Milestones

In partnership with the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), SANDAG released a Request for Qualifications for Prospective Broadband Partnerships and executed a cooperative agreement among the 20 firms that responded.

In February, SANDAG launched the Regional Digital Infrastructure Taskforce to talk about barriers to rapid deployment of broadband infrastructure, share best practices, and foster collaboration between local, regional, and state agencies. The group is now working on developing regional permitting standards that will expedite broadband infrastructure deployment in unserved and underserved communities.

As part of the Housing Acceleration Program, SANDAG kicked off its Housing Policy Forum series with a legislative digest and, in collaboration with SCAG, hosted three virtual housing forums.
SANDAG created a Housing Task Force and Regional Equitable Housing Subcommittee to explore potential regional housing financing models.

We celebrated ribbon cuttings on Fourth & Fifth Avenue Bikeways, Georgia – Meade Bikeway, Landis Bikeway—SANDAG’s first on-street bikeway projects—and the El Portal undercrossing project.
SANDAG created a Local Jurisdiction Technical Assistance program, the Housing Policy and Leadership Academy, the Housing Policy and Planning Tool, and worked on an Anti-Displacement Strategy.

The SANDAG Open Data Portal launched. It makes available a variety of data, including highway traffic volumes, regional crime data mapping, and population estimates.
Supplementing original information with big data, we created economic data analyses to understand short- and long-term effects on the region.

Six environmental mitigation projects were completed, including three by the Chaparral Lands Conservancy (Otay Mesa Rare Plants, Proctor Valley Vernal Pools and Uplands, Rarest Plants 2), one by Nature Collective (North County Dunes 2), and one by Mission Resource Conservation District (Invasive Species Management).

Following a Del Mar Bluffs collapse in February 2021, SANDAG partnered with NCTD and the City of Del Mar to complete emergency repairs within 15 months.

The Youth Opportunity Pass Pilot Program launched in partnership with MTS, NCTD, and the County of San Diego in May. More than 21,000 free transit passes were distributed to riders 18 and under.

SANDAG released its first call for Housing Acceleration Grant Program projects and awarded $1.9 million to seven local jurisdictions.

With the help of Congressman Mike Levin, SANDAG secured $27 million in federal funding to replace the 100-year-old single-track San Luis Rey River Bridge, which will add more than ten miles of double track to the LOSSAN Corridor in Oceanside.

The California Coastal Commission approved the Del Mar Bluffs stabilization project for Federal Coastal Consistency Certification. SANDAG completed project design in November and began finalizing construction arrangements.

We completed the first phase of the North Coast Corridor program, opening the new San Elijo Lagoon bridge and suspended bike and pedestrian bridge under the I-5, nine miles of new carpool lanes on the I-5, and double-tracking projects to improve the LOSSAN Rail Corridor.

The San Diego Audubon Society performed ReWild Mission Bay, a habitat restoration and monitoring program which restored coastal dune habitat for the endangered California Least tern and endangered Nuttall’s Acmispon through techniques including invasive plant removal, volunteer events, educational signage, seed collection, surveying, and fence repairs.

SANDAG launched the Get Connected Campaign in partnership with the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, and 211 San Diego to increase awareness of resources that help people connect to the internet.

In July, SANDAG released a call for projects for the Specialized Transportation Grant Program, making approximately $7.9 million available for specialized transportation grants.

We opened the southbound State Route 125 to westbound State Route 905 connector ramp in Otay Mesa.

In July, the Board adopted a resolution to create a Vision Zero Action Plan to guide regional transportation safety efforts.

In August, SANDAG celebrated the historic groundbreaking of the Otay Mesa East project.

SANDAG opened a record-breaking 11 miles of new bikeways and broke ground on nearly five more miles between the Pershing Bikeway and Barrio Logan segment of the Bayshore Bikeway.

Three submissions were chosen to advance to the second phase of the Request for Innovative Concepts process, including Beep, Inc. (mobility hubs to create a network of autonomous electric shuttles providing first- and last-mile connections), Cordoba Corporation (extending the Blue Line Trolley one mile into Tijuana and otherwise improving border crossing processes), and Cavnue (a state-of-the-art managed lanes network).

Thanks to the leadership of California Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, SANDAG received $300 million in the state budget for the LOSSAN Rail Realignment project in Del Mar.

In September, SANDAG, in partnership with Caltrans, was awarded $150 million from the federal INFRA grant program to help fund the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project.

Central Mobility Hub project staff began a concept study to analyze several airport transit connection alternatives.

Between December 2021 and September 2022, the Blue Line carried an estimated 16.7 million passengers—as compared to 9.6 million in all of 2021.

SANDAG hosted its inaugural Community Fair showcasing over 50 projects, highlighting dozens of partnerships, and reaching thousands of community members.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg toured the Del Mar Bluffs and LOSSAN Corridor, emphasizing its importance as a key segment of the national rail system.

California and Mexico signed a binational Toll Revenue Sharing Agreement for the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project in October.

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg visited the Otay Mesa East site in November to highlight the importance of the project for the entire country.

Highway construction improvements for I-805/SR 94 Bus on Shoulder Demonstration Project were completed in June and a three-year demonstration project is underway.

The Youth Opportunity Pass spurred a 92% increase in youth transit rides and a 175% increase in youth riders as compared to April before the pilot program launch.

Twelve Active Transportation Program and Smart Growth Incentive Program projects were completed and many more that received funding in past years moved forward with planning and construction.

SANDAG partnered with state agencies, local jurisdictions, community-based organizations, and affordable housing developers and identified ways to bring more funding to the region through the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities program.

To ensure safety and accessibility, the Bike Network team implemented dramatic and innovative traffic calming solutions, including constructing 18 new traffic circles.

Our team collected original data which is used to better understand travel patterns around the region and will be used in the creation of the 2025 Regional Plan.

TransNet provided more than $300,000 toward the completion of four projects in 2022 and more than $50 million more toward other projects in progress.

The SANDAG Board of Directors awarded $2.4 million in funding to 19 environmental mitigation projects in 2022.

Solana Beach completed its Lomas Santa Fe Corridor Active Transportation Improvement design project.

The City of San Diego completed four community planning projects for the Active Transportation Program and Smart Growth Incentive Program.

National City completed the Roosevelt Avenue Corridor Smart Growth Revitalization Project.

Funding through the Housing Acceleration Grant Program assisted local jurisdictions with housing feasibility studies, housing production assistance, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis for multifamily housing sites.

SANDAG began work on the next funding Housing Acceleration Grant Program cycle, which includes both planning and capital components.

SANDAG submitted its application to the state to receive over $43 million dollars in formula funding to support housing-related projects and programs.

SANDAG partnered with schools and community organizations to distribute Youth Opportunity Passes, assist youth with smartphones in acquiring virtual passes, and disseminate program information in 14 languages.

On November 21, 2022, SANDAG celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Mid-Coast Trolley Extension, the largest completed infrastructure project in the history of the San Diego region.

Approximately 8,000 people benefitted from Specialized Transportation Grant Program-funded transportation services, providing nearly 300,000 one-way passenger trips.

The Board of Directors approved adoption of the 2021 Regional Plan and certification of the Environmental Impact Report. The 2021 Regional Plan provides a vision for our future that leverages the latest technologies, meets all state and federal requirements, addresses traffic congestion and roadway safety, and improves social equity.

