To offer traffic relief for commuters as soon as possible, SANDAG is jumpstarting several transportation improvements during the next five to six years that are included in the voter-approved TransNet extension.

The projects include the widening SR 76 in the North County eastward to I-15; linking highway 52 eastward to SR 67 in the East County, and starting construction on the Mid-Coast trolley from Old Town San Diego north onto the campus of UCSD and over to University City.

SANDAG Directors also gave the green light to build four managed highway lanes down the center of I-15 all the way from SR 78 in Escondido south to the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station at SR 163.

“SANDAG will accelerate these critical transportation projects and put the taxpayers’ dollars to work as soon as possible,” said Solana Beach Councilman Joe Kellejian, who serves as the agency’s Transportation Committee Chairman. He said, “SANDAG promised voters a better transportation system with the approval of ‘Proposition A’ in November and we are intent on living up to that commitment.” Kellejian added, “This prioritization of key projects will offer commuters more travel choices and less traffic congestion.”

In November 2004, voters countywide approved Proposition A, extending the TransNet ½ cent sales tax to generate $14 billion through 2048. The proposition included a total of 47 major transportation improvement projects. The revenues from the sales tax extension will start being collected in 2008. However, SANDAG has the ability to issue bonds backed by the sales tax revenue stream to fund these early action projects.

Plans also are in the works to advance the environmental program, a key component of TransNet extension which would further expedite the delivery of projects. In addition, SANDAG, as called for in Proposition A, is establishing an Independent Taxpayers Oversight Committee.

Project Manager:
Craig Scott
(619) 699-1926