NORTH COUNTY–On Thursday night, Caltrans shifted traffic on State Route 76 (SR 76) between South Mission Road and Flowerwood Lane in the community of Bonsall.

Motorists will be routed from the existing lanes on the north side of the roadway to the newly constructed lanes on the south side of the roadway.

In preparation for the traffic switch, crews temporarily closed access from SR 76 to several streets: South Mission Road, Sweetgrass Lane, Ramona Drive, Calle Del Vuelta, and Via Monserate from 11 p.m. on Thursday to 5 a.m. on Friday. Full access to SR 76 from the affected streets, except for Via Monserate, were restored by 5 a.m. Friday. Via Monserate will remain closed for approximately two weeks, November 5 to 23, as crews work on the intersection. During this time, motorists are advised to use Ramona Drive as an alternate route to get to SR 76.

“This traffic switch will allow crews to begin constructing highway improvements on the north side of the highway, “said Caltrans SR 76 Resident Engineer David Cortez. “Motorists are urged to slow down, use caution in the construction area, and budget extra time for their commute as they become accustomed to this new facility.”

The SR 76 East Segment Project is the last segment in a series of projects between Interstate 5 (I-5) and I-15 that will improve travel and motorist safety. The project expands the conventional two-lane highway to four lanes and also straightens out some of the curves.

SR 76 serves as a major regional and interregional route in northern San Diego County. Starting at I-5, it stretches east, linking the City of Oceanside with the communities of Bonsall, Fallbrook, Pala, Pauma Valley, Rincon, and Lake Henshaw. East of I-15, SR 76 serves rural communities and tribal reservations. Portions of SR 76 are currently experiencing delay during peak periods due in part to insufficient highway capacity.

The SR 76 project is part of the TransNet Early Action Program, which is funded by the regional half cent sales tax for transportation. Construction on the first phase of the SR 76 East Segment was completed in summer 2013, widening and upgrading the SR 76/I-15 interchange. The second phase of the East Segment, widening and realigning SR 76 from two to four lanes, began in November 2014 and is scheduled to be completed in 2017.

The widening of the Middle Segment of SR 76 from Melrose Drive to South Mission Road was completed at the end of 2012.