SUBJECT:

I-5/Genesee Avenue Interchange Construction Begins in February

Construction to improve the I-5/Genesee Avenue Interchange is scheduled to begin early next month and will take approximately three years to complete. This City of San Diego project, which is being managed by Caltrans, will replace the existing six-lane Genesee Avenue overpass with a 10-lane structure that will better accommodate current and future traffic demands. Along with replacement of the overpass, the project will also widen the freeway access ramps, add auxiliary lanes on I-5 between Genesee Avenue and Roselle Street, and provide a dedicated path for the exclusive use of bicyclists and pedestrians (with a terminus on the UC San Diego campus at the intersection of Gilman Drive and Voigt Drive).

Although the I-5/Genesee Avenue Interchange is not a UC San Diego project, the university has been involved in planning to ensure minimal disruption to the campus during construction as well as the best possible outcomes for our students, faculty, staff, patients and visitors.

The project will consist of five stages of construction. Stage 1 begins next month and will last approximately three weeks.

What to expect during Stage 1:

· Intermittent traffic delays, but no lane closures

· Site preparation including vegetation and tree removal

· Installation of temporary concrete safety barriers (k-rail) along I-5 and on-/off-ramps

· Construction-related noise, dust, large equipment and signage along I-5

· Bike access will be maintained along I-5 shoulder

· Access to Scripps Memorial Hospital and Science Center Drive will be maintained throughout the project

· Emergency responders will have access to nearby hospitals 24 hours/day, seven days/week

Upon completion of Stage 1, Stage 2 of construction will begin and is expected to last approximately 16 months. During Stage 2, overnight lane closures will occur as needed and widening of Genesee Avenue and construction on the north side of the bridge will begin. More details on what to expect during Stage 2 will be forthcoming.

During construction, motorists are urged to slow down and all travelers are encouraged to give themselves more time and anticipate possible traffic delays.

To sign up for I-5/Genesee Avenue Interchange Project updates please email
I-5Genesee@KeepSanDiegoMoving.com. Additional information on the project is also available at http://KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/Genesee

For more information on the I-5/Genesee Avenue Interchange Project and other regional transportation projects that will transform the way we access campus over the next several years, please visit http://OnTheGo.ucsd.edu/

For project inquiries, please contact Anu Delouri, UC San Diego Physical and Community Planning, at x20150 or adelouri@ucsd.edu.

Brian Gregory Associate Vice Chancellor