We completed the Mid-Coast Extension of the UC San Diego Blue Line on time and within budget in the fall. The UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley, operated by the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), now extends service from Downtown San Diego 11 miles north to the University community. The extended line serves Mission Bay, the VA Medical Center, UC San Diego, Westfield UTC, and other major employment and activity centers. This project has expanded the region’s Trolley system so that it now provides a one-seat ride from the U.S./Mexico Border all the way to the University community—with stops at several communities in between.

The first segment of the SR 11/Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project, a new diverging diamond interchange, was completed. Following this milestone, dignitaries from both countries joined together in June to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that expressed their commitment to open the new port of entry by 2024. The team also initiated a new investment grade Traffic and Revenue study which will guide the development of a bonding package.

Following a bluff collapse, we continued construction and delivered emergency repairs of the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization project. SANDAG and the North County Transit District (NCTD) worked quickly to ensure safety and reliability along the line, benefiting the region and the entire Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo (LOSSAN) Rail Corridor, while simultaneously exploring a long-term strategy to move the tracks off the bluffs.

SANDAG initiated an environmental review for the Central Mobility Hub project, received significant public input, and began preparing technical studies to support the consideration of the proposed project at several potential alternatives: The Navy Old Town Campus site, the Intermodal Transportation Center site, the Port of San Diego site, a downtown San Diego Civic Center site, and a Trolley connection to the airport.

The Board approved the Fiscal Year 2022 Regional Bike Plan Early Action Program Budget Amendment, reallocating the $2.3 million to the budget and accepting $16.3 million in grant funds to help deliver regional bikeway connections.

The Rose Creek Bikeway project was completed, filling a two-mile gap in the Coastal Rail Trail between the Rose Canyon Bike Path in University City and the Rose Creek Bike Path in Pacific Beach.

We completed phase 2 of the Inland Rail Trail, adding three miles of multi-use path along the NCTD SPRINTER rail line through parts of unincorporated San Diego County and the City of Vista.
Progress continued on the Georgia – Meade and Landis Bikeways by constructing neighborhood traffic circles, buffered bike lanes, and many other traffic-calming features along the project corridors in the North Park and Mid-City neighborhoods.

Progress continued on Fourth and Fifth Avenue Bikeways by constructing separated bikeways, buffered bike lanes, and many safety improvements for people who walk, bike, and roll in the Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, and Downtown San Diego.

The Pershing Bikeway project design was finalized.

We advertised the Bayshore Bikeway – Barrio Logan segment for construction and reviewed and evaluated bids. The project will stretch 2.5 miles along Harbor Drive between Park Boulevard and 32nd Street, connecting two existing segments of the Bayshore Bikeway.

We broke ground on phase 1 of the SANDAG and Caltrans I-5 North Coast Corridor Program on four miles of new carpool/HOV lanes on I-5, from Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad to SR 78 in Oceanside.

Construction was completed on Bus on Shoulder project, allowing South Bay Rapid buses (Route 225) to use the freeway shoulder during weekday peak travel times. This helps maintain transit schedules and support system reliability.

SANDAG partnered with Caltrans to begin developing the first five Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plans. Each corridor plan evaluates all modes of travel and all transportation facilities along a defined corridor, which can include highways and freeways, parallel and connecting roadways, transit (bus, bus rapid transit, light rail, intercity rail, etc.), pathways, and bikeways.

SANDAG adopted a resolution expressing a commitment to bridging the digital divide, partnered with Caltrans and the County of San Diego to identify $7 million in funding to install fiber with the planned Caltrans SR 67 Pavement Rehabilitation project, and set to receive the largest investment statewide for broadband infrastructure improvements from the California Department of Technology.

We celebrated the halfway mark in construction on the El Portal Undercrossing project, which will provide pedestrians and cyclists with a new connection between Vulcan Avenue and N. Coast Highway 101, and installed bridge foundations and set the new rail bridge. The El Portal Undercrossing is expected to be completed in spring 2022.

Construction was completed for the I-805 Corridor Enhancement Projects, which included five new sound wall segments as well as bridge and safety improvements at the Sweetwater River Bridge.

Interested innovators, entrepreneurs, service providers, and mobility experts were invited to submit innovative concepts for transportation “Connector” services that advance the transformative vision for transportation shaped by the SANDAG 2021 Regional Plan’s 5 Big Moves.

We approved the creation of the Regional Equitable Housing Subcommittee (REHS), approved the Housing Incentive Program and released two calls for projects for up to $6 million total.
The Board unanimously adopted a commitment to equity statement.

Several Criminal Justice Clearinghouse reports were prepared for policymakers, law enforcement, and prevention and treatment professionals. These reports provide essential information on public safety and public health, crime data, and crime reduction strategies being implemented countywide.

Nine SANDAG-funded grant projects throughout the region were completed, including the City of Vista’s Paseo Santa Fe Smart Growth Incentive Program project. The City of San Diego also completed the 14th Street Pedestrian Promenade Demonstration Block, completing the first phase of linear park connecting East Village and Barrio Logan to City College.

In October, the SANDAG Board of Directors approved and released the TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program 10th Cycle of Land Management Grants Call for Projects. The Board allocated $2.4 million in funding for the 10th cycle of Land Management Grants. The TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program funded the restoration of the San Elijo Lagoon, which was completed in the fall.

The SANDAG iCommute program replaced old mechanical bike lockers and added 100 new electronic bike parking spaces. During the pandemic, SANDAG launched a new Telework Assistance Program and worked with area employers to develop and/or improve their telework policies to offer employees more options for working at home.

Closely monitored tax revenues from TransNet revealed that during FY 2021, revenue was 9.2% higher than in FY 2020. In March 2021, SANDAG refinanced 2014 Series A bonds at lower interest rates, saving more than $22 million for the region’s taxpayers. These bond deals also support cashflow needs, providing more than $130 million for the TransNet major corridor program.

We unveiled an interactive data tool that highlights key findings related to unemployment during 2021 in the San Diego region. The tool allows policymakers, businesses, and members of the public to gain a better understanding of the impact of the pandemic on unemployment in the region.

Began construction on the El Portal Undercrossing project, marking a pivotal milestone to improve public safety and enhance access to biking and walking paths in Old Encinitas. The project will build a new rail bridge, new pathways and retaining walls; allowing streamlined access to businesses, schools, the coastline, and the neighborhoods between Vulcan Avenue and N. Coast Highway 101.

Completed construction on Phase 4 of the Del Mar Bluffs Stabilization project. Continued stabilization of the bluffs is critical to support railroad operations, while SANDAG studies and develops alternative strategies to move the tracks completely off the bluffs.

Completed several construction milestones on the Mid-Coast Trolley Corridor Transit project, including the tunnel that will allow the Trolley to travel under an existing roadway and removal of all falsework - or temporary support structures - from the Trolley bridges. Ongoing efforts include the construction of the nine new Trolley stations, the Nobel Drive Trolley Station parking structure, and the UTC Transit Center parking structure; trackwork along the length of the alignment; installation of overhead catenary poles; and additional signal work, landscaping work, and efforts to realign Campus Point Drive. When it opens in late 2021, the 11-mile route will travel alongside I-5 to UC San Diego, then along Genesee Avenue to its terminus at University Towne Centre.

Completed the San Diego River Double Track project, which was constructed concurrently with the Mid-Coast Trolley and provided a continuous seven-mile stretch of double-tracked railway from Balboa Avenue to the San Diego Depot in Downtown San Diego.

