District: District 11 — San Diego and Imperial Counties
Contact: Stephen Welborn
Phone: (619) 688-6670
SAN DIEGO —Caltrans has begun the rehabilitation of aging culverts at on- and off-ramps and some surface streets throughout State Route 78 (SR-78). Crews have identified 35 culverts for rehabilitation between Interstate 5 (I-5) and Interstate 15 (I-15).
Drainage repairs will include Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) liner and invert-pipe paving to eliminate the need for open excavation and to reduce public impacts. In areas where excavation is needed for pipe replacement, night work will be implemented from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
“Recent increases in wet weather have shown that projects like these are necessary to maintain drainage capacity before they become an issue,” said Caltrans District 11 Director Gustavo Dallarda, “This project will not only help ensure that the roadway is protected from erosion but will also improve roadway quality, function, and service life to reduce future maintenance and construction efforts.”
Road rehabilitation efforts include resurfacing pavement at the El Camino Real overcrossing and on SR-78 between the eastbound Plaza Drive onramp and Emerald Drive on- and off-ramps. Crews will also repair/replace median concrete barriers, guard railing, fencing, signs, and pavement delineation/markings.
Improved electrical wiring, lighting, and new landscaping are also planned.
The project cost of $22 million is funded through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP), with 89% coming from the Federal Government and 12% from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account created under voter-approved Senate Bill 1.
Construction in multiple stages began mid-February 2023 and should conclude by mid-2025. After the work, motorists will see and feel an improvement in ride quality and benefit from the increased service life of the drainage and roadway.
Motorists are reminded to be Work Zone Alert if traveling in the area and to watch for highway workers and moving construction equipment.
The construction schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions, traffic incidents, or other construction-related reasons.
For real-time traffic information, including traffic speed, lane and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, and more, go to http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
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