Tuesday Commute: Rail Construction in Del Mar and Transit Detours Impact Morning Travel

Morning Traffic Overview

Commuters in San Diego are waking up to clear skies and cool temperatures this Tuesday, March 10, 2026. While the major freeway arteries including Interstate 5, Interstate 8, and Interstate 15 are currently reporting standard flow with no major unplanned incidents, several long-term construction projects and public transit adjustments are in effect that may impact your morning routine.

Public Transit Alerts and Delays

Public transportation users should be aware of several specific service changes today:

• Pacific Surfliner: Ongoing stabilization work on the Del Mar Bluffs (Phase 5) continues to impact the rail corridor. Construction scheduled through Tuesday morning may cause periodic schedule changes for trains traveling to and from the Santa Fe Depot and Old Town San Diego stations. Passengers are advised to check their specific train status before heading to the platform.
• MTS Bus Detours: In the Hillcrest and North Park areas, construction activity on University Avenue has resulted in the closure of the westbound stop at Vermont Street for Routes 1, 10, and 11. Commuters should use the alternative stop at University Avenue and 9th Avenue. Additionally, Route 3 continues to experience a stop closure at Washington Street and 3rd Avenue, which is expected to remain in effect for the duration of a long-term infrastructure project.
• Trolley Updates: At the SDSU Transit Center, the escalators remain out of service. Passengers requiring assistance or those with mobility concerns should utilize the station's elevators, ramps, or stairs to reach the Green Line platform.

Local Roadwork and Speed Limit Changes

Drivers navigating city streets will notice the ongoing rollout of the Comprehensive Speed Management Plan. The city is in the process of lowering speed limits on over 679 miles of roadways to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. This morning, extra caution is advised in school zones and high-activity business districts where new signage may have been recently installed.

On the freeways, Caltrans District 11 continues several asset management projects. While no full closures are reported for the Tuesday morning peak, work continues on the I-805 Governor Drive auxiliary lane and bridge improvements. Motorists traveling toward the South Bay should expect typical heavy volume near the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry as construction on the new SR-11 corridor progresses.

Commuter Recommendations

With sunny conditions and a high of 64°F expected, visibility remains excellent throughout the region. However, given the potential for 15-minute delays on coastal rail lines following recent maintenance windows, rail commuters should allow for extra travel time. Local bus riders in the central San Diego area should verify their stop locations via the PRONTO app to account for active construction detours.