Completed the Elvira to Morena Double Track project, which was constructed concurrently with the Mid-Coast Trolley and added 2.6-miles of double track from State Route 52 (SR 52) to just south of Balboa Avenue.

Completed renovations of the Poinsettia COASTER Station in Carlsbad. This project has improved traveler wait times, provided easier access, reduced train delays, enhanced pedestrian safety, and upgraded station amenities.

SANDAG and Caltrans opened a new southbound I-5 auxiliary lane to allow motorists to enter the freeway from Genesee Avenue and continue directly to the La Jolla Village Drive off-ramp without having to merge with freeway traffic. The approximately one-half-mile auxiliary lane was constructed concurrently with the Mid-Coast Trolley.

SANDAG and Caltrans crews continued work on the SR 11 highway and southbound connectors project (SR 11/SR 905/SR 125), including a one-year closure of a segment of Enrico Fermi Drive which began in April 2020. Construction of the southbound SR 125 to westbound SR 905 connector began in late 2020. The Innovation Analysis report was completed in April 2020, and a new Traffic & Revenue investment grade study began, which will guide the development of an investment grade bonding package to support the future Otay Mesa East Port of Entry.

SANDAG and Caltrans crews completed construction on five sound wall segments along Interstate I-805 (I-805), between East Naples Street and Bonita Road. Work continued at the Sweetwater River Bridge on I-805, where crews are widening the bridge to increase existing shoulder and lane widths. Additional safety improvements along the corridor include upgraded roadway signs, lighting, metal beam guard rails, and concrete barriers.

Continued construction on the North Coast Corridor (NCC) program, a package of freeway, rail, and environmental enhancement projects along I-5. SANDAG and Caltrans Build NCC crews completed the protected bike and pedestrian lanes beneath I-5 at Encinitas Boulevard and Santa Fe Drive in late July 2020 and continued construction of I-5 carpool lanes, one in each direction, from Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach to Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad. Construction crews also completed the outside lanes of the new highway bridge over the San Elijo Lagoon and started construction on the inside lanes.

The Rose Creek Bikeway project made significant construction progress on both the trail segment and the Santa Fe Street segment. Notable progress included crews constructing retaining walls along the trail segment and forming curbs and gutters along the Santa Fe Street segment. Other accomplishments included gutter and drain installation for stormwater control, irrigation and landscaping, driveway reconstruction, and utility relocations and adjustments.

Three miles of the Inland Rail Trail were completed through Phase 2 and connect to completed portions in San Marcos and Escondido.
Georgia – Meade and Landis Bikeways crews completed construction of 11 neighborhood traffic circles, seven on Meade Avenue and four on Landis Street, and began constructing several other traffic calming features along the project corridors.

Broke ground on the Fourth and Fifth Avenue Bikeways project. When completed, the bikeways will provide approximately 2.25 miles on Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue between B Street and Washington Street in the City of San Diego, resulting in the creation of 4.5 miles of new bikeways that will enhance neighborhood connectivity between Hillcrest, Bankers Hill, and Downtown San Diego.

Delivered hundreds of presentations to stakeholders on topics related to the 2021 Regional Plan vision and hosted a series of seven educational webinars. In late 2019, the SANDAG Board approved the 2019 Federal Regional Transportation Plan to keep important transportation funding coming to the region while the vision is being developed.

As the regional agency appointed to coordinate 2020 Census outreach, SANDAG led public education efforts alongside local jurisdictions and Count Me 2020, a coalition of more than 150 community-based organizations led by United Way of San Diego County. SANDAG convened the 2020 Census Complete Count Stakeholder Working Group to facilitate this coordination and managed an extensive outreach campaign. National Census Day was April 1, 2020.

Signed an additional agreement with the Navy to explore development options for the Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus. The location is being considered as a potential site for the Central Mobility Hub, which is intended to serve as a multimodal transportation center where all modes of regional public transportation could come together, including a possible direct transit connection to San Diego International Airport.

The TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program funded restoration of the San Elijo Lagoon, which made significant progress in 2020. Restoration will be complete in late 2021, coinciding with the completion of I-5 San Elijo Lagoon highway bridge construction, and long-term monitoring will continue to measure the restoration’s success for the next 10 years. Design and permitting for the San Dieguito Lagoon Wetlands Restoration Phase II project has also begun.

Distributed the SANDAG iCommute Diamond Awards, which recognized 138 employers regionwide for outstanding efforts to encourage workers to embrace methods that reduce traffic and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

Released the Specialized Transportation Grant Program Cycle 11 Call for Projects, which made available an estimated $7.2 million to fund local agencies to provide specialized transportation projects for seniors and individuals with disabilities in the region.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the SANDAG Data Science and Analytics team released a series of economic impact reports and forecasts analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on employment and the economy. SANDAG also analyzed the change in travel patterns during the pandemic and released several reports with the findings. The iCommute program became the region’s trusted source for teleworking resources—providing employers with sample agreements, guidelines, articles, and webinars. SANDAG also is focusing on updating agency technology—including providing every employee with a laptop to enable easier teleworking.

Completed the Chesterfield Drive Rail Crossing Improvements Project to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and accommodate the City of Encinitas’ future Quiet Zone for Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Completed the San Elijo Lagoon Double Track Project in partnership with North County Transit District (NCTD), which added 1.5 miles of second main track from Cardiff-by-the-Sea to the southern border of the San Elijo Lagoon and replaced an aging timber single track rail bridge with a concrete, doubletracked bridge.

Launched South Bay Rapid, a 26-mile transit route that starts at the Otay Mesa Border crossing and carries passengers between Otay Mesa, the eastern part of the City of Chula Vista, and Downtown San Diego.

Reached halfway point of construction on the $2.17 billion Mid-Coast Trolley.

Completed construction of the realigned and improved Rose Canyon Bike Path, which was constructed concurrently with the aMid-Coast Trolley. The approximately one-and-a-half mile stretch of upgraded bike path runs along Rose Canyon, from the northernmost point of Santa Fe Street to the intersection of Gilman Drive and La Jolla Colony Drive.

Continued construction on the Elvira to Morena Double Track Project, which is being constructed concurrently with the Mid-Coast Trolley and will add 2.6-miles of double track from State Route 52 (SR 52) to just south of Balboa Avenue.

Continued work on the Poinsettia Station Improvements Project, which is renovating the Poinsettia COASTER Station in the City of Carlsbad to provide easier passenger access, reduce train delays, enhance safety, and upgrade station amenities.

Completed construction of the Gilman Drive Bridge, a new crossing over I-5 at Gilman Drive, just north of the La Jolla Village Drive Interchange.

Broke ground on the final segment of the future toll road, State Route 11 (SR 11), and the State Routes (SRs) 125/11/905 Southbound Connectors for the Otay Mesa East (OME) Port of Entry (POE) Project.

Began bridge and safety improvements on the Sweetwater River Bridge located along Interstate 805 (I-805) between Bonita Road in the City of Chula Vista and State Route 54 (SR 54) in the City of National City.

Continued construction on the NCC program, a package of freeway, rail, and environmental enhancement projects along I-5. In 2019, crews completed the dredging of the San Elijo Lagoon and began replanting efforts. Crews also completed bicycle and pedestrian improvements to the south side of the Encinitas Boulevard and Santa Fe Drive/ I-5 intersections.

