I-805 South Project Frequently Asked Questions
1. What area of Interstate 805 does the I-805 South project cover? The project area begins just south of East Palomar Street in Chula Vista and proceeds north along I-805 to the I-805/SR 15 interchange. Improvements to this corridor will provide expanded transportation choices for travelers in the region.
2. What freeway and transit improvements are planned for the southern portion of I-805?
The project will include dedicated Carpool/High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Lanes to provide more reliable travel scheduling and rapid travel times; in-line transit stations at East H Street and Plaza Boulevard; and a Direct Access Ramp (DAR) and Transit Station and Park & Ride at East Palomar Street. Collectively, these improvements will serve as an integral part of a modern, new transportation backbone that will meet the future needs of travelers in our region.
3. Will this project succeed in reducing traffic congestion?
Increasing choices for travelers will help to reduce traffic congestion by encouraging carpooling and providing more convenient access to public transportation. For example, the addition of dedicated transit lanes and in-line stations will provide more reliable travel scheduling and quicker travel times.
4. How much will the entire I-805 South Project cost and where does the money come from?
The anticipated cost of the project is approximately $1.1 billion. The funding will come from federal, state and local programs, including TransNet, the regional half-cent sales tax for transportation administered by SANDAG.
5. When will construction start and when will all the improvements be completed?
Construction on the I-805 South Project began in summer 2012. As part of the first phase of the project, eight miles of new Carpool/HOV Lanes opened in March 2014 between East Naples Street in Chula Vista and State Route 94 in San Diego. The construction of 10 sound walls was completed in summer 2014, and a northbound auxiliary lane and southbound through lane at East Plaza Boulevard were completed in January 2016. The East Palomar Street bridge opened in late 2016 and the DAR, Transit Station and Park & Ride opened to traffic in early 2017. Landscaping of the project area will continue following the completion of construction.
The second phase of the project will convert the Carpool/HOV Lanes into Express Lanes, and includes the addition of in-line transit stations and direct freeway-to-freeway Carpool/HOV connectors. Construction on the second phase of improvements will be scheduled as funding becomes available.
6. Why is this project needed?
The population along the I-805 South Corridor is expected to increase by nearly 40 percent over the next 20 years, leading to added congestion. Commercial truck traffic is also likely to increase due to federal trade agreements. The I-805 South Project will serve as an integral part of a modern, new transportation backbone that will meet the future needs of travelers in our region.
7. What will the traffic impacts be to nearby surface streets during construction?
The impacts to nearby surface streets will vary throughout construction. Caltrans is committed to minimizing the impacts to nearby surface streets during construction. Caltrans will provide regular updates on construction hours, closures and detours through signage, notices and web postings on this website. A construction hotline has also been established at (888) 941-5005.
8. What can I expect during construction?
Beginning in summer 2012, and throughout construction, you can expect to see temporary freeway lane and ramp closures, temporary lane restriping, reduced shoulders and lane widths, and work along the freeway median. A temporary concrete safety barrier will be installed to separate motorists from the construction work area and to protect workers. Signage will be positioned along the freeway to notify motorists about construction detours and to provide safety information. Work zone safety is Caltrans’ top priority and every precaution will be taken to ensure the protection of both workers and motorists during construction.
Motorists can expect some traffic delays during construction and are encouraged give themselves extra time to arrive at their destination. Motorists are also encouraged to utilize carpools and vanpools when possible. For further information on carpool and vanpool opportunities please visit icommuteSD.com.
9. How will Caltrans notify the community about construction?
In an effort to keep the community informed, Caltrans will provide regular updates on construction hours, closures and detours through signage, notices and web postings on this website. A construction hotline has also been established at (888) 941-5005.