Major Delays Expected on Northbound I-5 and Full COASTER Suspension This Saturday
Critical Lane Closures on Northbound I-5
Commuters and weekend travelers should prepare for significant delays on northbound Interstate 5 this Saturday, February 21. Caltrans has announced the closure of three out of four lanes on northbound I-5 at the Gilman Drive and La Jolla Colony Drive overpasses. This closure is part of the ongoing I-5 Asset Management Project and will remain in effect until 11:00 a.m. tonight. During this period, traffic will be restricted to a single lane. Motorists are strongly encouraged to utilize alternate routes, such as I-15 or SR-163, to avoid heavy congestion. Additionally, the westbound SR-52 connector to northbound I-5 and the ramps at La Jolla Colony Drive will remain closed during these hours to manage traffic flow near the bridge work site.
Key Highway Connector Shutdowns
Early morning drivers should also be aware of several critical connector closures. The southbound I-805 connector to westbound I-8 is scheduled to be closed from 3:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for maintenance. Furthermore, the SR-163 connectors to northbound I-5, along with the I-5 off-ramp to West Hawthorn Street, are slated for closures today. These disruptions will particularly impact those heading toward the airport and downtown areas.
Full COASTER Suspension and Transit Detours
Public transit users will face major disruptions as all coastal rail service is suspended today. The North County Transit District (NCTD) has halted COASTER service between San Diego and Oceanside for the entire weekend to facilitate routine maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Regular rail service is not expected to resume until Monday morning. While no passenger trains are running, residents near the tracks are advised that construction vehicles and test equipment will be active throughout the day.
Locally, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) reports several bus detours. Due to the Hillcrest Classic Car Show, 5th Avenue will be closed between Pennsylvania and Evans Place. Northbound Routes 3 and 120 will be on detour from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, Route 1 service toward Fashion Valley will experience a temporary stop closure at El Cajon Boulevard and Altadena Avenue from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Event-Related Congestion and Weather Warnings
Drivers should anticipate heavy traffic in the NTC Park and Liberty Station areas due to the San Diego Tết Festival. Downtown traffic near Petco Park and the Gaslamp Quarter will likely increase this evening for the San Diego FC home opener at 7:30 p.m. and various concerts. Finally, a high wind advisory is in effect for I-8 between Alpine and the San Diego/Imperial County line. Travel is not recommended for high-profile vehicles, including campers and trailers, in the mountain passes today.