Construction continues up and down I-15 as the 20-mile, state-of-the-art Express Lanes facility comes to life between SR 163 and SR 78. Funded in part by the TransNet half-cent sales tax, the more than $1 billion project is designed to maximize capacity, relieve congestion, and “wow” travelers.
Scheduled for completion in 2012, the I-15 Express Lanes will feature four lanes with a moveable barrier for maximum flexibility (similar to the moveable barriers on the San Diego-Coronado Bridge); multiple access points to the general purpose highway lanes; and direct access ramps for high-frequency Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service. Construction of BRT stations and direct access ramps already is underway.
The good news for San Diego commuters is that the Express Lanes are being built in three segments. The Middle Segment is the first to be constructed and will be opened to traffic in two phases. The first phase from SR 56 to Rancho Bernardo Road opened in September 2008. The second phase from Rancho Bernardo Road to Centre City Parkway is scheduled to be opened in early 2009. The North Segment and the South Segment are scheduled to open to traffic in 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Several bridges along this stretch are being modified to accommodate the Managed Lanes. The Pomerado Bridge, which reopened for public use in January 2007, was demolished and completely rebuilt in just nine months. The new and improved bridge features four lanes; a pedestrian and bicycle path; a signalized intersection at the west end; upgraded seismic standards; and aesthetic improvements to coordinate with other construction in progress on I-15.
The future is bright for I-15 as the innovative Express Lanes will provide vanpools, carpools, buses, and FasTrak® customers with a smoother trip along the booming corridor; and also will relieve demand on the general purpose lanes.
Residents are invited to monitor progress on I-15 with the TransNet Dashboard, an interactive, online reporting tool that displays how TransNet dollars are being spent. The Dashboard is a key element of KeepSanDiegoMoving.com — the region’s window to in-depth project descriptions, construction schedules, public meeting notices, maps, news releases, and other information.
Additional information also is available at http://fastrak.511sd.com/.
Get a firsthand look at the planned 1-15 ''freeway within a freeway'' with four new managed lanes expanding commuting options from Escondido to San Diego (requires Windows Media Player). | 
