Improvements are coming to Interstate 5 (I-5) along the north coastal San Diego County corridor

​Caltrans and SANDAG will break ground in early December to extend the carpool lane on I-5 in each direction between Manchester Avenue in the City of Encinitas and Palomar Airport Road in the City of Carlsbad. In addition, the double tracking of the coastal rail line, bike/pedestrian path improvements, restoration of the San Elijo Lagoon, and replacement of the I-5 highway and rail bridges over the San Elijo Lagoon are already underway in the community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

These improvements are known as Build NCC, the first phase of construction on the North Coast Corridor (NCC) Program in the cities of Solana Beach, Encinitas and Carlsbad. These transportation, environmental, and coastal access projects are designed to improve the quality of life for residents in the region, create a stronger local economy for the future, and enhance the coastal environment.

No travel lanes will be closed during the day as part of planned construction. Periodic nighttime lane closures may be required between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. In 2020, construction crews will begin work on the off- and on-ramps which will require extended closures of the ramps. Detours will be provided and these closures will be noticed in advance of the work.

Caltrans and SANDAG also fund a freeway Motorist Aid program, which provides motorist assistance during daytime weekday and weekend hours to help stranded vehicles get back on the highway. Simply call 511 in San Diego County and say “Roadside Assistance.”

To receive email updates about planned improvements and what to expect during construction, please visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/BuildNCC. To learn about alternate transportation options and commuting resources during construction, please visit iCommuteSD.com.

You can follow SANDAG and Caltrans on social media to learn more: Facebook: SANDAG | CaltransDistrict11; Twitter: @BuildNCC | @SDCaltrans; and Instagram: @SANDAGregion. You may also sign up for construction alerts by texting “BuildNCC” to 313131.