Caltrans will close all lanes of southbound Interstate 5 from State Route 52 to Mission Bay Drive starting Friday, Sept. 5, at 9 p.m. through Monday, Sept. 8, at 5 a.m.
Southbound drivers are advised to take southbound Interstate 805 at Sorrento Valley, connect to southbound State Route 163, then westbound Interstate 8 to return to I-5. The off-ramps for those traveling northbound in the area will remain open.
This is the first of several freeway closures for the I-5 Asset Management Project, which ensures that the southern segment of I-5 remains in a state of good repair by preserving and replacing existing infrastructure. This weekend’s closure includes replacing a corrugated steel pipe installed during the original construction of I-5 to prevent flooding.
The project will improve safety and ride quality for drivers, as well as support environmental conservation. It is part of a $623 million investment on I-5, I-805 and SR 78.
Margie Perez, District 11 Division Chief of Construction at Caltrans, said, “We’ve seen the countless orange signs on the freeways, and we’re putting those tax dollars to work now.”
“We’ll do upgrades to improve performance, safety and environmental conservation, including the replacement of the corrugated steel pipe. So please, plan ahead, leave a little early and use those map apps,” she said.
Caltrans recommends using the QuickMap app or visiting quickmap.dot.ca.gov for real-time traffic information, including traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities.
Perez said there will be additional full closures on I-5 in this area from SR 52 to I-8 through the end of the year. Road closures will be announced in advance and will include the weekends of Sept. 12 and Sept. 19 on northbound I-5 in National City to rehabilitate the bridge deck on the 18th Street bridge.
The work schedule is subject to change due to weather, traffic incidents or other construction considerations.
Businesses near Damon Avenue should anticipate construction noise and lighting during the closure.
Detour information
Vehicles will be able to exit and enter I-5 at Genesee Avenue, westbound La Jolla Village Drive and Nobel Drive. Entrances and exits at Gilman Drive and eastbound La Jolla Village Drive will be closed.
- Vehicles driving south of Gilman Drive will be detoured to eastbound SR 52.
- Vehicles driving westbound on SR 52 will detour to La Jolla Parkway or northbound I-5.
- Vehicles driving eastbound on La Jolla Parkway will not be able to connect to southbound I-5 and will detour to eastbound SR 52.
Transit information
All southbound Metropolitan Transit System bus routes from La Jolla and University Town Center will run as usual.
Bus Route 30 travels from La Jolla to Old Town on the west side of I-5, while Route 105 travels from UTC to Old Town on the east side of I-5. Parking is available at the Nobel Drive and UTC stations.
Blue Line Trolley service will remain available as an alternative for travel from Sorrento Valley to all points south.
