NBC 7’s Matt Rascon reports on the expansion planned from La Jolla to Oceanside along I-5.
A major step in a 40-year plan to widen Interstate 5 in North County, among other developments, was approved on Wednesday.
The California Coastal Commission unanimously signed off on the plan, which would widen I-5 to include four new express lanes and provide a series of rail, public transit, bicyclist and pedestrian improvements between La Jolla and Oceanside.
Four lanes designed for car pools, buses and toll-paying solo drivers would be built along the middle of the freeway. Two conventional lanes would also be added.
The project was estimated to cost $6.5 billion to be funded through a combination of federal, state, and local funds.
Environmental groups had expressed concerns about the impact on wildlife living in six coastal lagoons, 32 acres of wetlands and 74 acres of coastal sage. Developers have since said they’ve addressed these concerns.
Now that planners have received approval from the CCC, a carpool lane from Manchester to Birmingham will begin construction next year.
That will be the first phase of an 11-mile HOV extension from Manchester to State Route 78.
North Coast Corridor
This image from an artist shows what designers expect the area to look like after the construction is completed.
The proposal to spend $6.5 billion to expand Interstate 5 and other modes of transportation between La Jolla and Oceanside is being called the future of the North Coast Corridor.
North Coast Corridor
An image showing the existing Manchester Avenue area along I-5 from North Coast Corridor.
North Coast Corridor
This image from an artist shows what designers expect the area to look like after the construction is completed.
North Coast Corridor
The current view of I-5 at San Elijo Lagoon.
North Coast Corridor
An artist's concept of how San Elijo Lagoon will appear after construction according the North Coast Corridor.
The NCC Program is part of TransNet, the voter approved, half-cent sales tax initiative that helps fund transportation projects in the region.
North Coast Corridor
An artist's concept of the view from I-5 after the construction project is complete in Encinitas.
North Coast Corridor
The current view from I-5 in Encinitas according to the North Coast Corridor.
North Coast Corridor
A current image of Oceanside courtesy North Coast Corridor.
North Coast Corridor
An artist's concept of what the I-5 expansion will look like in Oceanside.
North Coast Corridor
A current image of Batiquitos Lagoon courtesy North Coast Corridor.
North Coast Corridor
An artist's concept of what the I-5 expansion will look like at Batiquitos Lagoon.
One of the lagoons located in the widening project area is the Agua Hedionda Lagoon.
The proposed timeline for the project.
The NCC Program represents a $6.5 billion investment in the region that will be paid for through a combination of federal, state, and local funds.
Images shared by the North Coast Corridor project shows the existing conditions and an artist's concept on what the completed project will look like.
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