Completed the 1.3-mile City of Encinitas segment of the Coastal Rail Trail (CRT), part of a larger, planned continuous bike route that will run approximately 44 miles between the City of Oceanside and Downtown San Diego.

Completed construction of the relocated and upgraded Rose Canyon Bike Path. The approximately one-mile stretch of bike path is a segment of the CRT running along I-5, from north of Santa Fe Street to just north of SR 52.

Continued construction on three miles of Phase 2 of the Inland Rail Trail (IRT).

Began construction on the Georgia – Meade and Landis Bikeways, which will add more than 6.5 miles of new bikeways to neighborhoods in the City of San Diego’s urban core.

Final design of the Barrio Logan segment of the Bayshore Bikeway was completed in 2019 and the plans were submitted to the City of San Diego’s Development Services Department for review and approval.

Final design of the Central Avenue Bikeway was completed in 2019 and the plans were submitted to the City of San Diego’s Public Works Department in August 2019 for review and approval.
In November, a construction contract was awarded for the Fourth and Fifth Avenue Bikeways project, which will provide approximately 2.25 miles on Fourth Avenue and Fifth Avenue between B Street and Washington Street in the City of San Diego.

Final design of the Imperial Avenue Bikeway was completed in 2019 and plans were submitted to the City of San Diego’s Development Services Department for review and approval.

Final design of the Pershing Bikeway was completed in 2019 and plans were submitted to the City of San Diego’s Development Services Department for review and approval.

Continued the design phase of the Normal Street Promenade as part of the Eastern Hillcrest Bikeways Project.

Continued planning for the Border to Bayshore Bikeway, an 8.5-mile route that will provide safe biking connections within and between the City of Imperial Beach, the community of San Ysidro, and the San Ysidro POE.

Continued planning for the Orange Bikeway, a 2.1-mile route that will provide safe biking connections within and between North Park and City Heights.

Approved an action plan to extend completion of the 2021 Regional Plan and develop a transformative vision for the San Diego region that is efficient, socially equitable, and environmentally sustainable.

Hired the agency’s first Independent Performance Auditor, who reports directly to the Board and Audit Committee, and oversees and conducts independent examinations of SANDAG programs, functions, and operations.

Launched Census 2020 outreach efforts on April 1, 2019.

Introduced the 5 Big Moves on April 26 at a joint meeting of the Board, Policy Advisory Committees, and TransNet Independent Taxpayers Oversight Committee. The 5 Big Moves are key strategies to inform the San Diego Forward: The 2021 Regional Plan visionary framework.

More than 8,200 visits at 100 pit stops were recorded on Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 16.

Launched the Carlsbad Connector app-based shuttle service from the Carlsbad Poinsettia COASTER Station.

Signed an exclusivity agreement with the U.S. Navy and the City of San Diego in September for the revitalization of the Naval Base Point Loma Old Town Campus.

State legislation, Assembly Bill 1730 (Gonzalez, 2019), was signed into law in October, ensuring that San Diego Forward: The 2015 Regional Plan (2015 Regional Plan) remains valid for funding eligibility and other consistency purposes until the 2021 Regional Plan is adopted. The legislation also uncouples the 2021 Regional Plan from the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) process, allowing local jurisdictions to update their housing elements on schedule.

While work progressed to develop the 2021 Regional Plan, the 2019 Federal Regional Transportation Plan was prepared and adopted that complies with federal requirements for the development of regional transportation plans, retains air quality conformity approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation, and preserves funding for the region’s transportation investments.

Distributed the SANDAG iCommute Diamond Awards, which recognized 131 employers regionwide for outstanding efforts to encourage workers to embrace methods that reduce traffic and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

Celebrated Rideshare Week 2019 September 30 - October 4, powered by Waze Carpool.

Awarded 20 GO by BIKE Mini-Grants, totaling $55,000, which funded free community events around the region in an ongoing effort to encourage people to GO by BIKE, maintain an active lifestyle, and help reduce GHG.

Completed construction on the State Route 15 (SR 15) Mid-City Centerline Rapid Transit Stations project. The project opened for service in March with two new freeway-level stations at University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard, which allow Rapid service along Interstate 15 (I-15) to quickly stop, pick up passengers, and continue back onto the active freeway lanes.

Completed construction on the third and final phase of SuperLoop Rapid station upgrades in north University City.

Continued construction on the $2.17 billion Mid-Coast Trolley, the largest transportation project ever undertaken in the San Diego region.

Continued construction on South Bay Rapid, a 26-mile transit route that will start at the Otay Mesa Border crossing and carry passengers between Otay Mesa, eastern Chula Vista, and Downtown San Diego.

Began service on a new double-tracked rail bridge over the San Elijo Lagoon as part of the San Elijo Lagoon Double Track Project.

Began Chesterfield Drive Rail Crossing Improvements Project to enhance bicycle and pedestrian safety and accommodate the City of Encinitas’ future Quiet Zone for Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Broke ground on the Poinsettia Station Improvements Project, which will renovate the Poinsettia COASTER Station in the City of Carlsbad to improve the customer experience by providing easier access, reducing train delays, enhancing pedestrian safety, and upgrading station amenities.

Celebrated completion of the $117.4 million I-5/Genesee Avenue Interchange Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony in June.

Continued construction on the NCC program, a package of freeway, rail, and environmental enhancement projects along I-5. In November, work broke ground on new carpool lanes from Manchester Avenue in Encinitas to Palomar Airport Road in the City of Carlsbad.

Made significant progress on the Gilman Drive Bridge, which will span I-5 and connect the east and west campus of UC San Diego. The elegant arched bridge is located north of the La Jolla Village Drive interchange.

Continued work on the design, engineering, and planning for the construction of segments 2 and 3 of the SR 11 and OME POE project, including southbound connectors between SRs 125/11/905 segments and interchanges, and new POE and additional facilities at OME. Additional funding was secured, and the Presidential Permit was renewed.

Began work on five sound wall segments along I-805, between East Naples Street and Bonita Road in Chula Vista, as part of the second phase of the I-805 South Express Lanes Project. The sound walls will abate freeway noise and improve the quality of life for nearby residents. Additional sound walls will be built in a later phase as construction funding becomes available.

Removed a number of freeway call boxes in urban areas with dependable cell phone service. Roadside signs will be installed in place of some call boxes with a message to call 511 for roadside assistance, connected to a live operator 24 hours a day.

Continued progress on the Bayshore Bikeway, which will eventually extend 24 miles around San Diego Bay. Approximately 15 miles have been completed to date. An important headway was made when a 2.25-mile key segment along the National City Bayfront opened in February.

Continued construction on the IRT (Phase 2) through an unincorporated part of the County of San Diego. When all phases are complete, the IRT will stretch 21 miles and link the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, as well as unincorporated communities in the County of San Diego.

Design work continued on Uptown Bikeways and North Park | Mid-City Bikeways project segments, with the Park Boulevard Bikeway segment making progress toward environmental clearance. The Fourth and Fifth Avenue Bikeways segment is currently in the final design phase. Approved an amendment to the SANDAG FY 2019 Program Budget to accept $2.2 million from the City of San Diego to fund the design and construction of the Normal Street Promenade as part of the Eastern Hillcrest Bikeways.

Continued planning for the Border to Bayshore Bikeway, an 8.5-mile route that will provide safe biking connections within and between Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, and the San Ysidro POE.
Continued work on the San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project. Nearly 220,000 cubic yards of sand was dredged from the lagoon and moved to Cardiff State Beach in the City of Carlsbad and Fletcher Cove in the City of Solana Beach to replenish the shorelines.

