This Month

Construction on SR 52 gets green light

Regional growth forecast provides glimpse at our future

Vanpools offer solution to high gas prices
NCTD prepares to implement fare changes

SANDAG Service Bureau completes small business, education, transit projects

Robberies with firearms increased in 2005, but still below national average

Summer Cruisin' with MTS

Construction on SR 52 gets green light

SANDAG and Caltrans have unveiled plans for the much-anticipatedexpansion of State Route (SR) 52 – the more than $650 million endeavor that will revitalize travel in the East County. Half the funding will come from TransNet sales tax dollars.

The effort to widen westbound SR 52 from two lanes to three lanes from Mast Boulevard to Santo Road will launch in Fall 2006, providing drivers with a smoother trip out of Santee. Widening of the eastbound section will beginin 2007.

Reaffirming the importance of public-private partnerships and solidifying its commitment to the region, Barratt American, Inc. also contributed $1 million to the westbound widening.

In addition to this widening project, the final piece of SR 52 will extend east from SR 125, through the City of Santee, and connect with SR 67. The nearly $450 million, four-lane stretch is scheduled for completion in 2010, and will consist of three pieces — SR 125 to Cuyamaca Street, Cuyamaca Street to SR 67, and the SR 67 interchange.
 
Adding to these improvements on SR 52 will be the addition of TransNet-funded HOV/Managed Lanes between SR 125 and Interstate 15. Future plans include extending the managed lanes to I-805.

These projects are expected to ease congestion in the booming corridor as Santee, like the rest of the region, continues to grow. The city of nearly 55,000 is expected to grow to more than 71,000 by 2030.

“SANDAG has kept its promise to voters by making the SR 52 expansion a priority and accelerating it through the TransNet Early Action Program,” said Mickey Cafagna, Poway Mayor and SANDAG Chair. “It will bring much-needed congestion relief to the residents of Santee and East County, as well as provide better access to the area’s jobs, education, shopping, and recreation.”

Project Manager:
Dean Hiatt, dhi@sandag.org, 619-699-6978