State Route 52 Operational Improvements and Managed Lanes Project
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The State Route 52 (SR-52) Operational Improvements and Managed Lanes Project proposes to construct improvements on SR-52 to encourage multi-modal transportation to achieve optimal operations for SR-52 and improve the safety and reliability of the transportation network for efficient regional movement of people and goods to and from East County, San Diego. The project limits are from the Mission Gorge Road Undercrossing at SR-52 to the I-15 connectors and includes the SR-52/Mast Boulevard and Santo Road interchanges.
The Project Team initiated the Project Approval/Environmental Document (PA&ED) phase in Fall 2025. The resulting environmental document will determine the recommended alternative. Initial improvements to be studied include those referenced in the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP):
- Adding a WB truck climbing/auxiliary lane,
- Reversible managed lanes in the median,
- Upgrade or relocate the existing WB bikeway,
- Widen and lengthen Mast Boulevard WB onramp,
- Adding a reversible transit only lane in the median, and
- Increasing 2 to 3 lanes between SR-125 and Mast Boulevard (both directions)
An additional alternative improvement for consideration is adding two reversible express lanes in the median.
PROJECT STATUS
Environmental studies are anticipated to be complete in Fall, 2028.
FUNDING AND SCHEDULE
The estimated preliminary cost of the project is $450 million, which is likely to be split into multiple phases for implementation. Approximately $24 million has been committed to fully fund the PA&ED and Design phases of the Project. Funding sources include a combination of federal, state, local, and private developer funds. The Project will continue to seek construction funding as the preferred alternative is selected and the scope and estimate become more defined.
- Adding a westbound truck-climbing/auxiliary lane from Mast Boulevard to Santo Road.
- Upgrade or relocate bike path to south side of SR-52.
- Reversible managed lanes between Santo Road and Mast Boulevard.
- Connect westbound auxiliary lane through Santo Road interchange with I-15 auxiliary lane.
- Increase westbound SR-52 from 2 lanes to 3 lanes from SR-125 to Mast Boulevard.
- Increase EB SR-52 from 2 lanes to 3 lanes from Mast Boulevard to east of the SD River Bridge.
- Widen and lengthen WB Mast Boulevard on-ramp.
MAP
CONTACT
Project Manager
Jake Stelten
Jake.stelten@dot.ca.gov
Communications Manager
Stephen Welborn
(619) 688-6670
Stephen.Welborn@dot.ca.gov
Caltrans4050
Taylor Street
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 688-6670