Major Event Congestion Expected Near Petco Park and Torrey Pines This Saturday

Weekend Traffic Outlook for San Diego

Commuters and residents should prepare for significant traffic volume across the San Diego region today, Saturday, January 31, 2026. The convergence of major sporting events and popular weekly markets is expected to create localized gridlock, particularly in the Downtown and La Jolla areas. While the major freeway arteries remain mostly clear of emergency incidents this morning, several planned closures and event-based detours will impact travel times throughout the day.

Major Event Impact: Downtown and La Jolla

The San Diego Padres FanFest 2026 returns to Petco Park today from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Transit officials are anticipating heavy traffic in the East Village and surrounding downtown corridors starting as early as 8:00 AM. Expect delays on Harbor Drive, Imperial Avenue, and near the 12th & Imperial Transit Center.

• Farmers Insurance Open: The PGA TOUR event at Torrey Pines Golf Course continues today. Expect heavy congestion on North Torrey Pines Road and Genesee Avenue. Carpooling or using ride-share services is highly recommended for those heading toward La Jolla.
• Little Italy Mercato: The weekly farmers market has closed several blocks of West Date Street from Kettner Boulevard to Front Street. While north/south streets remain open, peripheral traffic is slower than usual.
• Gaslamp Artisan Market: Fifth Avenue between Island Avenue and J Street is closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of the market, impacting access to the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Roadwork and Highway Updates

Long-term infrastructure projects continue to affect the South Bay and North County commutes. On the I-805, Caltrans is progressing with a major $235 million overhaul. Drivers should be aware of intermittent ramp shutdowns and lane reductions in the South Bay, specifically between H Street and Telegraph Canyon Road.

• El Cajon Boulevard: Localized construction at the intersection of El Cajon Boulevard and Altadena Avenue is scheduled from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Motorists should expect lane merges and potential delays for eastbound travel.
• Old Town: Harney Street remains closed between San Diego Avenue and Congress Street for the Harney Street Market until 5:30 PM.

Public Transit Alerts

The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has issued several alerts for today. Route 4 and Route 12 are subject to detours around the East Village due to FanFest crowds. If congestion becomes excessive, the westbound Route 4 will bypass the stop at Imperial and 16th Street.

• Route 1 Service: The bus stop at El Cajon Blvd and Altadena Ave is closed today until 4:00 PM due to active construction.
• Route 2 Service: The northbound stop at 30th and C Street remains closed for long-term project work; passengers are advised to use the stop at 30th and A Street.
• Personnel Alert: MTS continues to monitor potential service gaps for minibus and Access services due to ongoing personnel constraints with its primary operator. Riders should check real-time tracking before heading to their stops.