Evening Trolley Single-Tracking and South Bay Freeway Rehab Anchor Tuesday Commute

Tuesday Morning Commute: Moderate Speeds and Scheduled Night Work

For Tuesday, February 24, 2026, San Diego commuters can expect a relatively typical morning commute across the major arteries, though long-term construction projects in the South Bay and scheduled maintenance on public transit lines require forward planning. While morning traffic is flowing at standard speeds on the I-5 and I-15, the afternoon and evening periods will see specific disruptions that travelers should prepare for now.

Major Freeway Projects and Roadworks

The most significant impact to local drivers remains the $235 million rehabilitation of Interstate 805. This extensive project, which targets infrastructure dating back to the 1970s, is currently active between San Ysidro and the I-15 interchange. Commuters should be aware of the following:

• I-805 South Bay Rehabilitation: Crews are working on adding new auxiliary lanes and rehabilitating the pavement. While most heavy closures are relegated to weekends, localized lane reductions and ramp shifts are ongoing during the week. Specifically, watch for activity between H Street and Telegraph Canyon Road.
• I-5 Bridge Work: Although major lane closures near Gilman Drive and La Jolla Colony Drive were concentrated over the recent weekend, daytime drivers may still encounter narrowed lanes and construction equipment near the shoulder. Caltrans continues to use I-5 as a primary detour for I-805 through-traffic during peak construction phases.
• I-15 Corridor: Minor maintenance work continues in the North County sections near Escondido. California Highway Patrol reports indicate frequent construction assistance near the I-15 and Friars Road interchange, which can cause intermittent slowdowns during off-peak hours.

Public Transit: MTS Alerts and Nighttime Single-Tracking

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has several active alerts for Tuesday that will affect those traveling late in the day or using specific campus hubs:

• Blue Line Single-Tracking: Starting at 9:00 PM tonight, UC San Diego Blue Line trains will operate on a single track between 8th Street and E Street. While trains will maintain a 15-minute frequency, minor delays are expected. Passengers at these stations must use the eastbound platform for all departures.
• Bus Route 8 Detour: Due to construction at the Balboa Avenue and Morena Boulevard off-ramp, Route 8 will be on detour from 9:00 PM tonight until 5:00 AM tomorrow morning.
• SDSU Station: The escalators at the San Diego State University transit center remain out of service. Passengers are advised to use the elevators or ramps and allow extra time to reach the platform.

Commuter Strategies

With evening rail maintenance and ongoing South Bay roadworks, drivers heading toward Chula Vista or San Ysidro are encouraged to monitor real-time speeds on the I-5 as a more consistent alternative to the I-805 during the evening rush. Transit riders should utilize the PRONTO app for real-time arrival updates, especially after 9:00 PM when single-tracking begins.