SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A freeway expansion made to alleviate one of San Diego’s most congested areas for commuters officially opened Friday.
The long-awaited Interstate 5/Genesee Avenue Interchange Project included the widening of a six-lane overpass to a new, 10-lane bridge. Freeway access ramps were also widened.
Additionally, project officials said a bicycle and pedestrian bridge was built “connecting the Sorrento Valley COASTER Station to nearby schools, employers, and hospitals, and relieving congestion in one of the region’s highest employment areas.”
The $117.4 million project broke ground in February 2015.
Traffic in and around the area has been a concern for years, and another separate project that is underway -- the Mid-Coast Trolley Project in the University City area -- is expected to also bring relief to motorists on Genesee Avenue.
Once completed, a bridge will go over traffic and bring trolley service from the Santa Fe Depot in downtown to the University City community. It will serve areas like Old Town, UC San Diego and the Westfield UTC shopping center.
The Mid-Coast Trolley Project is scheduled to begin service in 2021.
