Project Profile: SR 163 and Friars Road Interchange Improvements

SR 163 and Friars Road Interchange Improvements - San Diego, California

photo credit: Caltrans

Location	San Diego, California
Project Sponsor / Borrower	City of San Diego Caltrans
Program Areas
Value Capture Techniques	Development Impact Fees / Mobility Fees
Mode	Highway and Local Road
Description	The State Route 163 and Friars Road Interchange project modifies the interchange to improve traffic operations, provide improved access for bicyclists and pedestrians, and minimize weaving on south-bound SR 163 between Friars Road and I-8. The Friars Road interchange was completed in 1970, when SR 163 was widened from four to eight lanes. The interchange was built to accommodate the increase in traffic that came with a growing area, but its capacity was soon exceeded from extensive residential and commercial growth. During peak travel times, vehicles slow significantly due to excessive traffic demand and weaving conditions on southbound SR 163 at Friars Road and at I-8. Phase 1 includes widening the SR 163-Friars Road overpass from three to four lanes in each direction and making improvements to the SR 163 on- and off-ramps. A southbound SR 163 auxiliary lane and improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians (bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides of Friars Road) are also included in this phase. Phases 2 and 3 are also planned contingent on future funding. Phase 2 includes construction of a new collector ramp from southbound S 163 to westbound I-8 and a new flyover entrance ramp from Ulric Street to southbound SR 163 to reduce weaving. Phase 3 will include two southbound SR 163 auxiliary lanes from Genesee Avenue to Friars Road and a northbound SR 163 auxiliary lane for motorists entering the freeway from Friars Road.
Cost	$45 million (Phase 1) $71 million (Phase 2 and 3)
Funding Sources	Federal funds - $2,239,809 SANDAG TransNet (local option sales tax) - $23,010,812 Development Impact Fees - $16,918,488 Private Contributions - $3,131139 Sudberry Properties - $2,660,000 H.G. Fenton - $171,179 Missions at Rio Vista - $145,000 ASN Presidio View - $155,000
Project Delivery / Contract Method	Design-bid-build
Private Partner	None
Project Advisors / Consultants	Lead Designer - Dokken Engineering Traffic Analysis - Linscott Law & Greenspan Prime Contractor - Flatiron West
Lenders	None
Duration / Status	Construction began in 2017 Substantial completion in Fall 2019
Financial Status	Phase 1 funding is completed. Phase 2 and 3 are awaiting funding
Innovations	San Diego paid for a large portion of Phase 1 using development impact fees. Development impact fees are fees that are imposed by the City of San Diego on a new development project to assist in paying for projects necessitated by growth. To complete the project without being fully funded before construction, Caltrans split the project into three phases, allowing the first phase to proceed while the others secured funding. TransNet is a half-cent sales tax for local transportation projects, in place since 1988 that provided over half the funding for Phase 1. It has been a tool of the San Diego Association of Governments to expand the transportation system, reduce traffic congestion, and fund critical transit projects.
Related Links / Articles	Project Fact Sheet TransNet Facts California Builder and Engineer Article Facilities Financing Program Mission Times Courier Article
Contacts	Charles Gray Project Manager, Caltrans charles.gray@dot.ca.gov