The start of construction to improve the interchange at Interstate 215 and University Parkway in the city of San Bernardino marks the launch of an innovative strategy to remove congestion and improve traffic. The interchange is heavily used by local residents and businesses and serves as a lifeline for students and faculty driving to the campus of California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB).
“Improving people’s daily lives by improving their daily commute is at the core of what we do at SBCTA,” Board President Ray Marquez said. “The improvements to this interchange will benefit everyone who drives through this corridor and are a perfect example of the projects we can build thanks to the voter-approved Measure I funding.”
“Cal State is an important part of our community, so improving access to the campus while reducing area congestion for local businesses and residents is a top priority,” SBCTA Board Member and San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran said. “I’m thrilled to see this investment in our city and excited for what it means for the future of this area.”
Construction will begin with the installation of signage and concrete barriers, known as k-rail, along the freeway on- and off-ramps in areas where construction will occur. Activities in these areas will include the clearing of brush and vegetation, temporary roadway striping and the removal of concrete pavement and curbs to prepare for new construction. As work progresses, construction will shift locations throughout the interchange.
The interchange will remain accessible during construction but will experience some overnight closures when needed. Overnight closures are expected to begin Monday, Dec. 2 and will take place between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weeknights. Detour signs will be posted and direct drivers to use Kendall Drive, Palm Avenue and Hallmark Parkway during closures.
Construction will include the conversion of the existing interchange, called a compact diamond interchange, into a diverging diamond interchange (DDI). A DDI improves the movement of traffic through an interchange by allowing more cars to pass through during a green light cycle and reduces the number of traditional left turns across oncoming traffic. More on DDIs can be found in an SBCTA blog post here.
When complete, drivers will follow a safer and improved traffic pattern on University Parkway and will experience reduced congestion through the interchange. Meanwhile during construction, drivers are encouraged to follow all posted signs, be alert and exercise caution for workers in the area. Everyone, especially CSUSB students and staff, are encouraged to sign up for construction alerts for closure updates and to be in the know and better plan for their commute through the area.
The improvements to the interchange are anticipated to cost $25.8 million. Funding is provided by federal, state, and local resources, including $16 million in Measure I funds. Measure I is the half-cent sales tax collected throughout San Bernardino County for transportation improvements. Voters first approved the measure in 1989, and overwhelmingly its extension in 2004 with more than 80 percent voting to extend the measure through 2040. SBCTA administers Measure I revenue and determines which projects receive Measure I funding. Construction is expected to be complete in late 2025. Sign up for alerts and learn more about the project at goSBCTA.com/i215universitypkwy.