San Diego Commute: New MTS Service Changes and I-805 Construction Delays

Morning Traffic Outlook

Commuters in San Diego can expect a relatively smooth start this Tuesday, January 27, 2026. As of early morning, official reports from Caltrans indicate no major traffic restrictions or incidents on the I-8 corridor through the Southern California region. While the morning air is crisp with temperatures in the 40s, visibility remains high under clear, sunny skies. Drivers on the I-5 and I-15 should still prepare for typical peak-hour congestion, particularly near the downtown merge and North County bottlenecks.

Major Roadworks and Construction

• I-805 South Bay Overhaul: Motorists should be aware of ongoing work related to the $235 million I-805 infrastructure project. Crews are currently working on adding auxiliary lanes to improve traffic flow between H Street and Telegraph Canyon Road (southbound) and from 43rd Street to Imperial Avenue (northbound). While much of the heavy lifting occurs during night shifts to minimize impact, lane shifts and narrowed shoulders may cause minor slowing during the day.
• Morena Boulevard: Road restoration and resurfacing continue near Morena Boulevard as the first phase of the city’s Pure Water project reaches its final stages. Expect intermittent lane closures and construction vehicles in the area as the roadway is returned to its normal configuration.
• La Media Road: Construction activity remains a factor in Otay Mesa, with reconfiguration work continuing between SR-905 and Siempre Viva Road to accommodate increased truck traffic.

Public Transport and MTS Alerts

Public transit riders should take note of significant service updates that took effect earlier this week. Following the January 25 service change, several MTS routes have adjusted timetables or modified paths:

• Route 115 Detour: Due to construction, Route 115 Eastbound remains on a 24-hour detour through Thursday, January 29. Affected stops include those at College Avenue & Camino Rico and Navajo Road & College Avenue.
• Bus Service Disruptions: MTS has warned of potential personnel constraints affecting minibus and Access services operated by Transdev. Riders are encouraged to check the MTS app for real-time cancellations before heading to their stop.
• Schedule Adjustments: Routes including 2, 4, 11, 20, 215, and 235 have implemented new weekday schedules. Commuters who haven't checked the latest "Take One" bulletins should verify their departure times to avoid missing their connections.

Commuter Recommendations

With clear weather forecast for the remainder of the day, road conditions should remain dry. However, the combination of new transit schedules and active construction zones in the South Bay means that a few extra minutes of travel time is recommended for those traveling through the I-805 corridor or relying on the bus network.