After a lengthy due diligence investigation and public process, SANDAG purchased the lease to operate the SR 125 toll road (South Bay Expressway) in December of 2011.
The transaction closed on December 21, 2011, at which time SANDAG took over as the operator of the toll facility.
No significant changes are expected in the first few months. SANDAG has contracted with the former operator and is retaining the existing staff to continue running the facility during a six-month transition phase. SANDAG will oversee the operations.
Next spring, SANDAG expects to begin a process to lower tolls. Reduced tolls are expected to attract more users to SR 125, relieving congestion on I-805 and reducing the need for some improvements there. (Construction will begin in 2012 on two carpool lanes – one in each direction – on I-805 in South Bay. However, the acquisition of SR 125 will make it unnecessary to add another two carpool lanes south of SR 54 in the future, with the result being a $268 million savings to taxpayers.)
SANDAG will develop a business plan to determine a toll rate reduction schedule. The process of lowering the tolls is expected to begin in the spring. The business plan will balance toll reduction against generating enough revenue to pay for operations and maintenance, debt service, future improvements, and contingencies.
Opened in 2007, the 10-mile toll road stretches from State Route 905 near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry north through eastern Chula Vista to State Route 54 near the Sweetwater Reservoir.
For more information about the transaction, read these Frequently Asked Questions and see the documents below.
July 29, 2011 Board Meeting Agenda & Audio
August 26, 2011 Board Meeting Agenda & Audio
November 18, 2011 Board Meeting Agenda & Audio
December 2, 2011 Board Meeting Agenda & Audio
December 16, 2011 Board Meeting Agenda & Audio | 
