Westbound 78 Closed for Emergency Repairs

Updated: 2::24 p.m. Sunday. 

State Route 78 was closed from Vista to Interstate 5 today as crews worked to replace a drainage pipe near College Boulevard, according to Caltrans officials.

The westbound freeway lanes were closed for the urgent repair job at about 8 p.m. Saturday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The roadway would be reopened when Caltrans engineers deem it safe, said Caltrans spokesman Hayden Manning. CHP officials said they had been told that may not be until 6 p.m. tonight.

Westbound traffic was being diverted off Route 78 at College Boulevard and detoured to Vista Way, immediately north of the freeway. Traffic was allowed to return to the freeway at El Camino Real, Manning said.

Traffic signal timing at the College Boulevard off-ramp and on Vista Way was temporarily changed to give detoured vehicles more green light time, Manning said. But he said motorists should nonetheless expect delays.

As of about 1:20 p.m., traffic speeds on westbound state Route 78 were less than 15 miles per hour near the closure, according to Caltrans data.

Signs were placed in along state Route 78 and on Interstate 5 advising drivers of the closure and to expect slowing. The information was also posted on electronic signs on both northbound Interstate 15 and state Route 163 in San Diego, the CHP said.

— City News Service