SR 163 and Friars Road Interchange Project
Project Background
The SR-163/ Friars Road Interchange Project will improve traffic congestion and provide safer travel conditions for pedestrian and bicycle traffic in the area. It has been more than two decades since any major improvements have been made to the Friars Road/ SR-163 intersection. During this time, there has been heavy development that has led to increased traffic volumes, delays and concerns over the safety of motorized and non-motorized traffic in the area.
Project Overview
- Future interchange modifications will improve traffic operations, bicycle circulation and pedestrian facilities.
- This project provides for construction of an extended southbound State Route 163 (SR-163) to westbound Friars Road off-ramp, widening of the Friars Road overcrossing structure to eight lanes extending to Frazee Road, and construction of a flyover structure to eliminate conflict between traffic entering southbound SR-163 and exiting SR-163 to I-8 west.
- Bike lanes and sidewalks will be constructed in both directions of Friars Road. The on and off ramps will be realigned to eliminate "free right" movements and improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Additional improvements include traffic signal modifications at the on and off ramp intersections, Frazee/Friars Road intersection and Avenida de las Tiendas/Friars Road intersection. Frazee Road near the Friars Road intersection will be reconfigured to increase the number of thru and turning lanes.
- This project also includes an auxiliary lane on southbound SR-163 from Genesee Avenue to the Friars Road/SR-163 Interchange. Elimination of the weave between southbound SR-163 and exiting I-8 west traffic requires widening of the bridge over the San Diego River. Additionally, over 5,300 feet of retaining walls will need to be constructed along SR-163 and Friars Road, including one that is over 30 feet high. Friars Road widening and ramp improvements at Friars Road will be constructed with Phase I. The San Diego Bridge widening and Flyover structure will be constructed in Phase II and the southbound SR-163 auxiliary lane and northbound on-ramp with auxiliary lane will be built in Phase III.
Benefits
The purpose of the Friars Road/State Route 163 (SR-163) interchange modification project is to improve the interchange, enhance traffic operations on Friars Road including the SR-163 ramp intersection with Friars Road, and improve bicycle and pedestrian safety on Friars Road.
This project is consistent with the Mission Valley Community Plan and is in conformance with the City's General Plan. This project will alleviate some of the severe traffic delays along Friars Road due to new development in Mission Valley and the backup that occurs on the existing southbound off-ramp because of the weaving situation with the southbound on-ramp.
Cost
Phase 1 Project Estimate: $44,000,000 (Start Construction in 2014)
Phase 2 Project Estimate: $58,000,000 (Start Construction in 2017)
Phase 3 Project Estimate: $19,000,000 (Start Construction in 2019)
Total Project Estimate (All phases): $121,000,000
Schedule
Right of way acquisition and design is scheduled to be completed for Phase 1 in 2013. Construction of Phase 1 is expected to begin in 2014. Phases 2 and 3 would be completed on a similar schedule with Phase 2 construction starting in 2017 and Phase 3 construction starting in 2019.
Important Documents and References
Contact Us
If you would like to receive more information about this project, please e-mail us at
engineering@sandiego.gov.
