Downtown and North Park Roadwork Starts Today; Expect Localized Delays

Roadwork Alert: Slurry Seal Project 2623 Begins Today

Drivers in Central San Diego should prepare for localized delays as the City of San Diego’s Transportation Department officially launches Slurry Seal Project 2623 this Saturday, February 7, 2026. This infrastructure effort is part of a larger campaign to preserve road surfaces across the city and is expected to continue throughout the month. Work is concentrated in several high-traffic communities including Downtown, North Park, Bankers Hill, Southcrest, City Heights, and Rolando Village.

Specifically, motorists should watch for crews and equipment on the following major arteries and neighborhood streets:

• Market Street and 10th Avenue: Expect lane shifts and temporary parking restrictions in the Downtown corridor.
• Ash Street and West Ash Street: Significant work is scheduled for these vital east-west connectors.
• 1st Avenue and Front Street: North-south commuters may encounter intermittent closures.
• Uptown and North Park: Brookes Avenue, Upas Street, and various segments of Thorn and Spruce Streets are also slated for resurfacing.

Slurry seal is a quarter-inch thick application designed to extend the life of streets in good condition. While this work is vital for long-term road health, it often requires temporary street closures and "No Parking" zones during active application hours. Residents are encouraged to check posted signage in their neighborhoods to avoid towing.

Weekend Market Closures and Event Traffic

As is standard for Saturday mornings in San Diego, several popular markets will necessitate street closures. The Little Italy Mercato is in full swing until 2:00 p.m., resulting in the closure of West Date Street from the cul-de-sac west of Kettner Boulevard all the way to Front Street. While east-west blocks are barricaded, north-south streets through Little Italy remain open to through traffic.

In the Gaslamp Quarter, the Artisan Market will occupy the 400 and 500 blocks of Fifth Avenue between Market and J Streets until 4:00 p.m. Island Avenue is also restricted between 4th and 5th Avenues. Commuters are advised to use 6th Avenue or 1st Avenue as alternatives when navigating the southern end of Downtown.

Public Transit Updates

Passengers using the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) are reminded of the service adjustments that took effect late last month. Multiple bus routes have seen their downtown terminals relocated to the 12th & Imperial Transit Center or the 1st & Broadway hub. Service on 10th and 11th Avenues has been largely discontinued for several routes, so check the latest PRONTO app updates before heading out.

For those traveling between San Diego and Oceanside, the North County Transit District (NCTD) confirms that COASTER rail service is running on its normal Saturday schedule today. However, travelers should note a planned full suspension of coastal rail service scheduled for the weekend of February 21-22.

Safety Reminder

Finally, Caltrans reminds all San Diego motorists that February is Speed Safety Awareness Month. Authorities are increasing enforcement on major freeways like I-5 and I-15 today to encourage drivers to obey posted limits and exercise caution near active construction zones.