Construction Updates

The Off-Airport Roadway Improvements project focuses on improving three roadways near San Diego International Airport: Grape Street, Pacific Highway, and Palm Street. 

Once finished, your trip to and from the airport will be smoother and more efficient thanks to: 

• Better roads: Additional travel lanes, lengthened turn pockets, reconstructed medians, rehabilitated pavement.  

• Enhanced lighting & traffic navigation: New LED streetlights, upgraded traffic and train signals, new striping and wayfinding signs. 

• Easier for bicyclists and pedestrians: New separated bike lanes, upgraded curb ramps, new pedestrian push buttons and new crosswalks. 

As part of the New Terminal 1 environmental review process, the Airport Authority identified the need for off-airport roadway improvements to address traffic and circulation impacts near the airport. 

This project fulfills key mitigation measures outlined in the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) by enhancing safety, improving traffic flow and operations, and supporting more efficient access to and from the airport, while aligning with the City of San Diego’s Mobility Master Plan, Vision Zero, and Climate Action Plan goals. 

Grape Street: Improvements will include roadway pavement rehabilitation, new vehicle and bike loop detection sensors, signal controller upgrades, and one additional vehicle travel lane (south side) and separated bike lane (north side). To make room for these improvements, some parking spaces will be permanently removed.  

Pacific Highway: Improvements will include roadway pavement rehabilitation, reconstructed medians, traffic signal modifications, pedestrian and ADA accessibility upgrades, new streetlights, and new separated bike lanes on both sides of the road. 

Palm Street: Improvements will include roadway pavement rehabilitation, a new traffic signal at Palm Street and Kettner Boulevard, new signals on both sides of the railroad crossing, an additional travel lane in each direction, pedestrian crossing improvements on the north side of the rail crossing, and streetlight upgrades. 

Construction will occur in phases from summer 2026 through fall 2027 to keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible. The Airport Authority will share specific schedule information as the project progresses. 

Work hours will vary by location, and some construction may take place at night and on weekends to reduce traffic impacts. The Airport Authority is coordinating final schedules with the contractor and City of San Diego and will share them as they’re confirmed. 

During active construction, there may be temporary lane closures, detours, noise, and occasional dust or vibration near work zones. Access to the airport, nearby businesses, and residences will be maintained at all times. Traffic control measures will be in place to keep traffic moving, and the project team will work to minimize disruptions to the surrounding community.  

This is a project of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and its construction contractor, Hazard Construction, LLC. 

The Airport Authority is committed to working with community partners, residents and businesses to provide project information and regular construction updates. Outreach will include website updates, community meetings, direct emails, doorhangers, and other communication methods, as needed.  

Visit san.org/constructionupdates to learn more about the project and sign up for email notifications. You can also follow along through social media. For questions, please email [email protected].