SANDAG, the San Diego Association of Governments, has begun construction work on $41 million project to widen both westbound and eastbound SR 78, and replace the Nordahl Road Bridge.
The Nordahl Road Bridge replacement project at Nordahl/SR 78 interchange involves construction of a new structure with dedicated left-turn lanes to minimize vehicles stacking up and blocking the through lanes. The height of the bridge will be increased to provide a vertical clearance of 16 feet 6 inches, up from 14 feet 9 inches, which is presently the lowest clearance along SR 78.
Further, the bridge will be lengthened from 193 feet to 234 feet to accommodate future HOV lanes on SR 78. Nordahl Road will be widened to provide a dedicated right turn onto Montiel Road. The bridge work is expected to be complete in late 2012 and the new eastbound auxiliary lane in early 2013.
TransNet, a regional half-cent sales tax for transportation administered by SANDAG, provided $15.5 million for the SR 78 improvements. The City of San Marcos contributed $6.75 million and the City of Escondido $4.75 million. Caltrans provided $14.1 million through the State Highway Operation and Protection Program.