This Month

SANDAG newsletter
provides information
on key projects & services
Planning for a sustainable future I-5 Locally Preferred
Alternative identified

2011 TransNet Update
released

Save money. Save time.
Use SchoolPool.
Bayshore Bikeway groundbreaking August 5 Draft Airport Multimodal Accessibility Plan comments sought SANDAG recommends phasing and funding modifications for Draft 2050 RTP Mid-Coast Notice of Intent published in Federal Register

SANDAG recommends phasing and funding modifications for
Draft 2050 RTP

Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration have selected the Locally Preferred Alternative for I-5 in the North Coast Corridor. The Express Lanes Only option will add four Express or Managed Lanes from La Jolla Village Drive to Vandegrift Boulevard. The selection of this alternative for I-5 freed up $800 million in the Draft 2050 RTP in the 2030 - 2035 timeframe.

All major North County transportation projects including COASTER/LOSSAN double tracking, bridge replacement, express lanes, High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and missing freeway connectors are scheduled to be completed by 2035 (with the approved phasing modification of the I-5/State Route 78 connectors).

SANDAG recommends allocating the $800 million toward regional transportation projects including: rail grade separations, transit enhancements, and the smart growth incentive program.

Additionally, funding was advanced for all I-5/SR 78 connectors and for the conversion of Phase 1 of the Mid-City Rapid Bus to a trolley line (Mid-City to downtown San Diego). The SANDAG Board of Directors approved the following phasing and funding modifications to be considered in the Final RTP:

Proposed Phasing Modification from 2050 to 2035

• Advance an estimated $300 million to $400 million for the I-5/SR 78 HOV and missing freeway connectors.

• Advance an estimated $400 million to $500 million for the transition of the Mid-City Bus Rapid project to Light Rail Transit Phase 1 between downtown San Diego and Mid-City/State Route 15 Transit Plaza.

Proposed Funding Augmentation

• Rail Grade Separations: Additional $300 million for a Regional Rail Grade Separations Fund.

• Safe Routes to Transit: Additional $200 million for Safe Routes to Transit improvements.

• Smart Growth Incentive Program: Additional $300 million for the capital component of this program.

Proposed Total Funding Augmentation: $800 million

Reports on Draft 2050 RTP modeling available

SANDAG has completed three modeling reports that demonstrate the effectiveness of the model used by SANDAG to prepare the Draft 2050 RTP.

• The Draft 2050 RTP Travel Demand Model Validation Report 2011 shows the accuracy of the data inputs and sources for our baseline 2008 model.

• The Off-Model Greenhouse Gas Reduction Methodology, which is reflected as an update to Technical Appendix 15 of the Draft 2050 RTP, documents the methodology used to estimate greenhouse gas emissions for several strategies included in the Draft 2050 RTP.

• The Transportation Model Sensitivity Analysis and Report provides insight into the sensitivity and elasticity of the four-step travel demand model in terms of policy and operational adjustment. Ten major groups of model parameters are covered in this report.

These reports do not change the outcomes of the Draft 2050 RTP. These reports validate conclusions found in the Draft 2050 RTP.

Project Manager

Elisa Arias, Principal Regional Planner
Phone: (619) 699-1936, E-mail: ear@sandag.org