State and local officials are warning drivers to avoid Interstate 805 in the South Bay this weekend.
From Sunday Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. until Monday at 5 a.m., Interstate 805 will be closed from State Route 54 to State Route 905.
It's being referred to as “DARmageddon” – a 14-hour shutdown on I-805 to expand the freeway.
During that time, the East Palomar Street Bridge will be removed to make room for a Direct Access Ramp, known as DAR, leading to the warning name “DARmageddon.”
A bridge will be gone after the overnight construction and motorists can already see the area being prepared.
Local transportation and city representatives from the South Bay announced the “Steer Clear” campaign to warn drivers now of the upcoming closure.
Drivers can use the South Bay Expressway, or the SR-125 toll road, for free during that time. Interstate 5 is also an alternate route.
The finished project will have express lanes for carpoolers and buses and begin the start of the East Palomar Street Transit Station and a Park & Ride station.
Community leaders say it’s a little bit of a headache now but positive for future.
“We will have to endure growing pain,” said National City Mayor Ron Morrison.
