Port of San Diego Approves $2.2 Million for Next Phase of the Harbor Drive 2.0 and Vesta Bridge Projects

Port of San Diego, Caltrans, and SANDAG to Enter into Cooperative Agreement

The Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners has approved a cooperative agreement between the Port, Caltrans, and SANDAG, and has authorized approximately $2.2 million in funding, for the Harbor Drive 2.0 and Vesta Bridge projects. Harbor Drive 2.0 will improve Harbor Drive between the Port’s two cargo terminals by creating a better truck route for more efficient maritime cargo handling, will greatly enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections, and will improve air quality by removing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Port of San Diego, Caltrans, and SANDAG are working together to advance Harbor Drive 2.0 to construction. The Port developed the breakthrough, forward-thinking vision as part of the Port Master Plan Update process. Caltrans served as the lead agency in developing the concept of operations and the final environmental documentation, and SANDAG is the lead implementing agency. All agencies are working together to advance and fund the project.

In June 2023, the California Transportation Commission awarded an $18.5 million grant via its Trade Corridor Enhancement Program to Caltrans for the project. The Port is providing approximately $2.2 million in matching funding. The total of approximately $20.7 million will be used to advance project design and for right-of-way Harbor Drive 2.0 and Vesta Bridge improvements. The cooperative agreement allows for the funds to be transferred to SANDAG.

“This project is a shining example of regional collaboration for the betterment of a key arterial within our transportation system,” said Chairman Frank Urtasun, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners. “Together with Caltrans and SANDAG, we continue to help our communities by reducing trucks in their streets, improving public health and overall quality of life. Also together, we are making transit easier, and adding better and safer bike lanes and sidewalks. It’s truly a “complete street.”

"Thank you to the Port of San Diego for the approval of these funds that will bring this project one more step to a reality," said Caltrans External Affairs Manager Aaron Hunter. "At Caltrans safety is a top priority and when completed this will mean a safer Harbor Drive and safer streets for the surrounding neighborhoods. Caltrans is pleased to join with the Port and SANDAG to make critical investments in our infrastructure that will address decades of inequities, increase mobility, create economic growth, and address the challenges of climate change."

“Reaching the next step in the Harbor Drive 2.0 and the Vesta Bridge Projects represents a monumental stride towards a sustainable and interconnected future for our region,” said SANDAG and San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas. “Through our leadership and collaborative efforts, we're not only enhancing our transportation infrastructure but also prioritizing the health, equity, and well-being of our communities and strengthening the border commerce that is critical to this region.”

Timeline

The design process is anticipated to begin in spring 2024 with construction targeted to begin by 2028 and be completed by 2030. The Port, SANDAG, and Caltrans will jointly seek construction funds for the project.

Harbor Drive 2.0 Details

Harbor Drive 2.0 will enhance mobility and access along the southern portion of Harbor Drive between the Port’s two cargo terminals and improve terminal operations. It will also enhance quality of life for all who live, work, and play along the Port’s Working Waterfront and in the surrounding communities by reducing emissions. It’s estimated the project will result in the reduction of 5,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions pre year, which is the equivalent of removing 1,150 gas-powered passenger cars from the road.  Improvements include:

• Intelligent transportation system technologies like freight signal priority, geofencing combined with dedicated truck lanes, truck queue jumps, new traffic signals, and more. All these elements will help to keep trucks moving, which will reduce truck idling and ultimately reduce emissions. The project will also include state-of-the-art electric charging infrastructure to support zero-emission trucks.
• ​​​​Safer bike lanes and sidewalks.
• Improved transit connections.
• Urban greening improvements with trees and other landscaping to beautify the area and help filter the air, further improving air quality and public health.

Vesta Bridge Details

As an added improvement, a bridge will also be built over Harbor Drive to enable Naval Base San Diego traffic on Vesta Street within the base to go over Harbor Drive, keeping traffic on base rather than spilling out onto Harbor Drive to go from one side of the base to the other.

The Harbor Drive 2.0 project aligns with the Port’s Maritime Clean Air Strategy (MCAS) and supports its “Health Equity for All” vision. The MCAS is the most ambitious clean air strategy policy document of its kind in the State of California. The MCAS includes over 20 objectives that, if achieved, would represent emission reductions that go beyond what current State regulation and policy requires. The Port and many public and private partners have invested tens of millions of dollars into clean air technologies, including shore power, all-electric mobile harbor cranes, an all-electric harbor tugboat, electric cargo handling equipment, a solar-powered microgrid, and more.