I-5/SR-78 Interchange Improvements Project: Project Approval and Environmental Document Phase
I-5/SR-78 Interchange Improvements Project: Project Approval and Environmental Document Phase
Important Project Update: The public scoping comment period was extended to 45 days and will now end June 13, 2026.
In preparation for the environmental document, Caltrans is conducting technical and environmental studies and seeking public input on the proposed project and potential environmental impacts to be studied.
Events
Welcome
Overview:
Caltrans welcomes public input and will consider comments, questions, and concerns throughout the project development process.
As required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the project Notice of Preparation (NOP) was filed on April 29, 2026. The NOP begins the environmental review process and starts the 45-day public scoping period from April 29 to June 13, 2026. During this time, the public may provide comments on the proposed project and potential environmental issues to be studied.
An in-person public scoping meeting will be held on May 13, 2026, 6:00pm at South Oceanside Elementary School,1806 S Horne St, Oceanside, CA 92054 to share information about the proposed project and provide an opportunity for public input. Please see the Meetings tab for details.
Comments received during the scoping period will be considered during the evaluation of project alternatives and technical studies. Additional opportunities for public involvement and feedback will be provided throughout the PA&ED phase. Regular updates will be shared so residents, businesses, and partner agencies remain informed of project progress and next steps.
The project team anticipates circulating the Draft Environmental Document in January 2029. At that time, a public hearing and additional public comment period will be held. The Final Environmental Document is anticipated for publication in October 2029.
Map:
Project Schedule:
- Preliminary Planning: 2012-2021
- Environmental: 2024-2029
- Public Scoping April 29 - June 13, 2026.
- Public Scoping Meeting May 13 , 2026
- Draft Environmental Document expected for circulation beginning January 2029.
- Final Environmental Document expected to be complete October 2029
- Design 2029-2034
- Construction 2034-2038 (pending funding)
Your Voice Matters!
Caltrans wants to hear from you! Your feedback will help us understand the needs of the people who use and live near this corridor.
Just click the blue "Continue" button at the bottom of this page or the "Participate" tab at the top of this page.
The Notice of Preparation and Notice of Completion have been published on the State Clearinghouse (SCH) online searchable database, CEQAnet. This link will provide access to view and download both documents.
Caltrans makes every attempt to ensure our documents are accessible. Due to variances between assistive technologies, there may be portions of documents which are not accessible. Where documents cannot be made accessible, we are committed to providing alternative access to the content. Should you need additional assistance, please contact us at (916) 654-2852 or visit https://dot.ca.gov/request-ada-compliant-documents.