Closure of portion of southbound I-5 to create traffic headaches all weekend

Traffic this weekend could get dicey, so plan accordingly.

Southbound Interstate 5 is slated to be closed from La Jolla to Mission Bay all weekend to allow for road and drainage improvements.

The closure, extending from state Route 52 to Mission Bay Drive in San Diego, will be in effect from 9 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday, according to Caltrans.

Over the period, portable message signs will detour motorists to southbound Interstate 805, state Route 163 and westbound Interstate 8, the state agency advised. Drivers will be able to exit and enter I-5 at Genesee Avenue, westbound La Jolla Village Drive and Nobel Drive.

All southbound Metropolitan Transit Service bus routes from La Jolla and University Town Center will be running as usual during the closure.

This is the first of six closures necessitated by a series of planned improvements along the interstate.

“The I-5 Asset Management Project will ensure that the southern segment of I-5 remains in a state of good repair while improving ride quality and reducing maintenance needs in the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City from Camino De La Plaza to just south of Via De La Valle,” according to a Caltrans statement. “This vital effort is focused on preserving existing infrastructure, improving safety and modernizing the corridor to meet current and future transportation needs.”

The project will rehabilitate pavement along the main roadway, shoulders and freeway ramps to extend its service life. Beyond resurfacing, the project will encompass various upgrades designed to enhance performance, safety and environmental conservation, according to the state agency.

The total cost of the planned improvements is $113.7 million, funded by the state Highway Operation Protection Program, with $102.6 million in federal funds and $11.1 million in state funds.

The project is part of a $1.6 billion investment in San Diego County and a portion of a $623 million investment to improve safety and infrastructure on I-5, I-805 and state Route 78, according to Caltrans.