What Drivers Should Know About the I-5/SR-56 Interchange Project

As Southern California’s population continues to grow, so do the demands placed on its highways. The I-5/SR-56 Interchange Project, currently underway in San Diego County, is one of the region’s most significant infrastructure efforts aimed at relieving congestion and improving safety. While the project promises long-term benefits for drivers, it also brings increased construction-related hazards and traffic disruptions that can lead to collisions.

If you’ve been involved in a crash in a construction zone, working with an experienced I-5 car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation.

Overview of the I-5/SR-56 Interchange Project

The I-5/SR-56 Interchange Project focuses on upgrading the connection between Interstate 5 and State Route 56 near Carmel Valley. This busy corridor links northern San Diego communities such as Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe to major employment centers and coastal attractions. The goal is to reduce congestion, improve traffic flow, and create safer conditions for commuters, especially during peak hours.

The project includes:

• New freeway connectors between northbound I-5 and eastbound SR-56, and vice versa.
• Upgrades to ramps and merge lanes near Via de la Valle and Carmel Valley Road.
• Additional HOV lanes and sound walls to reduce traffic bottlenecks and noise pollution.

Construction Zone Dangers and Rising Accident Risks

While road improvements are welcome, construction zones can also be dangerous. Narrowed lanes, sudden detours, merging traffic, and unfamiliar routes all increase the likelihood of crashes. In the I-5/SR-56 construction zone, heavy machinery and changing lane patterns have already contributed to minor accidents and traffic slowdowns.

Common causes of accidents in road construction zones include:

• Distracted driving: Unexpected signage or lane changes require full attention.
• Sudden braking: Stop-and-go traffic near the construction site often leads to rear-end collisions.
• Speeding through reduced zones: Drivers unfamiliar with temporary limits can endanger both workers and other motorists.

If you’ve been hurt in a collision caused by unsafe construction conditions, a California car accident lawyer can help determine whether the contractor, Caltrans, or another party may share liability.

Local Impact: What Drivers Should Expect

Motorists traveling on I-5 between La Jolla and Carlsbad should prepare for periodic closures and delays, especially near the Carmel Valley Road exit and the Del Mar Heights Road corridor. Traffic frequently backs up near Torrey Pines State Beach and the Sorrento Valley area due to construction-related bottlenecks. For residents who commute along this stretch, the project has made routes more unpredictable, raising the risk of high-speed merging accidents and fender benders.

If you’re a rideshare passenger or a cyclist using nearby coastal trails or shared roads, you may also be affected. Route changes can increase foot and bike traffic on side streets like El Camino Real and North Torrey Pines Road, putting all travelers at greater risk.

What to Do After a Construction Zone Crash

If you’re involved in a car accident near the I-5/SR-56 interchange, here’s what you should do immediately:

• Call 911 and request police and medical assistance, even for minor injuries.
• Document the scene with photos and notes, especially if construction signage or barriers appear confusing or improperly placed.
• Gather contact info for witnesses, other drivers, and, if applicable, road crew members.
• Seek legal help promptly to preserve your right to compensation.

Navigating the aftermath of a construction-related accident can be complicated, particularly when public agencies or contractors may be involved.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Pursuing a claim after a highway accident, especially in a construction zone, requires understanding both traffic laws and potential third-party liability. An experienced I-5 car accident lawyer can investigate your case, collect evidence, and handle communications with insurance companies and government entities.

If you’ve been injured on I-5 near the SR-56 interchange or elsewhere in California, the skilled attorneys at I-5 Accidents are ready to help. As a trusted California car accident lawyer, we’re committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. Call (888) 511-4558 today for a free consultation.