Acquired Deer Canyon East, nearly 112 acres of native habitat and old agricultural lands in Carmel Valley, as part of the TransNet Program of Projects (POP) (formerly known as the TransNet Early Action Program). The old agricultural lands will be restored to wetland habitat and the remaining land will be preserved as open space.

The SANDAG Energy Roadmap Program provided Climate Action Plan planning assistance to the cities of Encinitas and La Mesa, both of whom adopted their plans in 2018.

SANDAG’s binational partnership with the Mexican government was reinforced with the historic first visit of Honorable Luis Videgaray, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico to a Board meeting. The visit underscored the importance of border projects like the SR 11 OME POE Project, which SANDAG is working on in partnership with Caltrans and counterpart organizations in Mexico.

Completed the Plan of Excellence, a comprehensive, agency-wide effort to improve SANDAG processes, programs, and communications.

Continued work on the 2019 Regional Plan, the latest update to the SANDAG big picture vision for the region’s future transportation system. In October, SANDAG launched an interactive survey and held a series of public meetings hosted by elected officials from throughout the region to gather input on three initial “network concepts.”

Continued the first ten-year comprehensive review of TransNet projects to evaluate and improve performance of the overall program, as required by the TransNet Extension Ordinance. According to the review, 33% of projects have been completed and 28% are either in construction or moving forward with the planning, environmental review, and design process.

Began recruitment for a SANDAG Independent Performance Auditor, who will report directly to the Board and Audit Committee and oversee and conduct independent examinations of SANDAG program, functions, and operations. This position was created as a result of Assembly Bill 805 (AB 805) (Gonzalez, 2017).

Approved the formation of an Airport Connectivity Subcommittee, as well as the use of up to $1 million from the agency’s contingency reserve for consultant-related expenses. The subcommittee will bring together key stakeholders to identify future transportation solutions for improved ground and transit access to the San Diego International Airport.

Approved the formation of a RHNA Subcommittee to provide input and guidance during the development of the RHNA Plan.

Approved $22.3 million in TransNet Smart Growth Incentive Program capital grants to 11 projects throughout the San Diego region, to fund transportation-related infrastructure improvements that support smart growth development.

Awarded a perfect score from the FTA in its 2018 Triennial Review. The FTA found SANDAG to be fully compliant, with zero deficiencies, in 20 different areas of review, and highlighted dozens of noteworthy, completed, ongoing, and future projects managed by SANDAG.

Allocated $60,000 to fund GO by BIKE mini-grants for regionwide programs and projects that promote biking through outreach and education.

As part of the SANDAG iCommute Program, 687 vanpools carried more than 5,000 commuters to work each week, which reduced vehicle miles traveled by 133 million miles in 2018.

Held the 28th Annual SANDAG Regional Bike to Work Day where nearly 11,000 pit stop visits were recorded at 100 pit stops throughout the region.

Launched a Carpool Incentive Pilot with Waze Carpool. The SANDAG iCommute Program worked with 28 employers to offer ten free rides each to new carpoolers.

One hundred and six-eight employers were active in the SANDAG iCommute Employer Program in 2018. Those employers represent 395,000 employees in the region.

Distributed the iCommute Diamond Awards, which recognized 93 employers regionwide for outstanding efforts to encourage workers to use alternate transportation choices.

Partnered with the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and NCTD to offer Free Ride Day as part of Rideshare Week in October. This resulted in more than 404,000 transit trips on a single day – a 15 percent increase over the same day on the previous year.

More than 2,520 people joined the SANDAG iCommute Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) program in 2018. iCommute partners with Uber, Yellow Cab, and Enterprise Car Rental to provide a free ride home in the event of an emergency up to three times per year for those who use alternative transportation.

Completed $28.1 million in improvements to the Oceanside Transit Center, which made the station more efficient by adding a third track and an additional platform.

Continued construction on the Mid-Coast Trolley, the largest transportation project ever undertaken in the San Diego region. On track for completion in 2021, the Mid-Coast Trolley will extend Blue Line service 11 miles from Old Town north along I-5 to UC San Diego, along Genesee Avenue, and into University City.

Refinanced outstanding South Bay Expressway TransNet and Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loans through the sale of $194 million in fixed-rate Series 2017 Revenue Bonds, which led to securing a more conservative level debt service structure that will save more than $147 million over the life of the 26-year loans.

Began the process of forming the new SANDAG Audit Committee as part of the implementation of AB 805.

Began first ten-year comprehensive review of TransNet projects to evaluate and improve performance of the overall program, as required by the TransNet Extension Ordinance.

Continued construction on the SR 15 Mid-City Centerline Rapid Transit Stations project. Two new freeway-level stations at University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard will allow Rapid service along I-15 to quickly stop, pick up passengers, and continue back onto the active freeway lanes.

Continued construction on South Bay Rapid, a 26-mile transit route that will start at the Otay Mesa Border crossing and carry passengers between Otay Mesa, eastern Chula Vista, and Downtown San Diego.

Continued construction on the Elvira to Morena Double Track project, which will add 2.6-miles of double track from SR 52 to just south of Balboa Avenue. When linked to double-tracked segments on either end of the project, the result will be a continuous 10.3-mile stretch of double track to improve passenger and freight operations in the corridor.

Continued construction on the San Diego River Bridge Double Track project, which will add nearly one mile of new track from Tecolote Road to just north of the Old Town Transit Center.

Continued construction on the Kearny Mesa Transit Improvements project, which supports Rapid 235 between Escondido and Downtown San Diego via I-15. The new Ruffin Road Rapid station was constructed in partnership with Kaiser Hospital and is the first Rapid station introduced to this corridor.

Began construction on the Gilman Drive Bridge, which will span I-5 just north of the La Jolla Village Drive interchange. The project, which is being constructed in tandem with the Mid-Coast Trolley, will connect Gilman Drive on UC San Diego’s west campus and Medical Center Drive on the east campus.

Completed construction on the eastern segment of State Route 76 (SR 76), including a new and improved Park & Ride lot at SR 76 and I-15.

Continued construction on the Genesee Avenue interchange project; with a new, widened ten-lane bridge and more efficient on- and off-ramps. The project also will create a safe path to the north for bike riders.

Continued construction on the NCC program, a package of freeway, rail, and environmental enhancement projects along I-5. The first phase, known as Build NCC, adds carpool lanes from Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach to State Route 78 (SR 78) in the City Oceanside. Work also broke ground on a comprehensive, $102 million effort to restore the San Elijo Lagoon, as well as replace and double track rail bridges crossing the lagoon.

Completed construction on the SR 15 Commuter Bikeway. The approximately 1-mile bikeway links the City of San Diego Mid-City communities of Kensington-Talmadge, Normal Heights, and City Heights with Mission Valley and is safely separated from vehicle traffic.

Continued construction on the IRT (Phase 2) through an unincorporated part of the County of San Diego.

Continued progress on the Bayshore Bikeway – which will eventually extend 24 miles around San Diego Bay. Approximately 15 miles have been completed to date, and important headway was made on a key segment along the National City Bayfront.

Moved several Uptown Bikeways and North Park | Mid-City Bikeways project segments into the final design phase, while others were approved for environmental clearance.

Began planning for the Border to Bayshore Bikeway, an 8.5-mile route that will provide safe biking connections within and between Imperial Beach, San Ysidro, and the San Ysidro POE.

