Orange Line Service Restored for Monday Morning Commute; Local Road Closures in North County

Transit Update: Orange Line Resumes Normal Operations

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) riders can expect a smoother start to the work week this morning, Monday, March 9, 2026. Following a planned weekend closure for the Orange Line Improvement Project, regular Trolley service has officially resumed between the Courthouse and Massachusetts Avenue stations. The shuttle bus bridging that was in place over the weekend is no longer required for the Monday morning commute.

While the rail lines are back to their standard schedules, bus riders should note that the Route 3 stop at 25th & Commercial, which was closed for construction through the weekend, was scheduled to reopen at 5:00 AM today. Commuters in that area should verify their specific stop location as work sites are demobilized. Additionally, minor delays may still affect the UC San Diego Blue Line due to recent night-time rail tie replacements between 8th Street and E Street, though trains are operating on a 15-minute frequency.

Roadwork and Local Closures

For those driving through North County, San Diego County officials have issued a traffic control notice for Cougar Pass Road. A one-day road closure is scheduled to take place between Alps Way and Meadow Glen Way East for an SDG&E pole changeout. While the work is windowed between March 2 and March 13, commuters are advised to watch for flagging crews and possible detours today between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

On the major freeways, Caltrans reports that Interstate 15 is currently free of major restrictions or planned lane closures within the San Diego region as of early this morning. However, long-term construction continues on Interstate 5 near the San Diego-Orange County line as part of the HOV lane expansion project. Drivers heading north toward San Clemente should expect shifted lanes and reduced speed limits near the Avenida Pico interchange.

Major Infrastructure and Airport Traffic

Travelers heading to San Diego International Airport should continue to allow extra time due to the ongoing Terminal 1 expansion project. Increased construction activity at the airport entrance is causing intermittent slow-downs on North Harbor Drive. If you are catching a flight this morning, the use of public transit or the airport shuttle is highly recommended to bypass terminal-side congestion.

• Orange Line: Full service restored between Courthouse and Massachusetts Avenue.
• North County: Possible closure on Cougar Pass Rd for utility work.
• COASTER: Regular coastal rail service has resumed following weekend maintenance.
• I-15: Clear of major restrictions.