The I-805 South Project area is roughly 11 miles, between East Palomar Street and the I-805/SR 15 interchange. The project includes the addition of buffer-separated Express Lanes within the I-805 median and features to connect the community to the Express Lanes such as a direct access ramp (DAR), intermediate access points, HOV direct connectors, in-line transit stations, and Park & Ride locations. Construction is expected to begin in 2013.
Project Funding
The project will cost an estimated $1.3 billion to complete. Funding is expected to come from a combination of federal, state, and local programs, including the local Transnet half-cent sales tax for transportation.
Project Benefits
Modern new transportation backbone
The I-805 South Project is an integral part of a modern, new transportation backbone that will meet the future needs of travelers in our region. Since the I-805 opened in 1975, vehicle trips on the freeway have increased by 300 percent. Improving capacity on I-805 will help accommodate the projected population and employment growth in the region, and give motorists more options for reaching their destinations.
Expanded transportation choices
The I-805 South Project will provide San Diegans with expanded transportation choices. Today, travelers using I-805 use the existing main lanes of the freeway. In the future, the creation of two Express Lanes in each direction in the center of the freeway will provide efficient transportation for high occupancy vehicles (HOV), single occupancy vehicles (SOV) paying a toll, and transit – including the future South Bay Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. The South Bay BRT will use the I-805 Express Lanes to carry passengers from eastern Chula Vista to downtown San Diego. The choices provided by the I-805 South Project will result in reduced travel times for freeway users.
Supports economic growth in the region
Because it is a main artery for goods and services, improvements to I-805 will help maintain and grow the region’s economy. The project corridor links San Diego to the Otay Mesa Port of Entry, as well as Orange and Los Angeles counties. It is critical for both international and interregional shipping. The Otay Mesa Port of Entry accommodates 96 percent of commercial truck traffic in the region and handles more than $28 billion in goods each year.
Improves quality of life
The I-805 South Project will improve air quality and reduce future greenhouse gas emissions in the region. The project also will feature improvements such as sound walls and ramp improvements at many locations along the freeway.
What's New
I-805 Managed Lanes South Project: Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment with Finding of No Significant Impact
Meeting Materials
East Palomar Street Transit Station and Park & Ride Public Meeting: June 23, 2011
Summary Letter
Illustrative Site Plan
Visual Simulations
PowerPoint Presentation
Meeting Program - English| Spanish
Nacion Avenue Improvements
Summary Letter
Project Fact Sheet - English | Spanish
Visual Simulations
Presentation to Community Groups: I-805 South Project - Building Choices for Travelers