I-15/SR 78 Managed Lanes Direct Connectors Project
Thank you for your continued interest in the I-15/SR 78 Managed Lanes Direct Connectors project. Caltrans, SANDAG, and the City of San Marcos are proud to be making progress on an important project within the cities of Escondido and San Marcos that will:
- Improve connectivity between I-15 and SR 78 for those who live and work in North Inland San Diego County;
- Improve traffic flow on I-15 to minimize delays for people traveling north-south on the highway;
- Investigate equitable and transparent pricing strategies;
- Understand impacts and maximize the effectiveness of managed lanes
- Improve the operations of the existing I-15 Express Lanes;
- Enhance the quality of life for all who live in the corridor by providing additional transportation and transit options, reducing travel times, and the amount of time spent in a car.
Over the next year, the project team plans to stay in touch with you – sharing project updates, more information about proposed project features, and explaining how this project aligns with local, regional, and state goals for improving transportation. Is there a project feature you would like to learn more about? Email us!
We’ve heard your questions and comments about the project such as:
- How will congestion be avoided on this corridor?
- What role will Carpool/HOV Lanes play in this project?
- How will safety be addressed for nearby residents?
As we work on our project plans, we’re keeping your comments and questions close by to ensure we’re creating an equitable, safe, and reliable transportation system that benefits all users.
What’s the latest?
The Project Team is conducting extensive studies to understand and maximize the effectiveness of Managed Lanes throughout the region. Current studies underway include:
- Noise Study
- Concept of Operations
- Traffic Study
- Bridge Study for Barham/Woodland Undercrossing (Replacement vs. Widen)
- Barham Drive Configuration Study (4 lanes/bike facility vs. 6 lanes)
- Value Analysis Study
The Draft Environmental Document is scheduled for release in Spring 2023. At this time, there will be opportunity for further public comment and engagement. Stay tuned until then!
Why this project at this time?
The I-15/SR 78 Managed Lanes Direct Connectors is a key component of the larger SANDAG Regional Plan vision for a Managed Lanes system that would connect all corners of San Diego County and extend interregional transit service. For example, the I-15/SR 78 Managed Lanes Direct Connectors project could immediately support the potential extension of Rapid transit service from the I-15 Express Lanes, through the interchange, and to major employment hubs and potential future mobility hubs along the SR 78 corridor. The project has been partially funded and will rely on local, state, and federal funding sources.
How does this project fit into other North County transportation improvements?
SANDAG and Caltrans are currently developing the North County Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (CMCP), which aims to create a comprehensive set of safe, sustainable, and equitable transportation solutions that are tailored to the needs of North County users, promote community vitality, and improve quality of life for all. The I-15/SR 78 Managed Lanes Direct Connectors Project is being incorporated as a key strategy into the North County Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan. Developing such plans will help the region be more competitive for local, state and federal funds, including SB 1 funding.
The North County CMCP team held its first virtual public meeting to discuss the North County corridor on Thursday, July 8. If you missed it, you can watch the recording on the SANDAG YouTube channel.
If you are a resident or commuter in North County, please take a few minutes to tell us your transportation priorities for North County by visiting our Social Pinpoint website and providing feedback in the virtual engagement hub.
How Can I Be Involved?
Sign up for project updates to stay informed on upcoming project milestones and opportunities to provide feedback. Please let us know if there is another topic you’d like the project team to cover in an upcoming eblast.
About the Project:
New direct connectors between the existing I-15 Managed Lanes and three miles of newly proposed Managed Lanes on SR 78 are intended to improve connectivity and traffic flow on and between the two corridors, reduce congestion and travel times, increase access to homes and jobs, and improve overall quality of life in North San Diego County.
Continued residential and economic growth along the east-west SR 78 corridor in the cities of Escondido and San Marcos has placed strain on its connection to and from the I-15, a major north-south managed lanes system in San Diego County, and this project is anticipated to ease that strain.
For more information about the project and the project timeline, please view the project fact sheet. Below is a diagram demonstrating the range of components that will comprise the SR 78.
Connect With Us
 Sign up for updates at KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/SR78 |  Email us at SR78@KeepSanDiegoMoving.com |
 Call (888) 547-1161 |  Like us at SANDAG | SDCaltrans |
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