CalTrans, the state of California’s Department of Transportation, doesn’t get a lot of respect from University City locals. Would you rather have a root canal or drive Interstate 805 north in the morning? We grouse about the unclean highways like State Road 52 and I-5 in desperate need of litter cleanup and weed whacking. We shake our heads at the small cost of revamping I-5, like the $176-million price tag widening project, which is 40 percent finished with the opening of northbound lanes at I-5/I-805 in Sorrento Valley. We complain when small accidents happen. Remember a crane falling on route 5 during the expansion of these northbound lanes in 2003?
“Gimme a break. I don’t get no respect,” might be the hue and cry of CalTrans employees. District 11, which includes San Diego and Imperial Counties, has 1,400 employees and 1,000 miles of freeways and highways to maintain, both urban and rural.
A CalTrans press release touted the two other projects included in the $176-million dollar package: the earlier opening of SR-56 and the I-15 managed lanes project that is under construction. You’ll know you’re at the last project area on I-15 because your blood pressure will soar as you jockey for a place to hide from self-important speeding motorists going to important places like a takeout food place two exits away.
Massive concrete blocks are everywhere and some have tire skid marks, I swear. Imagine bouncing off these at 70 miles an hour. Oh, I forgot, the speed limit is 65 mph. Try doing 65 mph on highways 5, 805 or 15. I’m making up a bumper sticker: At 65 mph I’m saving gas, so would you please get off my “¦ bumper? It doesn’t rhyme, but the message is clear.
Back to the I-5/I-805 merge; there will be 23 lanes at its widest point when this project is finished. You and I still know it will be backed up twice a day with too many cars, SUVs and trucks driven by folks on cell phones. According to anonymous sources, originally I-805 was supposed to parallel I-5 to Los Angeles. The project was aborted and the money was diverted into the state’s general fund. Surprise, surprise!
CalTrans deserves some kudos for the bypass lane at Sorrento Valley. Motorists can access Carmel Mountain Road or SR-56 in Carmel Valley. Overhead, green signs clearly give directions on both northbound I-5 and I-805. If a motorist accidentally merges onto the bypass lane, there is one through lane back on to I-5 main lanes. It is not meant for through traffic, however. It’s like a teacher leaving the answers to a quiz on her desk. While you’re taking the quiz, she leaves the room. CalTrans should know that drivers will be sneaky when the opportunity is provided. Still, this bypass is a godsend for folks accessing SR-56.
Another CalTrans project close to University City is the exit ramp SR-52 from I-5 south. At first I thought it was a CIA plot. Groundcover was pulled up on a wide swath of the embankment over I-5. In my own mind it looked like an opportunity for Porter Goss, recently head of the CIA, to spy on Mount Soledad cross advocates. In my mind, CIA agents dressed as CalTrans workers were planting cameras on the hillside with cameras activated by car license plates. Then I phoned CalTrans to learn that rusted-out pipes needed replacement. How dull is that!
In April of ’06, CalTrans workers moved into their new San Diego District 11 office on Taylor Street in Old Town. It is a 12-acre complex with a Spanish Mission style that is in keeping of the community design. It only cost $71 million and houses 1,000 employees. According to the CalTrans Web site, there are 1,400 employees in District 11. Maybe the other 400 just drive around in those orange trucks. CalTrans also oversees inter-city passenger rail like the San Diego to Los Angeles train ride.
CalTrans employees who help build and operate this transportation system certainly risk life and limb. This year three people have lost their lives to reckless or inattentive drivers. Since 1924, according to the Web page, 166 CalTrans employees have died. Slowing down and enjoying the journey might help lower that number of victims.
Many University City residents have complained about the unsightly entrance on I-805 and Governor Drive that supposedly CalTrans is responsible for maintaining. Local resident and UCCA board member Mary Ann Guerra has been a dedicated and diligent activist, reminding CalTrans folks to clean up the litter and weeds there. Her index finger is in pain from dialing their number and getting various folks to promise some relief. However, CalTrans keeps trying to pin the mess on the city. If there are 1,400 employees and 1,000 miles of responsibility, couldn’t we just assign each employee a mile of responsibility, including weeding and maintenance, and have the extra 400 drive around in unmarked cars and help the CHP ticket speeding motorists?
Sandra Lippe, ex maestra de secundaria con una maestría en escritura creativa, nació y se crió en Connecticut. Es residente de University City desde hace 33 años con su esposo Ernie. Tienen dos hijos y dos maravillosos nietos.