate on their normal schedules, providing an alternative for some commuters.
Official Detour Routes for Motorists
To manage the flow of traffic during the 56-hour closure, Caltrans has established several official detour routes. Drivers are strongly encouraged to follow these designated paths to minimize congestion and confusion.
Primary Detour Plan
The main detour for through traffic on southbound I-5 involves a multi-freeway diversion:
- Motorists on I-5 south will be directed to merge onto Interstate 805 south at Sorrento Valley.
- From I-805 south, drivers will connect to southbound State Route 163.
- Traffic will then transition to westbound Interstate 8.
- Finally, drivers can reconnect with I-5 south from I-8 west.
For those already on I-805 south, an alternative option is to exit at Genesee Avenue to access surface streets or to re-enter I-5 south of the closure zone.
Local Access Detours
Specific detours are also in place for traffic originating from local roads:
- Drivers traveling west on SR-52 will be detoured onto La Jolla Parkway or directed to I-5 north.
- Those heading east on La Jolla Parkway with the intent to go south on I-5 will be rerouted onto SR-52 east.
Signage will be posted throughout the area to guide drivers through these alternate routes.
About the I-5 Asset Management Project
This weekend's closure is a component of the comprehensive I-5 Asset Management Project. This initiative is designed to preserve and enhance the existing freeway infrastructure, rather than undertaking more costly full replacements. The project aims to improve ride quality, extend the pavement's service life, and reduce future maintenance needs.
A Multi-Faceted Infrastructure Upgrade
The ongoing project is more than just a simple repaving job. It represents a significant investment in the region's transportation network, funded by the State Highway Operation Protection Program.
Project by the Numbers
- Total Cost: $113,745,800
- Project Start: April 2024
- Expected Completion: Late 2027
- Scope: Pavement, ramps, signs, guardrails, and technology systems.
According to Caltrans, the project's goals are to restore a major segment of I-5 to a state of good repair. The work includes replacing individual concrete slabs, repairing bridge approaches, and overlaying the mainline, shoulders, and ramps with fresh pavement.
"The I-5 Asset Management Project will restore a segment of I-5 to a state of good repair, improve ride quality, reduce maintenance, and extend the service life of the existing pavement," Caltrans officials stated.
Beyond the road surface, the project encompasses a wide range of upgrades. Crews will repair and restore culverts for better drainage, replace old overhead and roadside signs, and upgrade guardrails to modern safety standards. The project also focuses on improving safety features like maintenance vehicle pullouts and access gates.
Modernizing for the Future
A key aspect of the Asset Management Project is the integration of modern technology. Caltrans is installing and upgrading Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) along the corridor. This includes new loop detectors embedded in the pavement to monitor traffic flow and additional closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to give traffic managers a real-time view of conditions.
The project also includes accessibility improvements. Curb ramps and pedestrian signals at affected intersections are being upgraded to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, ensuring safer access for everyone.
While the closure will cause temporary inconvenience, the long-term benefits are intended to provide a safer, smoother, and more reliable travel experience for the hundreds of thousands of drivers who use this section of I-5 daily. Local businesses near the construction zone, particularly around Damon Avenue, have been advised to expect noise and light from the overnight construction activities.
