District 11

Thursday, June 19, 2008

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

MEDIA ADVISORY - State Route 52

WHO –Caltrans District Director Pedro Orso-Delgado, Lemon Grove Mayor and SANDAG Chair Mary Teresa Sessom, and Santee City Councilmember and SANDAG Transportation Committee Vice Chair Jack Dale.

WHAT: Relief is on the way for commuters struggling to get to the coast from East County – construction will begin on the eastern-most portion of State Route 52 - Sunny Side Gateway. When all five new segments are complete, the $600 million, four-mile extension will complete the freeway from La Jolla to Santee nearly 40 years after the first segment opened in 1970. When the extension opens, it is expected to carry about 40,000 vehicles a day, many taken off the local arterials.

WHEN: Thursday, June 19, starting at 10:30 a.m.
(Refreshments will be provided.)

WHERE:    Just north of the intersection of Prospect Avenue and North Magnolia Avenue in the City of Santee. Thomas Guide 1231 (F-7)

                        From San Diego – Take Interstate 8 east to SR 67 north. Exit Prospect Avenue. Left at the signal and cross over SR 67. Right onto North Magnolia Avenue. Event site will be on your right.

PHOTO/VIDEO
OPPORTUNITY:

Earth moving equipment rumbling down the new freeway right of way – seen from a mound overseeing the city and SR 67. The event will conclude with the placing of the fourth of five SR 52 puzzle pieces, signifying the pieces that make up the project

# # # #