Heads u drivers: On Monday, March 25, at 11 p.m., Caltrans and SANDAG Build NCC Crews will fully close northbound Interstate 5 (I-5) from Carlsbad Village Drive to State Route 78 (SR 78).
This closure is necessary to allow crews to safely place an overhead sign structure, spanning all lanes of travel. This work must occur during nighttime hours when traffic volumes are lower to detour through local streets.
During this closure, northbound motorists must exit at Carlsbad Village Drive and detour using Carlsbad Village Drive to El Camino Real (please see map below). Motorists can still enter northbound I-5 from Vista Way or SR 78.
Detour signage will be in place to guide motorists around this closure. All lanes along I-5 are expected to reopen on Tuesday, March 26, at 4:30 a.m.
What to Expect
Nearby residents and businesses can expect nighttime construction noise and lights, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), required vehicle backup alarms. Crews will work to minimize noise and impact on all nearby communities, and motorists will be detoured with signage and traffic controls.
The $882 million Build NCC project includes $195 million in funding from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) and $322 million in SANDAG TransNet funding. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. For more information about other transportation projects funded by SB 1, visit Rebuildingca.ca.gov.
A total of $141 million in TransNet funding, the voter-approved half-cent sales tax administered by SANDAG, is allocated to the Build NCC package of highway, rail, environmental, and coastal access improvement projects. SANDAG leverages these funds with state and federal resources to improve the region’s transportation infrastructure. For more information on TransNet-funded projects, visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/TransNet.
To ensure safety for both motorists and highway crews during I-5 construction, drivers are reminded to “Drive 55 on the 5” in the Build NCC construction zone and that traffic fines are doubled in construction zones. The SANDAG-operated Motorist Aid Service for roadside assistance can be easily accessed by dialing 5-1-1 anywhere in San Diego County. Additionally, the “Move Over” law requires all drivers to move over a lane or, if they are unable to do that safely, slow down when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans vehicles, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, and tow trucks.