Kicked off work on San Diego Forward: The 2019-2050 Regional Plan, the latest update to the SANDAG big picture vision for the region’s future transportation system. The current Regional Plan also was recognized with high-profile awards locally, statewide, and nationally.

Launched the Plan of Excellence, a comprehensive, agency-wide effort to improve SANDAG’s processes, programs, and communications.

Received $45 million from the State of California for the SR 11 OME POE project, which will help pay for the acquisition of property for a third border crossing in the region.

Coordinated on an application to receive U.S. Department of Transportation designation for the San Diego region as one of ten autonomous vehicle proving ground sites in the nation. SANDAG, the City of Chula Vista, and Caltrans District 11 teamed up and won the proving ground designation.

Celebrated South Bay Expressway’s tenth birthday. The tollway has enjoyed steady financial success since SANDAG acquired the rights to operate it in 2011 and continues to serve as a key element to South County’s overall transportation system.

Launched the Shift San Diego program, which provides a one-stop-shop for the community to learn about dozens of ongoing public and private construction projects in the Golden Triangle area.

As part of the SANDAG iCommute Program, 695 vanpools carried more than 5,100 commuters to work each week, which reduced vehicle miles traveled by 130 million miles in 2017.

Held the region’s busiest ever Bike to Work Day, with more than 10,000 bike commuters visiting one of more than 100 pit stops throughout the region.

Announced a partnership with Uber to support and encourage sustainable commute choices by expanding the iCommute GRH program.

Distributed the iCommute Diamond Awards, which recognized 67 employers regionwide for their outstanding efforts to encourage workers to use alternate transportation choices.

Broke ground on the Mid-Coast Trolley, which will extend Blue Line service north from Santa Fe Depot to the University City community and add nine new stations.

Completed construction of six uniquely branded Rapid transit stations in the heart of Downtown San Diego, bringing the total number to 11.

Continued construction on the SR 15 Mid-City Centerline Rapid Transit Stations project, which will create the first freeway-level transit stations in the region.

Continued construction on the Elvira to Morena Double Track project, which will add 2.6-miles of double track from SR 52 to just south of Balboa Avenue.

Continued construction on the San Diego River Bridge Double Track project, which will add nearly one mile of new track from Tecolote Road to just north of the Old Town Transit Center.

Made significant progress to replace four aging wooden trestle rail bridges across the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon with modern, concrete structures.

Began construction on South Bay Rapid, a 26-mile transit route that will carry passengers between Otay Mesa, eastern Chula Vista, and Downtown San Diego.

Began construction to upgrade the Oceanside Transit Center, one of the busiest in the region, which serves 1.2 million passengers per year.

Completed a substantial renovation of the East County Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility in El Cajon.

Completed two significant goods movement enhancement efforts: the San Ysidro Freight Rail Yard and the South Line Freight Rail Capacity projects.

Completed the I-805 North Express Lanes Project, which created two carpool lanes between SR 52 and Mira Mesa Boulevard. The project also included a direct access ramp (DAR) at Carroll Canyon Road, which enables carpools, buses, and other eligible vehicles to go straight into the High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes.

Opened Segment 1 of the SR 11/OME POE project, a brand new freeway in Otay Mesa, near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Opened three northbound freeway connectors in Otay Mesa to link SR 905 and SR 11 to the (SR 125) toll road, also known as South Bay Expressway.

Completed improvements to the East Palomar Street Bridge, which included a new DAR, transit station, and Park & Ride lot at East Palomar Street.

Continued construction on the eastern segment of SR 76. The bridge over Live Oak Creek also opened to traffic, along with a new westbound lane on SR 76.

Continued construction on the I-5/Genesee Interchange Project, which is now about two-thirds complete.

Broke ground on the first phase of the NCC program, a package of freeway, rail, and environmental enhancement projects along I-5. The first phase, known as Build NCC, will extend carpool lanes and add sound walls along I-5, add 2 miles of additional double track along the coastal rail line, and make bike and pedestrian improvements. The San Elijo Lagoon also will be fully restored.

Began preparation for construction of a new Gilman Drive Bridge, which will connect Gilman Drive to Medical Center Drive and link the east and west campuses of UC San Diego.

Wrapped up construction on the IRT (Phase 1), a 1-mile segment along the SPRINTER tracks in the City of San Marcos, and began construction on Phase 2, through an unincorporated part of the County of San Diego. When all phases are complete, the IRT will stretch 21 miles, and link the cities of Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, as well as unincorporated communities in the County of San Diego.

Broke ground on a new 2.25-mile segment of the Bayshore Bikeway that will ultimately extend from the San Diego-National City border south to the National City Marina.

Began construction on the SR 15 Commuter Bikeway, which will connect the Mid-City area of the City of San Diego with Mission Valley.

As of December 2016, the TransNet Environmental Mitigation Grant Program has helped SANDAG acquire more than 8,600 acres of sensitive habitat in partnership with other organizations and conservation groups. That’s more than seven times the size of Balboa Park.

As part of the SANDAG iCommute Program, more than 700 vanpools carried about 5,000 commuters to work each week, which reduced vehicle miles traveled by 137 million miles in 2016.

Bike to Work Day 2016 was another success story, with 100 pit stops countywide that drew nearly 10,000 visits.

Adopted the 2015 Regional Plan, a balanced blueprint for how the San Diego region will travel, live, and grow through 2050.

Completed renovation of Trolley Blue Line stations from Barrio Logan to San Ysidro and added 65 new low-floor vehicles to the Orange and Blue Trolley Lines as part of the Trolley Renewal project.

Completed the Sorrento Valley Double Track and San Onofre to Pulgas Double Track projects, which converted 5.2 miles of single track to double track resulting in 67% of the corridor now double tracked, and expanded COASTER station parking.

Completed construction on 5 of the 11 new Downtown Rapid Stations at Kettner Boulevard, India Street, and 11th Avenue off of Broadway.

Began construction to replace four aging wooden rail trestle bridges across Los Peñasquitos Lagoon as part of the I-5 NCC program.

Began construction on the SR 15 Mid-City Centerline Rapid Transit Stations project in the Mid-City area of San Diego.

The Mid-Coast Trolley, which will extend Blue Line service from Old Town to University City, entered into final design.

Completed construction of the Sweetwater Bikeway Plaza Bonita Segment, .5-mile, Class I bikeway which closes a gap in the existing bikeway and connects to the Bayshore Bikeway.

Completed construction on a .6-mile extension of the Bayshore Bikeway along Harbor Drive between 32nd Street and Vesta Street.

Began construction on the first phase of the IRT San Marcos to Vista segment, a 7-mile, Class I bikeway that will pass through the cities of San Marcos, Vista, and unincorporated communities in the County of San Diego.

Completed construction on the I-5/Interstate 8 (I-8) Connector Project to reduce traffic congestion along I-8.

Continued construction of the SR 76 East Segment project between South Mission Road and the I-15/SR 76 interchange.

Continued construction on the East Palomar Street Bridge and DAR in the City of Chula Vista.

Continued construction on I-5 adding a northbound auxiliary lane and southbound through lane at East Plaza Boulevard in National City.

Continued construction of SR 11 between SR 905 and Enrico Fermi Drive in Otay Mesa.

