SAN DIEGO–The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) have scheduled two public hearings to give the community an opportunity to learn more about — and offer their opinions on – planned improvements to the southern section of I-805 that will relieve traffic congestion and offer new transportation choices for travelers.
The first public hearing will be held on Sept. 21 at Loma Verde Recreation Center at 1420 Loma Lane in Chula Vista from 5 to 8 p.m. The second hearing will take place Sept. 22 at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA Gymnasium, 151 YMCA Way in San Diego from 5 to 8 p.m.
“The I-805 South Project is a key part of building a new, modern transportation backbone for the San Diego region,” said Joel Haven, Caltrans I-805 corridor director. “Our goal is to provide more transportation choices for the region. Currently, travelers basically have one option – to drive the general purpose lanes. This project will provide many more choices, including faster, more reliable travel for bus rapid transit passengers, carpools, vanpools, and toll-paying solo drivers.”
At the hearings, residents and interested parties will be able to comment on the I-805 South Project, which will add Express Lanes within the median along an 11-mile segment of the freeway stretching from East Palomar Street in Chula Vista to the I-805/SR 15 interchange. The project includes features that will ease access to the new Express Lanes, including a direct access ramp, numerous access points from the freeway’s general purpose lanes, a direct connector at SR 15, in-line transit stations, and Park & Ride locations.
As part of the I-805 South Project, Caltrans plans to construct more than 70 sound walls. These walls will reduce highway traffic noise to nearby residents and schools. Caltrans has established guidelines to analyze traffic noise and determine which locations are eligible for sound walls, and will engage property owners and communities in the process.
The Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA) for the project, which was released Aug. 30, is available for review at the I-805 Corridor section of www.KeepSanDiegoMoving.com or on www.dot.ca.gov/dist11, as well as at local public libraries located in Chula Vista, Paradise Hills, North Park, Mountain View/Beckwourth, and Lincoln Acres. Residents and interested parties will be able to submit their feedback on the DEIR during a 60-day public comment period, which ends October 28.
