SAN DIEGO–Long-term lane closures will be needed to repair the Clairemont Mesa Boulevard overcrossing above southbound State Route 163 (SR-163), according to Caltrans.
The announcement was made after structural engineers assessed the damage following a hit on the bridge this morning by a backhoe carried by a semitrailer traveling southbound on SR-163. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, which closed the right lane on southbound SR-163 and the left lane on westbound Clairemont Mesa Boulevard during the morning commute.
In the meantime, Caltrans District 11 Director Laurie Berman said that the remaining open lanes of the overcrossing and freeway are safe and the focus is now on repairing the damaged portions as quickly as possible, but that will not come without some impact to local traffic.
“Lane closures on both the overcrossing and freeway will be needed to make the necessary repairs,” Berman said. “We are expecting delays on both the freeway and city streets through the area during peak commute hours, so motorists should seek alternate routes for the next few weeks.”
Caltrans engineers indicated that the Clairemont Mesa Boulevard overcrossing sustained damage to a pair of concrete girders on its northwest quadrant. The cost of repairs is undetermined at this time.
Motorists are reminded that they can check their traffic conditions before their morning and afternoon commutes by going online to Caltrans QuickMap at QuickMap.dot.ca.gov. The website provides real-time information for traffic speeds and lane closures, and allows users to see roadway conditions for themselves with access to freeway cameras.
