SANDAG seeks public comment on final version of 2025 transportation plan

SANDAG, the regional transportation planning organization for the San Diego area, is seeking public comment on the final version of its 2025 Regional Plan.

The agency released the plan on Friday and is seeking comment by email or at the Dec. 12 board meeting, which is open to the public in person or by Zoom.

“The goal of the 2025 Regional Plan is to make transportation more convenient, equitable, healthy and safe,” the agency said.

The 44-page plan outlines transportation improvements throughout the San Diego Region, including short- and long-term projects, against a backdrop of slowing population growth.

“By 2050, the region is projected to grow at a slower rate of growth compared to previous forecasts, largely due to changes in migration trends and declining birth rates,” the plan states. “Still, existing housing shortages and labor market needs will continue to fuel demand.”

The most important short-term work, according to SANDAG, are five projects:

• Adding 11 miles of express lanes on Interstate 805
• Adding 28 miles of bikeway to the overall network
• Continued improvements to the coastal train line to address resiliency, replace aging infrastructure, and double-track to improve performance and increase levels of service
• Adding auxiliary lanes for Northbound State Route 125, southbound State Route 125, and eastbound State Route 94

Over the longer term, the plan includes 59 new routes and upgrades to existing routes, more frequent transit rips over longer hours, more rural transit and a complete network of managed lanes to improve traffic flow.

The plan also supports a cleaner environment by providing options for people to shift to lower-emission travel modes. It meets a state requirement for 19% per capita emissions reduction by 2035.

Spending from 2025 through 2035 is expected to total $41.8 billion, with just under half on transit and most of the balance on roads. Funding comes from the half-cent TransNet sales tax and 3:1 matching funds from the state and federal government.

SANDAG is required by law to update the regional plan every four years based on current data and planning assumptions