I-8 Pavement and Bridge Rehabilitation Improvement Project from El Cajon Blvd to Marshall Ave

Introduction

This project will extend the service life of several bridges along this stretch of Interstate 8 in East County by replacing aged pavement, installing concrete railings, sign replacements, landscaping enhancements, and other road-enhancing features. The result will give motorists a smoother ride, support efficient goods movement, reduce future maintenance and construction efforts, and ensure safe travels for all interstate motorists.

The majority of the work will be done at night. Traveled lanes will be reduced to one at night, moving motorists to the right lanes. In addition, lanes will be reduced from 12 feet to 10 feet. Additional concrete barriers will be placed along the construction project to improve safety for both motorists and highway workers. Some day work will be scheduled.

Extending the service life

Construction crews will begin at the El Cajon overcrossing, followed by the Marshall Street overcrossing. The project will replace the surface bridge decks to ensure a smoother road surface and install new concrete railings to enhance safety further. New lane markings/striping will also be implemented. Landscape improvements will be made on adjacent banks near these projects, and these will be made to prevent further erosion that may occur over time. 

Improving the bridge decks with PPC

The project will utilize Polyester Polymer Concrete (PPC). The overlay material is designed to protect bridge decks and reduce long-term maintenance costs, reducing impacts on the traveling public and exposure for highway workers. In addition, landscaping will be updated to improve erosion quality improvements and new rail installations.

Duration

Construction will begin in November 2022 and is expected to be completed by Summer 2024. Preliminary signage will be posted informing motorists when the closures will begin.

At the conclusion of the work, motorists should see and feel an improvement in ride quality and benefit from the extension of the service life of the bridge structures.

Funding

The $27.7 million project includes $20.6 million in federal funds and $4.1 million from SB-1.

What’s Ahead?

The average traffic volume within the six-mile project limits is approximately 137,500 vehicles per day. Segments of I-8 will be reduced to one lane during the construction for extended periods. Construction will occur behind concrete barriers to expedite construction and protect construction crews, with expected delays. Some on-and off-ramps within the project limits may be closed during the project duration. To minimize the impact of the daily commute, consecutive ramps will not be closed simultaneously.

Caltrans will reach out to residents, local tribal communities, 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 for 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