STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
District 11, P.O. Box 85406, San Diego, CA 92186-5406

FACT SHEET

Interstate 5/State Route 78 Interchange Connector Widening

January 2002

OVERALL GOALS

• Reduce traffic congestion from northbound I-5 to eastbound SR-78.
• Increase traffic capacity and improve circulation on the regional transportation system.
• Improve traffic safety on northbound I-5 between Carlsbad Village Drive and SR-78·

THE PROJECT
The project proposes to provide an optional exit lane from I-5 by widening the I-5/SR-78 connector to two lanes. An auxiliary lane will also be added on SR-78 from the I-5/SR-78 connector to the Jefferson Street exit ramp.

TRAFFIC
Traffic demand from northbound I-5 to eastbound SR-78 exceeds the available capacity on the I-5/SR-78 connector. Currently over 2,450 vehicles per hour during evening peak hours use the connector resulting in delays and a considerable back-up on the I-5 shoulder beyond Las Flores Drive. The projected increase in traffic volumes on I-5 indicate that improvements will be neccessary to keep up with the growing traffic demand.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS
The project site borders the Buena Vista Lagoon Preserve, which hosts a variety of plant and animal species. During the environmental evaluation the least environmentally damaging and most cost effective alternative to solve the transportation need was identified. A Catergorical Exemption and Coastal Development Permit have been issued for this project.

PROJECT STATUS/FUNDING
Construction is currently underway, and is scheduled for completion in early Fall 2002. Funding for this project has been budgeted from the State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOPP) for the year 2000. The project has an estimated construction cost of $3.3 million.


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