Interstate 8 / Imperial Avenue Interchange
December 2020
Improving the Highway
Caltrans received funding to allow reconstructing the interchange at Imperial Avenue and Interstate 8 (I-8) in the city of El Centro. Work will include constructing two ramps at I-8 that will provide direct access to southbound Imperial Avenue and will provide connectivity to the southern portion of the city. The improvements will complement city plans for future commercial and residential development.
Meeting Traffic Demands
Traffic in the project area is primarily associated with the growth in international trade and travel between the United States and Mexico as well as travel on to and from Imperial Avenue north of I-8. The Imperial Avenue interchange experiences congestion in the morning and afternoon hours. Approximately 16,000-27,000 vehicles per day use this section on I-8. By 2025, traffic on this portion of I-8 is projected to almost double.
Securing Dollars
The $44 million project is funded through the State Regional Improvement Program and the Federal High Priority Projects Program.
Goals
- Provide access from Interstate 8 (I-8) to southbound Imperial Avenue-- planned to be extended south of the freeway by the City of El Centro, and eliminate the current out-of-direction travel on city streets and county roads;
- Improve traffic safety by updating the existing interchange; and
- Reduce traffic congestion at Imperial Avenue and 4th Street interchanges on I-8 in the city of El Centro.
What's ahead?
Project construction began April 2020 and is scheduled for completion early 2023. The project schedule has been advanced, and the interchange is expected to open to traffic late 2021 or early 2022, with plant establishment and close-out work continuing through 2023.
Contact
Project Manager
Patrick Jenkins
(619) 894-1050
patrick.jenkins@dot.ca.gov
Caltrans
4050 Taylor Street
San Diego, CA 92110
Ph: (619) 688-6670
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/
Follow @SDCaltrans on Twitter and Instagram; and like Caltrans District 11 on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaltransDistrict11 for news related to state transportation in San Diego and Imperial counties.
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Latest News
Project News
- 7/17/2020 - Interstate 8 at Imperial Avenue Closed Thursday Night, July 24
- 7/2/2020 - I-8/Imperial Avenue Eastbound Ramps Close Monday, July 6
- 6/17/2020 - Transportation Officials Announce Work on Project that Facilitates Trade and Commerce
- 4/20/2020 - Work Begins on I-8 Imperial Avenue Interchange Project in El Centro
- 1/13/2020 - Caltrans Announces Construction Plans For I-8 Imperial Avenue Interchange Project in El Centro
- 1/7/2020 - Caltrans Open House For I-8 Imperial Interchange Project in El Centro