I-5 North Coast Corridor Program
Running 12 miles along the San Diego, California coastline, the I-5 North Coast Corridor (NCC) program integrates transportation infrastructure improvements with the surrounding coastal environment. This project includes the replacement of highway and railroad bridges over lagoons, restoration of the San Elijo Lagoon, and 14 miles of highway widening. All of this work was performed with a priority on both sustainability and public safety.
Sustainability fun facts
- Dredging beach quality sand from the San Elijo Lagoon to the beach to provide sand replenishment preserves the San Diego coastline.
- Replacing the 100-year-old wood single railroad track trestle bridge with longer concrete double track structure will allow for greater tidal inundation through the lagoon channels and increased commuter trains that reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Widening the San Elijo Lagoon water channels will increase tidal inundation, greatly improve water quality, and benefit the entire coastal estuary ecosystem.
- Improving coastal access for the community with new trail systems will build interest in environmental conservation and greatly improve coastal access.
- For more information on this project, check out our infographic.
Awards and certifications
- Currently seeking Envision Verified certification
- 2019 Caltrans Partnering Success in Motion Award – Gold
- 2019 Transit/Rail Project of the Year by the California Transportation Foundation - Segment 6 (San Elijo Lagoon Double Track)
- 2020 Caltrans Partnering Success in Motion Award – Gold
- 2020 American Public Works Association (APWA) “Project of the Year” award for Sustainable/Green category - the Encinitas Coastal Rail Trail