SANDAG Bucks History Of Widening Freeways In New Transportation Plan

Officials with the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) on Friday presented its vision for the county's next long-term transportation plan, marking a sharp departure from previous plans with no projects to widen freeways.

While the plan does not include any freeway widenings, it does envision a new network of toll and carpool lanes that would be constructed on freeway shoulders or converted from existing general-purpose lanes. SANDAG staffers said some portions of rural highways may also be realigned for safety improvements.

The plan relies heavily on public transit to meet its goal. One major investment would be a project to move the COASTER rail tracks away from the slowly eroding Del Mar bluffs toward the Sorrento Valley employment hub. Others include a new north-south commuter rail line that would run through central San Diego and a host of new rapid bus lines.