OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Westbound lanes of State Route 78 from College Boulevard to El Camino Real will be closed this coming week while crews work to repair a gaping sinkhole that formed during a recent storm.
Two additional culverts have been discovered since work began on Wednesday. Due to additional rain in the forecast, the westbound lanes will remain closed this week. The eastbound SR-78 closure will happen once the westbound lanes are complete.
Last week Shawn Rizzutto, an engineer with Caltrans, stated, "We have a culvert that failed, that we have an emergency contract to correct. "We have about 12 inches of depression that we’re going to need to repave back, and we’re going to go in and replace the culvert."
Caltrans officials said motorists could also expect the eastbound lanes of SR-78 to be closed sometime next week.
"Maintenance crews will need to repair the metal pipe culvert underneath the highway," Caltrans added.
Motorists were asked to detour to the College Boulevard/Vista Way off-ramp, then west on Vista Way to the westbound SR-78 El Camino Real on-ramp.
Caltrans officials said they would update the construction schedule as new information became available.
Supervisor Jim Desmond reminded the community that taxpayers approved a half-cent sales tax that promised upgrades to State Route 78 in North County.
"SANDAG must maintain its promise to San Diegans and make SR-78 a priority, as it is vital to the safety of North County. It is time for SANDAG to come back to the table with a regional transportation plan that benefits everyone in San Diego County," Supervisor Desmond said in a press release.
For real-time traffic information, including traffic speed, lane, and road closures due to construction and maintenance activities, click here.
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