As we inch closer to the weekend, San Diego's Interstate 5 (I-5) is bracing for a significant traffic upheaval. The closure, expected to last from Friday, September 29 at 9 p.m. through Monday, October 2 at 5 a.m., comes as Caltrans enters the second phase of its bridge repair work over State Route 163 (SR-163) according to Caltrans. The project will choke the northbound I-5 freeway to a single lane at I-15 through to Route 163, and it's crucial that drivers prepare for delays and revise their travel plans.
With the closure set to radically impact the flow of traffic through downtown San Diego, Caltrans has devised a system to minimize disruption. One lane of northbound I-5 will remain available to access State Route 15 (SR-15), State Route 75 (SR-75), State Route 94 (SR-94), and SR-163 as well as one lane carrying on-route vehicles. It is worth noting that motorists should be prepared for several on-ramps, off-ramps, and connectors to northbound I-5 to be closed, such as the westbound SR-94 connector and the F Street on-ramp running throughout the weekend per the City of Coronado.
In the interest of staying ahead of potential delays, travelers should be mindful of other closures during select hours: B Street, Pershing Drive, and 19th Street on-ramps will be shuttered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Furthermore, the 6th Street off-ramp will join the list of closures for the full duration of the maintenance work.
Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes north of National City leading through downtown, especially those in transit on northbound I-5. To aid commuters in making an informed choice, messaging signs will be stationed along the routes to announce the closures and recommend alternative travel courses. Fortunately, SR-163 will remain functional for those entering and exiting downtown.
It's important to consider that this maintenance timeline is anything but rigid; variables such as weather, traffic incidents, and other unforeseen factors may prompt changes to the schedule. To access real-time traffic updates encompassing traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction, and other pertinent information, travelers can visit Caltrans' QuickMap website.
