District 11

Nov. 2, 2007

Contact: Public Information Officer Edward Cartagena Phone: (619) 688-6670

Caltrans Opens Limited Access to State Route 78

SAN DIEGO –The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) starting Monday morning will escort traffic along a previously-closed portion of State Route 78, between Bandy Canyon and Haverford Road, from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. This portion of the highway will then be closed during the nighttime hours until repairs can be finished later in the week.

Caltrans District Director Pedro Orso-Delgado said motorists can expect delays of up to 30 minutes using one-way traffic control through the area. “We understand the importance of getting the highway reopened as soon as possible and this will help those folks that are unable to take the detour,” he said. “Work is still ongoing to install new guardrail and other needed repairs and erosion control.”

The detour from Bandy Canyon to Highland Valley Road and on to State Route 67 will remain in effect, and will be the preferred route for motorists to take to Ramona after 6 p.m.

Motorists are asked to be patient as they wait to be escorted through the closure. Many portions of the roadway will still be under construction and crews will be present.

“In order to expedite the completion of the repair of safety devices, crews from other job site have been reassigned to finish work on 78,” said Deputy District Director Construction Armando Garcia. “Motorists should be aware that future closures of State Route 78 will be needed to stabilize fire damaged slopes.”

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