A San Diego-area highway project that’s been three years in the making is finally complete.
The new section of State Route 52 connecting SR 125 to SR 67 opened to commuters Tuesday.
The four-lane highway completes an 18-mile link from SR 67 all the way to the Interstate 5.
California Highway Patrol Officer Brian Pennings said the new route should save commuters time. Possibly, as much as 10 minutes in a daily commute.
“It basically connects the rest of 52 to 67 and should alleviate a lot of traffic off Mission Gorge Road and Interstate 8,” said CHP spokesperson Brian Pennings.
Caltrans crews and the CHP worked overnight in preparation for this morning, opening opened westbound lanes, then eastbound lanes in time for the commute.
The Sunny Side Gateway Project began three years ago and cost more than $520 million.
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That pricetag includes your tax dollars -- $133 million from the state's Prop 1B transportation bond program and $35 million from the area's half-cent sales tax and federal funds.
Drivers should be cautious when traveling this route for the first time, Pennings advises. There will be some unfamiliar twists and turns and elevation changes.
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