Caltrans has announced a significant closure affecting the northbound lanes of the I-5 connector to I-8 this weekend. The closure will take place from 9 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2023, through 5 a.m. on Monday, September 29, 2023. This initiative is part of scheduled roadwork, including culvert replacement and pavement rehabilitation aimed at enhancing road safety and environmental performance.
During this period, all lanes of the northbound I-5, from the I-8 connector to Mission Bay Drive, will be shut down. Motorists are strongly encouraged to seek alternative routes. Caltrans recommends using State Route 163, State Route 15, or Interstate 805 to bypass the closure and connect back to I-5. Specifically, those traveling north on I-5 past SR-163 will be redirected to either westbound or eastbound I-8.
In addition to the main closure, the Moore Street onramp to northbound I-5 in Old Town will also be closed. Additional onramps at Camino Del Rio West in the Sports Arena area, Sea World Drive/Tecolote Road, and Clairemont Drive will be affected. Notably, the northbound I-5 onramp from Mission Bay Drive will remain accessible during this time. Public transportation services, including buses, will continue to operate as scheduled.
Businesses near Damon Avenue should prepare for potential noise and lighting disruptions due to construction activities. Message signs will be positioned along affected routes to provide motorists with guidance on alternative pathways.
This closure marks the second in a series of full freeway closures under the I-5 Asset Management Project. The overarching goal of this project is to maintain and improve the southern segment of Interstate 5. The current work is part of a broader effort involving approximately $1.6 billion allocated for infrastructure enhancement in San Diego County. This includes a segment of a $623 million investment specifically targeting safety and infrastructure improvements on I-5, I-805, and SR-78.
The work schedule is subject to change based on weather conditions, traffic incidents, or other construction-related considerations. For further details, including updates on traffic speeds and ongoing road closures, additional information is available on the Caltrans website.