The long anticipated connection of the 52 Freeway in Santee and the Highway 67 in Lakeside has a target completion of late 2010 to early 2011; land acquisition began in 2002. The four mile stretch of freeway is projected to significantly reduce the heavy amount of traffic that now flows east and westbound on Mission Gorge Road.
Prior to breaking ground for the new freeway, the Forester Creek Improvement Project needs to be completed. The project, costing $27 million, entails a 40 acre natural habitat reserve, bike paths and sidewalks, and a better design for flood control. As most surrounding neighborhoods have experienced at least once, Forester Creek is unable to handle large amounts of water causing flooding in the area during heavy rains. Additionally, $36 million in drainage improvements are scheduled to be implemented. Already, the city has received two awards for the planned renovation that is scheduled to be completed by November 29, 2007.
The freeway project, currently estimated to cost $447 million will commence after the completion of the Forester Creek renovation. This connection will allow residents living outside of Santee and Lakeside shorter commuting times and more direct access to destinations along the new corridor. The first section of the 52 freeway opened its lanes to cars in 1993. With the recent widening of the westbound lanes going over the summit into Tierrasanta, 52 commuters are slowly feeling relief to what has seemed like an endless traffic battle during peak hours for the past decade and a half.
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