Reminder: 3-Mile Stretch of I-15 Near Poway Closes This Weekend

Powegians planning to use southbound Interstate 15 (I-15) near state Route 56 this weekend should consider alternative routes and detours, as a three-mile stretch of the freeway will be closed for drainage improvements, Caltrans reminded residents Monday.

The closure will occur this Saturday, July 27, from 7 p.m. through 4 a.m. Monday, July 29. The I-15 southbound lanes will be closed from SR-56/Ted Williams Parkway to Rancho Peñasquitos Boulevard/Poway Road.

“The public should anticipate traffic congestion and potentially lengthy delays during this closure,” Caltrans Corridor Director Gustavo Dallarda said.

The southbound I-15 Express Lanes will serve as the primary detour and will be available to all motorists at no charge, Caltrans said. Northbound lanes will not be affected.

Detour for those not using the Express Lanes is as follows:

• Westbound SR-56, then south on Black Mountain Road, then left on Mercy Road, and will re-enter the southbound I-15 at the Mercy Road on-ramp.

“A closure of this magnitude is relatively rare, and the best thing for motorists to do is steer clear of the area completely,” Dallarda said. “As always, motorists are reminded to slow down, watch out for highway workers, and safely move over a lane when they see flashing amber lights on Caltrans or other emergency vehicles.”

Residents can find detour routes and other construction information at http://www.keepsandiegomoving.com or by calling the project information line at 858-668-3368.