Began construction on the I-5/Genesee Avenue Interchange Project to replace the existing six-lane Genesee Avenue overcrossing with a ten-lane structure that will include additional vehicle lanes, new bicycle lanes, and sidewalks.

Began construction on the SRs 905/25/11 Northbound Connectors project.

Continued construction on San Ysidro Freight Rail Yard improvements to replace aging rail infrastructure, alleviate drainage issues, and expand the facility to increase freight capacity and efficiency.

Continued construction on the South Line Rail Freight Capacity Project, which will enable expanded freight operations to meet existing and future growth of freight rail.

Received federal and California Coastal Commission authorization to begin construction of carpool lanes on I-5 from Lomas Santa Fe to Birmingham Drive and replace the San Elijo Lagoon Bridge as part of the I-5 NCC Program.

Preserved 50.5 acres near the Batiquitos Lagoon through the TransNet Environmental Mitigation Program (EMP) and the I-5 NCC program.

Preserved Lakeside Downs, 410 acres in East County previously proposed for development and purchased with funds provided by the SANDAG TransNet EMP.

Helped reestablish Agua Hedionda Lagoon marshland as environmental mitigation for I-5 NCC Program. The property was purchased through the SANDAG TransNet EMP.

Received California Coastal Commission approval on the NCC Public Works Plan/Transportation and Resource Enhancement Program.

Obtained federal and state environmental clearance for the Mid-Coast Trolley to extend the Blue Line Trolley from Downtown San Diego to University City.

Launched Rapid services along the I-15 Corridor and in the Mid-City area, including Rapid 235, Rapid 237, and Rapid 215, and began construction on Downtown San Diego Rapid stations.

After obtaining AAA ratings from two credit agencies, sold $350 million in bonds at a 3.85% interest rate to fund TransNet POP.

Opened eight miles of carpool lanes along I-805 south between East Naples Street in the City Chula Vista and SR 94 in San Diego, and added ten sound walls along the route of the new carpool lanes.

Completed the I-15 Mira Mesa DAR and Miramar College Transit Station.

Completed major improvements, including a new parking garage and bike parking facility, at the Sabre Springs/Peñasquitos Transit Station.

Completed the I-805 HOV/Carroll Canyon Road Extension Project, which included 2 miles of carpool lanes in each direction along I-805 from I-5 to Carroll Canyon Road and a northerly DAR from the Carroll Canyon Road Extension to the HOV Lanes.

Completed realignment and double tracking along the Sorrento-Miramar Curve section of the LOSSAN Coastal Rail Corridor.

Began construction on the SR 76 East Segment between South Mission Road and SR 76/I-15 interchange, the last of a series of improvements to the east-west highway.

Completed a 2,000-foot segment of CRT in the City of Oceanside from Ocean Boulevard to Wisconsin Avenue.

Completed the Barrio Logan gateway sign and street improvements to make the area on Cesar E. Chavez Parkway between Main Street and Newton Avenue more pedestrian-friendly and attractive.

Continued to make progress to modernize and rebuild the Blue Line Trolley stations, tracks, traction power substations, and overhead wires. Launched low-floor Trolley service in January 2015.

Began construction on the I-5/I-8 Connector Project to reduce traffic congestion along I-8.

Began construction to expand the San Ysidro Freight Rail Yard – an important project to expedite loading between freight cars and trucks.

Began construction on the Plaza Bonita Segment of the Sweetwater Bikeway.

Began construction on the first phase of Segment 4 of the Bayshore Bikeway along Harbor Drive from Vesta Street to 32nd Street.

Celebrated 25 years of keeping San Diego moving with TransNet, the region’s half-cent sales tax.

Completed the City of Encinitas Pedestrian Crossing Project to ensure safe passage to Swami’s State Beach.

Released Mid-Coast Trolley draft supplemental environmental document for review and comment. Added Veterans Administration Medical Center as station stop.

Completed the Eastbound SR 78 Auxiliary Lanes Project to help ease traffic in North County.

Adopted vision and goals for the 2015 Regional Plan.

Began construction on the City of Oceanside CRT Class I Bikeway Project.

Demolished Palomar Street Bridge to accommodate DAR construction as part of the I-805 South Project.

Accepted the Series 13 Regional Growth Forecast.

Approved final environmental document for the South Bay Rapid Project.

Completed SR 76/I-15 East Widening Interchange Improvement Project ahead of schedule.

Began construction on the Mid-City Rapid Project in the City of San Diego.

Kicked off last phase of Trolley Renewal Project construction – the Blue Line from Barrio Logan to San Ysidro.

Approved $200 million Bicycle Plan Early Action Program to fund high-priority bikeway projects regionwide within ten years.

Awarded construction contract for the Sorrento Valley Double Track Project to provide for an additional one mile of double-tracking north of the Sorrento Valley COASTER Station.

Broke ground on Segment 1 of the SR 11/OME POE project construction.

Opened the last four miles of the I-15 Express Lanes.

Reduced tolls by up to 40% on the South Bay Expressway/SR 125 Toll Road.

As part of Trolley Renewal, delivered 44 of 65 new low-floor vehicles, reconstructed 14 of 17 Green and Orange Line stations, and extended the Green Line through Downtown San Diego.

Completed the Nordahl Road Bridge Replacement Project.

Opened SR 905, easing the flow of crossborder commerce.

Completed the middle segment of SR 76 between Melrose Drive and Mission Road.

Began construction of the I-15 Bus Rapid Transit improvements.

Completed the Regional Beach Sand Project.

Completed the project to replace the famous “Trestles Bridge” in San Onofre.

Partnered with Albertsons on the Compass Card program.

Transitioned the San Diego Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies to SANDAG.

Completed Energy Roadmaps for ten local jurisdictions.

Began work on the Series 13 Regional Growth Forecast.

Gained approval of Senate Bill 1549 to use new project delivery tools for public transit.

Conserved the 1,905-acre Hidden Valley property in partnership with other agencies.

Started construction on HOV/DAR Project at Carroll Canyon Road and I-805.

Opened SR 52 extension from SR 125 to State Route 67 (SR 67).

Opened auxiliary lanes on southbound I-805 from SR 54 to Bonita Road in the City of Chula Vista.

Launched Escondido BREEZE Rapid.

I-15 Express Lanes expanded to four lanes from State Route 163 to SR 56.

Began construction on 1.8-mile segment of the Bayshore Bikeway in the City Chula Vista.

Started construction on SuperLoop Expansion Project.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved Mid-Coast Trolley for preliminary engineering.

Adopted 2050 Regional Transportation Plan, including first Sustainable Communities Strategy in the state.

TransNet EMP acquired 902-acre Rancho Lilac, bringing total acquisitions to 2,300 acres.

Completed the migration from the legacy Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS) mainframe to the Enterprise ARJIS System.

Bought the lease to operate the SR 125 toll road.

Board approved a light-rail transit alternative for Mid-Coast Trolley; environmental work underway.

Compass Card program rolled out to all transit riders; monthly paper passes discontinued.

Planning for the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan, scheduled for adoption in 2011, continued.

Awarded $8.7 million for intelligent transportation system improvements on I-15.

Began construction on the widening of SR 76 between Melrose and Mission Avenues.

Coordinated with local, state, and federal agencies in the United States and Mexico to build the third international border crossing.

Secured $128 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding for region.

A robust TransNet Plan of Finance approved to advance additional capital projects to construction and prepare the next round of “ready to go” projects.

Board approved San Diego Regional Bicycle Plan.

