Updated:  03.23.26

PROJECT STATUS

The project scope has been established and in March 2026, City Council approved a Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans to allow Caltrans to administer the design and construction of the repair work.  Once the agreement is fully executed, Caltrans will commence with repair work.  Due to construction being over I-5, there will be I-5 lane closures conducted by Caltrans during the repair.   

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Leucadia Boulevard bridge over Interstate-5 was constructed in 1965 when the freeway was constructed through the City of Encinitas.  The bridge is approximately 220 feet long and 96 feet wide. 

In 1992,  the City entered into a Freeway Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans for bridges along the I-5 corridor, which deemed the city is responsible to maintain the bridge structure above the bridge deck, for all local road overcrossings of I-5.

In late 2022, the city identified barrier rail concrete spalling and other maintenance concerns associated with the bridge barrier rail on the Leucadia Boulevard I-5 freeway overcrossing.  City staff began coordination with Caltrans to formulate a responsible scope and plan to address the maintenance issues.   

In March 2026, City Council approved a Cooperative Agreement with Caltrans for bridge barrier rail repairs at Leucadia Boulevard over Interstate-5 (I-5).   The agreement allows Caltrans to administer the design and construction of improvements and to bill the local agency at cost.  This approach allows Caltrans to leverage their freeway-contractor workforce to complete the necessary barrier rail repairs at the most competitive cost.  

The scope of work includes hydroblasting the removal of incompetent barrier rail concrete material, replacement of corroded steel reinforcement, and patching all barrier rail surfaces that had concrete removal.  Lane closures on I-5 during construction will be required due to the construction area being directly above Interstate 5.