The North Coast Corridor (NCC) program aims to create a balanced transportation system that enhances quality of life for North County residents and increases transportation choices for everyone traveling through the area. Its three primary focus areas are the Interstate 5 (I-5) Express Lanes project, coastal rail and transit enhancements, and environmental protection and coastal access improvements.
The program represents an investment of more than $6 billion, including more than $250 million to preserve and enhance coastal habitats and access.
In 2014, the California Coastal Commission approved the NCC Public Works Plan, and in 2016, we broke ground. We are completing projects in phases. The first package of projects, called Build NCC, included an extension of carpool lanes on I-5, double tracking much of the coastal rail line, restoring sensitive lagoon habitat, and more. Build NCC cost approximately $882 million and was funded by federal, state, and TransNet sources.
At the end of 2025, Build NCC was substantially complete and we began preparing for the next phase.
Completed Build NCC Projects
- I-5 carpool/HOV lanes: We constructed 13 miles of HOV lanes in each direction from Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach to SR 78 in Oceanside, plus five new soundwalls and a new vista point on southbound I-5 just south of Birmingham Drive.
- Orange striping pilot program: Orange lane striping was added in active construction areas to draw attention to the work zone, reinforce the 55 mile per hour speed limit, and enhance safety for drivers and construction crews. Striping will wear away naturally over time.
- North Coast Bike Trail: The seven-mile trail includes new east-west and north-south bike and pedestrian connections from Solana Beach to Encinitas.
- Chestnut Avenue underpass improvements: We widened the underpass, added a new bike lane, enhanced sidewalks, and prepared the area for future community artwork.
- San Elijo Activity Hub Park & Ride: The activity hub opened on August 12, 2023, featuring 177 parking spaces, bike racks, infrastructure for future EV charging stations, lagoon access, and space for a future community garden.
- San Elijo Lagoon Double Track: In collaboration with NCTD, Caltrans, and the FTA, we designed and constructed 1.5 miles of second main track from Cardiff-by-the-Sea to the southern border of the San Elijo Lagoon and several associated improvements.
- Beach sand replenishment: We added more than 400,000 cubic yards of sand to local beaches.
- Lagoon restoration: We restored 154 acres of wetlands in the San Elijo Lagoon and 84 in the San Dieguito Lagoon.
Current and Future Build NCC Projects
- I-5 carpool/HOV lanes extension: In 2024, we began the design process to extend one carpool lane in each direction from Lomas Santa Fe Drive to Harbor Drive in Oceanside.
- Batiquitos Lagoon Double Track: SANDAG and Caltrans are constructing a second set of train tracks across the Batiquitos Lagoon.
For construction information, call the hotline at 844.NCC.0050, email buildncc@sandag.org, or text BuildNCC to 760.454.0077 to receive construction alerts via text.