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