Evening Closures on I-805 and SR-54 Highlight Thursday Commute

Planned Nighttime Closures on I-805 and SR-54

Commuters traveling through the South Bay this evening should prepare for significant closures as part of the ongoing I-805 South Bridge Safety and Sound Walls project. According to Caltrans District 11, the westbound State Route 54 (SR-54) connector to southbound Interstate 805 (I-805) is scheduled for nighttime closures through tonight, Thursday, March 5. Additionally, lane reductions on I-805 and closures at Telegraph Canyon Road will be in effect from 9:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. the following morning.

These closures are necessary for bridge construction and the installation of new sound walls. Drivers are encouraged to use Interstate 5 as a primary detour route during these hours. Message boards have been placed throughout the corridor to provide real-time updates and detour instructions. Caltrans project engineers emphasize that while these repairs to aging infrastructure cause temporary inconvenience, they are critical for long-term safety and flood prevention along the freeway. Much of the roadway in this area dates back to the 1970s and is undergoing a major overhaul to address cracks and divots that have formed over the decades.

Public Transit Alerts and MTS Updates

For those relying on the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), several service alerts remain active. Transit riders using Route 120 should note that the northbound bus stop at University Avenue and 10th Avenue is currently closed due to nearby construction. This closure is expected to remain in place through the end of March 2026. Passengers are advised to use the stop at University Avenue and 9th Avenue or catch the Route 1 bus to connect to Fashion Valley.

While the Blue and Green Line trolleys are operating on regular schedules today, a major planned service suspension is looming for the coming weekend. Starting Saturday, March 7, Orange Line service will be suspended between the Massachusetts Avenue and Courthouse stations to facilitate infrastructure improvements. Commuters who typically use the Orange Line for weekend travel should begin planning alternative routes or look for shuttle bus replacements that will be detailed by MTS on-site.

Ongoing Roadwork and Surface Street Conditions

• I-805 South Bay Pavement Rehab: Beyond the nighttime closures, daytime drivers may encounter narrower lanes on I-805 between San Ysidro and Chula Vista as part of a $235 million rehabilitation project. New auxiliary lanes are being added to improve traffic flow, specifically southbound from H Street to Telegraph Canyon Road and northbound from 43rd Street to Imperial Avenue.
• SR-78 Maintenance: Emergency repairs and maintenance continue near the San Pasqual Valley Bridge. Commuters in North County should expect intermittent one-way controlled traffic in this rural section throughout the day.
• SR-79 Construction: One-way controlled traffic is also reported near the junction of SR-76 due to ongoing construction activities, which may cause minor delays for those traveling toward the mountain communities.

Drivers are reminded to "Move Over" for highway workers and to strictly follow posted speed limits in construction zones. With clear weather forecast for the remainder of the day, visibility should remain high, but the planned evening closures will likely increase travel times for those heading south late tonight. Stay alert and allow extra time if your route includes the South Bay corridor.