Border-Bound Delays on Southbound I-5 and MTS Route 115 Detours Today

San Diego Traffic and Commute Update: Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026

Commuters navigating the San Diego region this Thursday should prepare for ongoing construction impacts near the international border and several public transit adjustments. While major arteries like Interstate 8 and State Route 163 are currently showing standard morning flow, specific projects and service alerts may add time to your trip.

Freeway and Roadwork Alerts

The most significant impact today remains on southbound Interstate 5 approaching the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry. We are currently in the second phase of a $2.7 million safety and security project. A single inner (east) lane remains closed 24 hours a day as crews work to replace temporary concrete barriers with permanent dividers and remove outdated speed humps. This closure is scheduled to persist until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow, Friday, Jan. 23. Travelers heading into Tijuana should expect moderate congestion and are advised to utilize the I-805 as an alternative when possible, though merging traffic near the border will remain slow.

On Interstate 805, motorists should stay alert for maintenance crews as part of a multi-year rehabilitation project. While no full daytime closures are reported for today, auxiliary lane construction and infrastructure repairs are ongoing throughout the corridor to address aging pavement and drainage issues. Drive with caution in the South Bay area where shoulder work may be visible through the week as Caltrans addresses infrastructure that has reached the end of its intended lifespan.

MTS Bus and Trolley Service Changes

Public transit riders should be aware of several specific detours and accessibility issues currently affecting the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS):

• Route 115 Detour: Due to localized construction, Route 115 Eastbound is operating on a 24-hour detour. This adjustment is expected to last through Jan. 29. During this time, the bus stops at College Ave & Camino Rico (ID 12936) and Navajo Rd & College Ave (ID 10671) are not being served. Riders should use nearby alternative stops.
• Potential Service Disruptions: MTS has issued a notice regarding potential "personnel constraints" affecting minibus and Access services operated by Transdev. While many routes are running as scheduled, commuters should allow for extra travel time and check real-time arrivals, as some trips may be delayed on short notice.
• Station Accessibility: Maintenance work continues at two major hubs. At the Fashion Valley Transit Center, the elevators are out of service through Jan. 30. Passengers requiring accessible routes should use the elevators in the adjacent parking structure. At the SDSU Station, escalators remain out of service today; riders are encouraged to use the ramps or elevators.

Evening and Weekend Outlook

For those traveling late, crews are performing track maintenance in the Downtown San Diego area between 11:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. This work is necessary for safety and efficient operations and does not affect daytime Trolley service, though it may cause noise for residents. Additionally, commuters planning for the weekend should note that coastal rail service, including the COASTER, will be suspended this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24–25, for infrastructure projects between Oceanside and San Diego. Plan your Friday evening accordingly if you rely on weekend rail travel.