After a full year of construction, the first phase of the State Route 56 (SR-56) improvement project is officially complete—and it’s already making a difference for San Diego drivers. The newly opened High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, spanning 2.2 miles between El Camino Real and just before Carmel Valley Road, are designed to reduce congestion and support carpoolers, buses, and clean-air vehicles.

Funded entirely by $23 million in developer impact fees, the HOV lanes were added using the freeway’s existing median—no new ramps or major detours required. This thoughtful approach brings immediate relief to one of North County’s busiest corridors, particularly during school drop-offs, beach weekends, and commuter rush hours.

But this project is about more than just faster travel. Caltrans and regional planners see it as a step toward a more connected, multimodal future. The lanes align with the 2021 San Diego Regional Transportation Plan, which envisions expanded public transit, fewer drivers diverting onto local streets, and improved access for bikers and pedestrians. In fact, a new bike/pedestrian connector under I-5—linking the SR-56 bike path to the North Coast Trail and the Sorrento Valley Transit Station—just opened in May.

Phase two of the SR-56 corridor project is still in the planning stage. It includes a long-anticipated direct connector to northbound I-5, upgrades to the Del Mar Heights Road overcrossing, and a new westbound lane on SR-56. While this phase remains unfunded, the current improvements already mark meaningful progress toward easing congestion and supporting more sustainable transportation options.

Whether you’re headed to the coast, commuting to work, or enjoying a summer weekend drive, the 56 just got a little friendlier. Stay tuned for updates as planning continues—and enjoy the smoother ride!