I-15 Pavement Replacement in Escondido and Unincorporated San Diego County

Introduction

This project will extend the service life of this section of I-15 by replacing aged pavement. The result will provide all motorists with a smoother ride, support efficient goods movement, and reduce future maintenance and construction efforts. By doing so, safety will improve for both motorists and highway workers alike.

Extending the service life

The I-15 Pavement Replacement Project will replace pavement between State Route 78 in the City of Escondido and Deer Springs Road an unincorporated area of San Diego County. The pavement replacement includes new concrete for the outside Number 4 lane and shoulder, replacement of individual concrete slabs in the Number 3 lane, and new asphalt segments for the inside shoulderin both directions. This latest replacement will significantly extend the service life of the pavement.

Improving the freeway

The project will construct Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) in the Number 4 outside lane and shoulder, providing a superior, long-lasting roadway to reduce maintenance and construction efforts in the future, thereby reducing impacts to the traveling public and exposure for highway workers.  Construction will begin late Summer 2022 and is expected to be completed by early 2025. At the conclusion of the work motorists will see and feel an improvement in ride quality and benefit from the extension of the service life of the roadway.

CRCP

Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) is constructed with steel reinforcing bars placed within the concrete along the entire length of the pavement. CRCP naturally forms tight transverse cracks to evenly transfer loads.

The result is a continuous, smooth-riding surface capable of withstanding the heaviest traffic loads and the most adverse environmental conditions. The life span for CRCP pavement may be up to 70 years, far exceeding current road surfaces.

Funding

The project cost of $71,668,100 is funded entirely through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) with $57,403,900 coming from the federal government and $14,264,200 from the Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account created under voter-approved Senate Bill 1 (SB 1).

What’s ahead?

On February 16, 2023, temporary concrete barriers were placed to close the outside lane and shoulder on SB I-15 between Deer Springs Road and SR-78. This closure will be in effect 24 hours per day for 9 to 12 months.  When the work is complete, crews will reopen the newly paved SB lane and shoulder and switch to closing the NB outside lane and shoulder with concrete barrier. This closure of NB I-15 between SR-78 and Deer Springs Road will be in effect for 24 hours per day for 8 to 12 months.

The average traffic volume within the 6-mile project limits is approximately 161,000 vehicles per day. Segments of I-15 will be reduced to 3 lanes during construction of CRCP for extended periods. CRCP construction will take place behind concrete barriers to expedite construction and protect construction crews, with delays expected. Some on-and off-ramps within the project limits may be closed for up to 56 hours, once or twice during the project duration. To minimize the impact of the daily commute consecutive ramps will not be closed at the same time.

Caltrans will continue to reach out to residents, businesses, schools, and community groups in the region.  Our goal is to provide project updates, notification of possible impacts and a method to contact us with questions or concerns. 

Safety

Safety to the traveling public, including safety and protection for highway workers, is priority number one for Caltrans.

The following safety features are included in the construction of this project

• Construction work zone speed limit reduction to 55 MPH
• Advanced warning traffic signs
• Reinforced concrete barrier that separates traffic from roadway workers and equipment
• California Highway Patrol and freeway service patrol, i.e., tow service to monitor the work zone daily