Construction crews to begin demolishing and dismantling Old San Elijo Lagoon Highway Bridge

As part of the Build North Coast Corridor (NCC) Project, Caltrans and SANDAG construction crews will begin demolishing and dismantling the original Interstate 5 (I-5) highway bridge over the San Elijo Lagoon at Manchester Avenue in Encinitas.

This work will require the use of heavy-duty machinery and equipment, and is set to begin on Sunday, March 1. The work will take place during overnight shifts from Sundays through Thursdays, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. This activity is anticipated to take approximately four to six weeks to complete.

The overnight work is required to ensure the safety of motorists traveling on the I-5 and construction workers along Manchester Avenue. Intermittent overnight lane closures may be required along I-5 near the bridge as part of this work, but no full freeway closures are planned.

Nearby residents and businesses should expect noise and lights from this activity, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) required vehicle back-up alarms. Crews will work to minimize noise and other construction impacts to the nearby communities.

In addition, motorists are advised that a full overnight closure of eastbound and westbound Manchester Avenue under I-5 will be in effect for approximately seven nights beginning March 1. On- and off-ramps at Manchester Avenue will remain open and detour signage will be in place to assist motorists around each overnight closure. Please note: The overnight road closure schedule at Manchester Avenue under I-5 is as follows (motorist detour map below):

* Sunday, March 1 through Thursday, March 5 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

* Sunday, March 8 through Thursday, March 12 from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

As always, use caution and remember to “Drive 55 on the 5” in the Build NCC construction zone. The SANDAG-operated Motorist Aid service for roadside assistance can be easily accessed by dialing 5-1-1 anywhere in San Diego County. Additionally, the “Move Over” law requires all drivers to move over a lane or, if they are unable to do that safely, slow down when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans vehicles, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, and tow trucks.

To learn more and to sign up for project email updates, visit www.KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/BuildNCC. Text “BuildNCC” to 313131 to sign up to receive construction text alerts.

-- City news release