Commuter Alert: Final Night for Key Connector Closures at I-8 and I-15

Morning Traffic Overview

Happy Friday, San Diego. As we head into the Valentine’s Day weekend, commuters should be aware of several ongoing infrastructure projects affecting major arteries. While the morning rush is moving relatively well across the county, specifically targeted overnight closures are reaching their final scheduled phase today, which may impact late-night travelers and early-morning shift workers.

Key Freeway Connector Closures

Caltrans District 11 has confirmed that tonight, Friday, February 13, marks the final night for two significant connector closures that have impacted evening travel throughout the week. Drivers should plan alternate routes if they intend to travel late tonight or in the very early hours of Saturday morning:

• I-8 Eastbound to SR-125 Southbound: This connector in the La Mesa area is scheduled to close from 9:00 p.m. tonight until 5:00 a.m. Saturday due to ongoing construction.
• I-15 Northbound to SR-94 Eastbound: Expect the nightly closure between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. to conclude early tomorrow morning. Motorists are advised to utilize I-5 or local surface streets as detours.

Additionally, the massive $235 million I-805 rehabilitation project is ramping up in the South Bay. While no full mainline closures are scheduled for the Friday midday commute, motorists should stay alert for narrowed lanes and a reduced speed limit between H Street and Telegraph Canyon Road as crews prepare for future auxiliary lane installations.

Public Transit and Bus Detours

For those utilizing the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), several service alerts remain in effect for today:

• Route 11 Stop Closure: Due to essential sidewalk repairs, the northbound bus stop at University Ave & 3rd Ave in Hillcrest is closed today. This temporary closure is expected to remain in place through February 20.
• SDSU Station Access: The escalators at the SDSU Transit Center are currently out of service. Passengers requiring assistance or those with heavy luggage are advised to use the station elevators or ramps for platform access.
• Trolley Maintenance: While all Trolley lines are running on standard weekday schedules today, be prepared for upcoming weekend closures on the Orange Line starting next Saturday, February 21.

Weekend and Holiday Outlook

With the Presidents Day holiday approaching this Monday, February 16, MTS has reminded riders that most bus and Trolley routes will transition to a Saturday service schedule. If you are finishing your work week today, ensure your vehicle is ready for potential weather changes; local forecasts indicate rain will spread inland by late Saturday, which could lead to slick roads for the remainder of the weekend. Finally, with the 2026 Winter Olympics currently underway, expect increased congestion this evening near the Gaslamp Quarter and local viewing venues.