🚧 Major Freeway Closure Alert: What You Need to Know for Your Weekend Plans! 🚦

If you’re planning to drive east this weekend, brace yourself for a significant freeway closure that could impact your travel plans. Caltrans has announced a major shutdown of Interstate 8, stretching through La Mesa and El Cajon, from Friday evening until early Monday morning. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the detours and avoid delays!

Closure Details

The closure will commence at 9 p.m. on Friday and last until 5 a.m. on Monday. This closure is necessary for the repair of multiple bridges over the interstate. Here’s a breakdown of the specifics:

• Location: West of Jackson Drive
• Duration: September 29 (9 p.m.) to October 2 (5 a.m.)

Detour Directions

For those traveling eastbound on I-8, you’ll need to reroute your journey:

1. Take northbound State Route 125
2. Then head eastbound on SR 52
3. Next, take southbound SR 67
4. Finally, rejoin eastbound I-8

Impact on Local Traffic

In addition to the main closure, several connector ramps will also be affected, including:

• Northbound and southbound SR-125 to eastbound I-8
• Westbound I-8 to southbound SR-67/Magnolia Avenue
• Eastbound I-8 to northbound SR-67/Broadway
• Eastbound I-8 off-ramps to El Cajon Boulevard, Chase Avenue, and Main Street

Project Significance

This construction is part of a larger $27.7 million project aimed at extending the service life of several bridges in the East County area. As Caltrans’ acting District Director, Everett Townsend, stated:

“This project will ensure the structural integrity of these East County bridges for years to come. We are encouraging people to give themselves extra time for traveling to avoid impacts to their weekend plans.”

Future Work Ahead

While this weekend’s work will wrap up the major construction, crews will return in early October for overnight lane closures to finalize lane striping and complete the project.

Stay Informed!

Plan accordingly to avoid unnecessary delays as you head out for weekend activities—whether it’s dining out, shopping, or enjoying entertainment in the area. Your patience is appreciated during this essential maintenance work!

What do you think?

• How do you feel about the frequency of road closures in your area?
• Do you think the benefits of such projects outweigh the inconveniences they cause?
• Should Caltrans improve their communication about upcoming closures?
• What alternative routes do you usually take during closures?
• Are there other infrastructure projects you believe need immediate attention?