Pacific Highway lanes near Old Town closed for investigation after pedestrian is struck by a vehicle

What happened and where the closure occurred

A section of Pacific Highway near San Diego’s Old Town was temporarily closed as emergency crews and investigators responded to a crash involving a pedestrian and a vehicle. The closure affected traffic in a corridor that connects Old Town to downtown via Pacific Highway and serves as a key access route to the Old Town Transit Center and nearby commercial areas.

Police and paramedics responded to the scene, and portions of the roadway were shut down to allow for medical care, evidence collection, and a preliminary collision investigation. In incidents of this type, lane closures are typically used to preserve the crash scene, document vehicle positions and debris fields, interview witnesses, and evaluate roadway conditions such as lighting, signage, and sightlines.

What is known about the crash investigation

Authorities treated the incident as a traffic collision investigation involving a pedestrian. In similar investigations, officers work to establish the direction of travel for both the pedestrian and the driver, determine whether the pedestrian was within a marked or unmarked crossing, and assess whether speed, visibility, impairment, distraction, or right-of-way issues may have contributed.

Officials have not released public findings establishing fault. Any determination of contributing factors typically follows a review of witness statements, camera footage if available, vehicle damage, and, when applicable, toxicology screening and collision reconstruction.

Why Pacific Highway near Old Town is a recurring concern

Old Town’s road network combines high vehicle volumes with heavy pedestrian activity tied to transit connections, tourism, and nearby residential areas. Pacific Highway is also a boundary between the historic park area and major transportation infrastructure, creating frequent crossing demand at intersections that can be complex for both drivers and people on foot.

San Diego has pursued speed-management approaches on busy neighborhood streets in recent years, including changes in posted limits in designated commercial districts, reflecting a broader regional focus on reducing severe-injury crashes. Safety advocates and transportation agencies generally emphasize that crash severity rises sharply with vehicle speed, particularly in pedestrian collisions.

Traffic impacts and what drivers should expect

During the closure, drivers were advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes. Congestion can extend beyond the immediate scene because Pacific Highway functions as a primary connector between Interstate 5 ramps, Old Town access points, and downtown-bound traffic.

• Expect periodic lane restrictions during evidence collection and cleanup.
• Allow extra time for travel near Old Town, especially during peak commute hours.
• Use caution approaching crosswalks and transit-adjacent intersections where pedestrian volumes are higher.

Police typically reopen lanes only after investigators document the scene and crews remove debris or damaged vehicles, a process that can take hours depending on injury severity and reconstruction needs.

What comes next

Investigators are expected to continue reviewing the circumstances leading up to the collision. Additional updates generally depend on confirmation of injuries, identification of involved parties when appropriate, and completion of preliminary findings. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant video may be asked to contact investigators as part of the review process.