San Diego Real Estate, Rancho Bernardo Poway homes, George Cooke

The I-15 Managed Lanes Project

Transit and Freeway Improvements will benefit the I-15 Corridor

To alleviate traffic congestion in the North San Diego Inland Corridor, Caltrans is currently undergoing a major freeway expansion project on Interstate-15. The current activity is in the "Middle Segment" which runs north on I-15 from Ted Williams Parkway (Route 56) to Center City Parkway just north of Lake Hodges. In general, the project will result in 6 additional freeway lanes, increasing from 8 lanes to 14 lanes in most areas. The "Middle Segment" (through Rancho Bernardo) is scheduled for completion by the end of 2008.

The I-15 southbound bridge over Bernardo Center Drive has been completed in less than 9 months and is carrying traffic again. The photograph was taken on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 4:30 pm by George Cooke.

This photograph shows the I-15 southbound bridge over Bernardo Center Drive being rebuilt. The photograph was taken on Monday, January 14, 2008 at 10:45 am. This shows significant progress since the bridge was demolished just 6 1/2 months earlier (see demolition photo below). (Photo taken by George Cooke)

This photograph shows the I-15 southbound bridge over Bernardo Center Drive being demolished. The photograph was taken on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 9:45 am. The demolition was completed over the weekend, minimizing the impact on traffic in the area. (Photo taken by George Cooke)

Managed Lanes

In addition to adding a northbound and southbound lane on the freeway, the project will result in a new "freeway within the freeway". Commonly known as HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lanes or carpool and transit lanes, this new "freeway within the freeway" will consist of four lanes. Unlike the exisitng HOV lanes that run between Ted Williams Parkway and Route 163, the new HOV lanes will always run in both directions, and will allow entry and exit from the lanes at various points along the route. They are referred to as "Managed Lanes" because they can be "managed" by a zipper barrier that will separate the north and southbound lanes. Similar to the divider on the Coronado Bridge, this will allow the lanes to be managed to accomodate traffic demands at different times in the day. In the morning, for example, there might be 3 southbound lanes and 1 northbound lane; while at mid-day it could be changed to 2 and 2.

BRT Stations

A series of Bus Rapid Transit stations are being built along the freeway, through a coopertative effort by Caltrans and SANDAG. Operating much like trolley stations, they will include park and ride facilities, and serve as a bus transfer point. This innovative project will allow transit vehicles on I-15 to quickly exit and enter the BRT stations directly into the I-15 Managed (HOV) lanes, and will offer a mass transit alternative for weary commuters. The stations will be located in Escondido, across from North County Fair, in Rancho Bernardo, at Ted Williams Parkway, and eventually in Mira Mesa.

This photograph (provided by SANDAG, all rights reserved) with computer simulation, shows the concept of how the Rancho Bernardo BRT will directly access the I-15 Managed Lanes via a series of "Drop Ramps".

Construction is underway

The supports for the Drop Ramps are currently under construction on I-15 at the location of the future Rancho Bernardo BRT station. The following photographs show the progress.

This is the view from the 4th floor balcony at "The Pointe" in the Rancho Bernardo Business Park at 16475 West Bernardo Drive on July 24, 2007. It was taken during a meeting with SANDAG and Caltrans representatives and local business representatives. This picture looks down on the area near the future Rancho Bernardo BRT Station. The Direct Access Ramps which will connect the Managed Lanes on I-15 with the Transit Center, can be seen under construction. (Photograph taken by George Cooke)

Work has begun on the piers for the southbound ramps, and for the bridge that will connect the HOV ramps to the RB Transit Center. This photo shows the progress as of June 22, 2007.

This is a closeup of the same view. These two photos were taken by George Cooke on June 22, 2007

The Rancho Bernardo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Station

The Rancho Bernardo BRT will be located on the west side of I-15 halfway between Rancho Bernardo Road and Bernardo Center Drive. It is just below the SONY Building on West Bernardo Drive. Construction has already begun for the Drop Ramps that will connect the new I-15 Managed (HOV) Lanes with the Rancho Bernardo BRT.

Additional Sources of Information

You can click on any of the following links for additional information.

TransNet - KeepSanDiegoMoving.com

Caltrans description of I-15 Managed Lanes

RB BRT - Caltrans - Computer Simulation Photo 1

RB BRT - Caltrans - Computer Simulation Photo 2

Transit First Public Workshop - March 25, 2004

Caltrans I-15 Project - frequently asked questions

SANDAG - I-15 Managed Lanes Project Information

Projects are also underway in the Rancho Bernardo Business Park where a "Re-development Craze" is underway.

Redevelopment craze | The San Diego Union-Tribune

Click here to find out about the Major Developments underway at the Rancho Bernardo Business Park.

Copyright© 2008 George Cooke. All rights reserved. The content of this site is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.
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