District: District 11 — San Diego and Imperial Counties
Contact: Barbara Cosio Moreno
Phone: (619) 688-6670
Two Lanes of Westbound SR-78 are Now Open
SAN DIEGO — Caltrans construction crews have closed all eastbound lanes of State Route 78 (SR-78) in Oceanside this morning between El Camino Real and College Boulevard to complete repairs on nine culverts. Two lanes of westbound SR-78 are now open to traffic. The westbound inside left lane (fast lane) and inside shoulder will remain closed.
A sinkhole under the westbound lanes prompted the initial emergency closure on March 15 following atmospheric river rainstorms. As crews excavated the site, they found a series of culverts and pipes needing repair due to increased water flow. Crews have been working 24-7 and faced four days of delays when more rain fell in the region since the repairs began. Corrugated steel pipes are being replaced with high-density plastic and concrete pipes.
Motorists should expect the closure of eastbound lanes to last at least three weeks. The detour for the closure is as follows:
- Motorists will exit the eastbound SR-78 at El Camino Real and turn left.
- Then right at Vista Way and left on College Boulevard.
- East on College/Plaza Drive, enter the eastbound SR-78.
The total cost of repairs is estimated to be $20 million, with funds for the repairs coming from the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). Culverts are state assets that are regularly inspected and assessed as part of the State Highway Asset Management Plan.
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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