Project Overview
Completed in partnership with Caltrans, the State Route 76 (SR 76) Middle Segment project expanded 5.5 miles of existing highway from two lanes to four between Melrose Drive and South Mission Road. It was the second of three improvement projects to the SR 76 corridor between Interstate 5 (I-5) and Interstate 15 (I-15). It began in 2010 and was completed at the end of 2012. Additional improvements, safety enhancements, and environmental benefits included:
- New signalized and full-access intersections to improve the functionality of the roadway, including better local access
- A new two-lane bridge over the San Luis Rey River for eastbound traffic, and reconfiguration of the existing San Luis Rey River Bridge for westbound traffic
- Replacement of both the Bonsall Creek Bridge and the Ostrich Farm Creek Bridge
- Installation of a median barrier to separate oncoming traffic
- Realignment of curves to improve sightlines and stopping distances
- New standard-width shoulders in each direction to accommodate bicycles, pedestrians, and emergency parking
- Animal undercrossings and directional fencing to facilitate wildlife movement
- New drainage systems and biofiltration swales/strips to mitigatestormwater run-off and improve water quality
- Creation, restoration, and preservation of habitat areas
- Support of San Luis Rey River Park plans
Schedule
Construction started in January 2010 to expand the existing highway from two lanes to four and was completed at the end of 2012.
Budget
The total cost for the middle segment was $171 million. Funding sources included the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, Federal Demonstration Funds, state funds, and TransNet.