I-15 Interchange Reopens for Friday Morning Commute; Midday MTS Delays Ahead

Morning Commute Overview

Welcome to the sandiego.news traffic desk. For Friday, March 6, 2026, San Diego commuters are seeing a relatively smooth end to the work week as several major overnight construction projects conclude. While the early morning peak has seen typical congestion on the I-5 and I-805 southbound routes, the clearing of nightly interchange work has improved flow through the central county corridor.

Major Highway Updates

The primary update for this morning concerns the Interstate 15 and Interstate 8 interchange. The nightly construction project that has affected the northbound I-15 connectors to both eastbound and westbound I-8 throughout the week has finished its current phase. These connectors, which had been closed each night until 5:00 a.m., are now fully open for the Friday morning commute. Drivers should no longer need to seek the previously recommended detours through the Fairmont Avenue or 40th Street exits.

On Interstate 5, the ongoing Asset Management Project remains a factor for those traveling through the La Jolla and University Town Center areas. While all lanes are scheduled to be open during the day today, long-term construction zones around Gilman Drive and the SR-52 interchange feature narrowed lanes and shifted shoulders. Commuters are advised to maintain a steady speed and remain "Work Zone Alert," as crews may be performing minor maintenance behind concrete barriers.

In the South Bay, work continues on the I-805 rehabilitation project. Significant progress is being made on the new auxiliary lanes between H Street and Telegraph Canyon Road. While no active lane closures are reported for the Friday morning rush, motorists should expect lower speed limits through this corridor as part of the multi-year infrastructure overhaul.

Public Transit and MTS Alerts

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has announced a localized service disruption for today, Friday, March 6. Due to construction activities, the Route 5 bus stop for Downtown-bound service at Market Street and 45th Street (Stop ID #11368) will be temporarily closed from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Passengers are directed to use a temporary A-frame stop located roughly 40 meters east of the standard location.

Additionally, Route 2 passengers are reminded that the northbound stop at 30th and C Street remains under a long-term detour. This closure is expected to last through the end of March 2026, with the nearest alternative stop located at 30th and A Street.

Weekend Outlook: Significant Closures

Commuters should begin planning for major weekend disruptions starting tomorrow. The Orange Line Trolley will be suspended between the Courthouse and Massachusetts Avenue stations on Saturday and Sunday for track maintenance. Furthermore, the Pacific Surfliner has announced a corridor-wide closure for the weekend, with no train service operating between San Diego and San Luis Obispo on March 7 and 8. If you rely on these services, consider moving your trips to today or preparing for bus bridge transfers on Saturday.