Interstate 8 to Interstate 5 Connector Project

Design Manager: Chris ThomasCEAL July 17, 2013

Project MapInterstate 8 (I-8) to Interstate 5 (I-5) Connector Widening and Auxiliary Lane Project

Purpose and Need

Westbound I-8 to Northbound I-5 Connector is overcapacity.

This causes traffic to back up onto Westbound I-8.

Purpose is to improve the existing and future traffic operations

at this location while minimizing environmental impacts.

Value Analysis StudySeptember 2007 performed VA Study to brainstorm and evaluate various alternatives.

Baseline Study: Restripe Connector and add auxiliary lane to the Balboa Avenue/Garnet Avenue

Interchange.

The VA Alternatives Studied included;

Widening I-5 only to SeaWorld Dr

Restriping on I-8 on the outside from Morena Blvd to connector to add 1 lane

Eliminating entrance to I-8 West from Taylor and extend exit only lane to make 2 lanes to I-

5 South and 2 lanes to I-5 North

Labeling Pavement Lanes to Direct Traffic to Correct exit

Developing Automatic warning system for the developing queue east of Taylor

Adding/Relocating overhead signs east of Taylor St directing traffic to I-5

Restriping existing Tecolote Bridge reducing/eliminating shoulders and not widening the

structure

Most Value Added

Proposal

California Department of Transportation District 11

I-8 West to I-5 North Connector Widening

Pre-Construction Engineering

$25 -$75 million

Presented by the AASHTO Value Engineering Technical CommitteeAugust 31, 2009

For Demonstrating Outstanding Value Engineering Achievementsin Teamwork, Cost Savings, Enhanced Performance, or Expedited Project Delivery That Resulted in

an Overall Improved Project

National Value Engineering Award

Selected Build Alternative

Restripe Westbound I-8 to Northbound I-5 direct connector

ramp from one lane to two 11’-6” lanes.

Replace left overhang of structure .

Replace both bridge rails to current standards.

Reduce lane and shoulder widths on I-5 at various locations.

Add an auxiliary lane from the I-8 to I-5 connector ramp to just

north of the connector ramp to north of Sea World Drive.

Other ConsiderationsThe Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) has identified a need to add an HOV lane to I-5 in each direction and convert the 8-lane freeway to a 10-lane freeway.

The City of San Diego is sponsoring improvements to the I-5/Sea World Drive Interchange. A Project Study Report was approved on December 14, 2010 with an estimated total project cost of $106 million.

Both projects are compatible with the ultimate design.

Project Update

Project Report and Environmental Document Approval

Completed on February 1, 2011.

Design Phase was completed on April 29, 2013.

Construction is anticipated to begin Fall 2013.

Total estimated cost of the project is $18.7 million.

www.dot.ca.gov/dist11