Well, what they're doing will hopefully make traversing The Merge (as it is referred to) a little easier for drivers. Because what Caltrans is essentially constructing is a double freeway - two parallel freeways at The Merge which will allow for through traffic to travel unimpeded (well, relatively speaking) and exiting traffic to follow a new bypass route to nearby street and highway exits.
You see, the big problem when two major freeways converge is not so much the convergence, but the need for cars to reach their proper exit while in the middle of a 75 MPH convergence. Believe me, it can get pretty hairy and ugly.
So, Caltrans is constructing this freeway behemoth - when the $176 million project is eventually completed, there will be some 23 total lanes! No kidding.
The first phase of this project is now open - the northbound merge bypass. According to Caltrans, the opening represents about a 40 percent completion of the entire $176 million construction project and is expected to reduce many of the weaving issues associated with vehicles traveling to SR-56 with its own bypass lane from the Merge. Through traffic should continue to use the existing main lanes of I-5 to travel north of the Del Mar Area.
The most important change to the new northbound lanes is the bypass lane. Motorists must use the new bypass lane to access Carmel Mountain Road or SR-56. Permanent green directional signs on both northbound I-5 and I-805 are in place in to direct motorist to the bypass lane. However, if a motorist accidentally merges onto the new bypass lane, it does have one through lane back onto the I-5 main lanes.
Caltrans expects a slight learning curve with the new lanes and is urging drivers to pay attention to the signs as they become familiar with the new freeway. There is no change to the through traffic.
Tips for navigating the new northbound bypass lanes at The Merge
- Pay attention as you approach The Merge from the south if you are planning on taking exits to Carmel Mountain Road and SR-56 East. You need to watch out for the signs marking the bypass lanes.
- There will be NO access to the Carmel Mountain Road and SR-56 exits from the main freeway lanes. The bypass lanes are an entirely separate freeway.
- If you accidentally take the bypass lanes but didn't intend to exit, you can continue on the one through traffic lane within the bypass.
- For drivers needing to exit Carmel Valley Road or Del Mar Heights Road, you need to stay on the main through lanes.
- Semi-trucks are required to take the bypass lanes.
Oh, and godspeed to you...
