Overview
The SR 76 East Segment was the final segment in a series of three improvement projects to the SR 76 corridor located between I-15 and I-5. The East Segment stretches 5.2 miles from South Mission Road to I-15 and serves local, intraregional, and interregional traffic. The project developed a four-lane highway and widened and improved the SR 76/I-15 interchange.
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Project Features
Construction of the East Segment widened and realigned SR 76 to a four-lane highway to meet present travel needs and accommodate future growth. The project also modified and upgraded the SR 76/I-15 interchange.
Improvements to the East Segment included:
Physical Improvements
- Widening the roadway from South Mission Road to Old Highway 395 to create a four-lane highway
- Expanding the Park & Ride at SR 76 and Old Highway 395
- Widening and upgrading the SR 76/I-15 interchange, including improvements to existing on- and off-ramps and the addition of two loop on-ramps to I-15, to improve traffic operations and efficiency
Safety Enhancements
- Creating a median barrier to separate oncoming traffic
- Realigning curves to improve sight and stopping distances
- Providing new standard width shoulders in each direction to accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and emergency parking
Environmental Benefits
- Facilitating wildlife movement by constructing animal undercrossings and directional fencing
- Improving water quality by mitigating storm water run-off through the implementation of biofiltration swales/strips and new drainage systems
- Creating, restoring and revegetating habitat areas
- Supporting San Luis Rey River Park plans
Project Goals
The project goals were to improve travel, increase motorist safety, and protect and enhance the natural environment.
Schedule
The first phase of the project improved the interchange at SR 76 and I-15 and opened to traffic in August 2013. Construction of the second phase widened and realigned SR 76 to a four-lane highway from just east of South Mission Road to the newly improved SR 76/I-15 interchange. Major construction efforts for the second phase of the project began in November 2014 and was completed in May 2017.
Funding
The project cost was $202 million. This project was funded with a mix of funds: the regional TransNet half-cent sales tax for transportation, federal funds, developer fees, County of San Diego Transportation Impact Fee, and Native American tribes' contributions.