As of December 1, 241 acres of land acquired under the TransNet EMP.

Board accepted Series 12: 2050 Regional Growth Forecast for planning purposes.

SANDAG and MTS began $720 million overhaul of the San Diego Trolley’s Blue and Orange Lines.

SANDAG and partner agencies acquired nine properties, totaling nearly 1,000 acres for habitat conservation through TransNet EMP in 2009.

Board approved Regional Energy Strategy update.

Opened 3.5-mile segment of I-15 Express Lanes.

Allocated $70 million in TransNet funds to begin final design on the Coastal Rail Corridor, HOV Lanes on I-5 in North County, and South Bay Rapid.

Received $20 million from the FTA for Mid-City Rapid Project.

Received $1.7 million from San Diego Gas & Electric to advance Sustainable Region Program.

Launched SuperLoop transit service in University City.

Progress continued on major expansion of SR 52 extension from SR 125 to SR 67.

Established effort to coordinate regional resources to combat graffiti.

RideLink became iCommute.

The first 4.5-mile expansion of I-15 Express Lanes opened in 2008.

Construction began on the SR 52 extension from SR 125 to SR 67.

Construction continued on SR 905 at the U.S.-Mexico border.

A Presidential Permit was granted for third U.S.-Mexico border crossing in 2008.

The original 20-year TransNet Program ended in 2008, and the 40-year extension began.

Senate Bill 1486 was signed into law authorizing SANDAG to collect a toll from SR 11 travelers to develop and construct the new highway and OME POE facility.

Senate Bill 1685 was sig d into law providing SANDAG the flexibility to expand the uses of sales tax revenues beyond transportation-related projects for future ballot measures.

SANDAG awarded $432 million in state infrastructure bond funding for transportation improvements.

Board adopted $57 billion 2030 Regional Transportaton Plan (RTP).

Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association joined SANDAG as advisory member in 2007.

Construction continued on I-15, I-5, I-805, and SR 52.

California Energy Commission awarded $450,000 to SANDAG for energy planning.

SANDAG and the City of Tijuana approved the Otay Mesa-Mesa de Otay Binational Corridor Strategic Plan.

SANDAG launched 511 – a free phone and web service for transportation information.

Construction on the I-15 Managed Lanes Project continued with the middle segment nearing completion and construction underway on the northern segment.

Supplemental environmental work began on the 11-mile Mid-Coast Trolley project from Old Town north to UC San Diego and University Town Center.

Progress continued on implementing the Regional Comprehensive Plan. All jurisdictions identified opportunities for smart growth development in a new concept map.

SANDAG Public Safety Committee identified interoperability and communications as a top priority in enhancing and protecting the region’s security.

Launched KeepSanDiegoMoving.com with interactive Dashboard feature to track schedule and cost information for TransNet projects.

ARJIS, in collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office, launched new San Diego County Regional Crime Mapping Application for Public Safety.

SANDAG jumpstarted highway and transit projects using new TransNet dollars by launching the Early Action Program in 2005.

The Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee formed in accordance with the TransNet ordinance to monitor program operations.

Mission Valley East Green Line Trolley from QUALCOMM Stadium under San Diego State University to La Mesa began service.

SPRINTER commuter rail began construction to link Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido.

Service Bureau launched to provide demographic and economic information, custom mapping, transportation modeling and analysis projects, and survey design and analysis to public and private entities.

ARJIS consolidated into SANDAG in 2004. The Board created the Public Safety Policy Committee.

The Regional Comprehensive Plan was adopted.

Voters extended the TransNet Sales Tax Program in 2004 for 40 years to generate $14 billion to help fund highway, transit, and local street improvements.

SR 56 was completed, linking the east and west sections of the highway, and connecting I-15 and I-5.

With the passage of Senate Bill 1703 in 2003, SANDAG became the consolidated regional agency responsible for transit planning, programming, project development, and construction.
Imperial County joined SANDAG as an advisory member.

SANDAG adopted the $42 billion Mobility 2030 RTP.

SANDAG adopted Regional Energy Strategy.

SANDAG eliminated tolls from the San Diego-Coronado Bridge in 2002.

The Board launched effort to develop a Regional Comprehensive Plan, a long-term planning framework.

Using $14.7 million in federal and state funds, SANDAG put sand on badly eroded beaches.

2001, Working in close cooperation with Metropolitan Transit Development Board (MTDB), NCTD, and Caltrans, SANDAG approved the Regional Transit Vision.

The MTDB and NCTD became advisory members; SANDAG joined the Joint Committee on Regional Transit.

State designated SANDAG as the Integrated Waste Management Task Force.

SANDAG helped start the San Dieguito River Valley Park Joint Powers Authority.

Member agencies designated SANDAG as the Congestion Management Agency.

State designated SANDAG as the San Diego-Coronado Bridge Toll Authority.

SANDAG helped form a five-county rail coalition and purchased rail right-of-way from Santa Fe Railway for the COASTER and the SPRINTER rail commuter services.

TransNet opened SR 52 East to Santee, widened SR 54 in the South Bay, opened SR 56 East in the North City area, and completed improvements to SR 78/I-15 interchange in the North County.

The Freeway Service Patrol began under a cooperative arrangement among SANDAG, Caltrans, and the California Highway Patrol.

SANDAG approved the first ever Regional Economic Prosperity Strategy.

At the request of Caltrans, SANDAG assumed management of Commuter Computer and transforms the operation into the RideLink service.

The San Diego County Water Authority joined SANDAG as an advisory member.

SANDAG played a major role in bringing together all participants in the San Diego County Investment Fund.

SANDAG started the 1-15 FasTrak® Program to improve traffic flow and expand bus and rideshare services in the corridor.

The National Institute of Justice lauded SANDAG for its outstanding work on Drug Use Forecasting.

TransNet provided more than half the funds for the Mission Valley West Trolley Line between Old Town San Diego and QUALCOMM Stadium.

SANDAG Committee on Binational Regional Opportunities held public forums on cross border planning in transportation, environment, education, water supply, and economic development.

Halfway through the 20-year TransNet Program, 68 percent of the highway projects, 55% of the transit projects, and 53% of the Local Street Program were completed.

Comprehensive Planning Organization renamed itself as SANDAG in 1980.

Poway and Santee became cities and joined SANDAG.

SANDAG created SourcePoint as a nonprofit corporate subsidiary to customize and sell research products.

Encinitas and Solana Beach became cities and joined SANDAG.

State designated SANDAG as the Regional Transportation Commission.

Voters countywide passed Proposition A - the local half-cent transportation sales tax measure known as TransNet, a $3.3 billion program for highways, transit, local roads, and bicycles.

Voters countywide passed an advisory measure calling for creation of a Regional Planning and Growth Management Board.

Governor designated Comprehensive Planning Organization (CPO) as the metropolitan planning organization to assure area-wide coordination and to serve as the technical and informational resource for local governments.

State further designated CPO as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency; Airport Land Use Commission; and area-wide clearinghouse for federal/state grant reviews.

Local governments established CPO as an independent Joint Powers Agency (JPA).

Developed and adopted the first ever RTP.

Lemon Grove became a city and joined CPO.

Established Criminal Justice Research Division.

Helped establish ARJIS.

Jointly designated with the county government to implement federal and state Clean Air Acts.

State designated CPO to prepare the RHN.

In 1966, local governments created the CPO as a long-range planning department within the San Diego County government under a state authorized JPA.