San Diego, CA–Due to flooding on all travel lanes along Airway Road, west of La Media Road in Otay Mesa, the busy corridor is currently closed to traffic.
This location is a low point for the surrounding drainage area and has been subjected to inundation for years with water flowing from many different sources. Southbound La Media Road continues to remain open for traffic.
Over the past few months, city crews has successfully pumped away standing water at the Airway Road location, allowing the road to be reopened following flood events. Recently, due to the continued flow of water even during dry weather, the soil and surrounding drainage area has been saturated and, as a result, pumping is not a sufficient solution to remove the water.
“We are working closely with our regional partners in Otay Mesa to address the causes of this flooding, but safety concerns have prompted the closure,” said Jorge Riveros, Director of the city’s Transportation Department. “Any water intrusion into traffic lanes can render a road unsafe for use. This site currently has all travel lanes submerged and is impassable.”
Inspections conducted by the city’s Transportation and Stormwater departments have determined that flooding on Airway Road is being caused by rains, leaking irrigation systems, and groundwater discharges. The city is communicating with the Otay Mesa Water District to address recent infrastructure issues in the area, as well as adjacent property owners and businesses, and the Otay Chamber of Commerce. This location has long been considered a natural drainage area.
Over the next few years, the city will be planning for a long-term solution with the La Media Road Improvement Project. This project will widen and elevate La Media Road between SR-905 to Siempre Viva Road and improve drainage at the intersection of La Media Road and Airway Road. The project will complete design early next year and the construction of an elevated roadway and enhanced drainage systems are expected to be complete in 2025.
City crews will continue to monitor the flooding at Airway Road and determine if the road is safe to reopen. Flooding, overirrigation, and other discharges of water onto city streets can be reported using Get It Done or by calling (858) 541-4300.
