Heavy Rain and Construction Projects Set to Slow Monday Commute

Wet Conditions and Evening Congestion Forecast for San Diego

Commuters in San Diego should prepare for a significant shift in driving conditions this Monday, February 9, 2026. While the morning commute may start under relatively stable skies, a major weather pattern change is expected to bring widespread rain and potential traffic disruptions starting this afternoon. The National Weather Service has indicated that moderate precipitation will arrive later today, followed by mountain snow in higher elevations. This shift will likely result in slick roads and reduced visibility for the evening drive home, particularly on major north-south corridors.

Major Freeway and Roadwork Updates

Caltrans District 11 is currently managing several large-scale infrastructure projects across the region. Drivers are advised to stay alert for lane shifts and construction equipment in the following active zones:

• I-5 North Coast Corridor: Ongoing work along the northern stretch of Interstate 5 continues to impact travel between Oceanside and Del Mar. Commuters should expect narrow lanes and intermittent shoulder work that may cause sudden slow-downs.
• I-805 Pavement Rehabilitation: Maintenance and paving projects on the Inland Freeway remain active, particularly in the South Bay and near the Governor Drive area. Reduced speed limits are in effect through these work zones for the safety of crews and drivers.
• SR-94/SR-125 Interchange: Long-term construction at this busy junction continues to affect merging traffic. While no major daytime closures are scheduled for today, the area remains a frequent site for congestion during peak hours.

Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Service Alerts

For those utilizing public transportation, several service updates and recently implemented schedule changes are in effect today:

• Route 3 Stop Closure: Starting tonight, February 9, the bus stop for Route 3 at Washington St & 3rd Av (#11236) toward UCSD will be closed between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM due to night work. This nightly closure is expected to remain in place through February 23.
• Recent Schedule Adjustments: Riders should be aware of permanent schedule changes that went into effect in late January for several routes, including Routes 2, 4, 8, 9, 28, 35, and 41. Additionally, the Route 12 downtown terminal has been moved to the 12th & Imperial Transit Center.
• Minibus Constraints: MTS continues to monitor potential personnel constraints for minibus and Access services operated by Transdev. Riders on these specific routes should allow for extra travel time.

Safety Reminders for the Rainy Commute

With a Winter Weather Advisory in effect for San Diego County mountains starting late tonight, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) reminds all drivers to turn on their headlights as soon as the rain begins this afternoon. Recent late-night incidents reported on the I-805 and SR-15 connectors underscore the importance of maintaining safe following distances. If you encounter pooling water on the freeway, avoid sudden braking and reduce your speed to prevent the risk of hydroplaning.