California Construction News staff writer
SANDAG broke ground last week on the University Bikeway, a $44.5-million project designed to improve safety and expand transportation options along a busy corridor in the city’s Mid-City area.
The University Bikeway will run along University Avenue between Estrella Avenue and 69th Street and on Estrella Avenue between University and Orange avenues.
“Construction of the University Bikeway is an important milestone for our region that will make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone in our community,” said Joe LaCava, vice-chair of the San Diego Association of Governments and president of the San Diego City Council. “This investment will strengthen connections between neighborhoods and encourage healthy and environmentally friendly modes of transportation.”
The project, creating a key connection in the region’s growing bike network, includes traffic-calming and safety features such as speed bumps, bike signals, curb ramps to improve sidewalk access, high-visibility pavement markings and buffered bike lanes that separate cyclists and pedestrians from vehicle traffic.
The project will also add bus boarding platforms at 14 major intersections to improve transit efficiency. As part of the work, SANDAG partnered with the city to resurface University Avenue along the full project length.
Officials said the project was designed to improve roadway operations while increasing safety for all users. Planners also worked with businesses, residents, schools and community groups to gather input on design features and aesthetics.
The project is funded through a combination of state, federal and local sources, including California’s Active Transportation Program and TransNet, the region’s half-cent transportation sales tax administered by SANDAG.
Construction is expected to be completed in late 2027.
“Construction of the University Bikeway is an important milestone for our region that will make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone in our community. This investment will strengthen connections between neighborhoods, and encourage healthy and environmentally friendly modes of transportation,” said SANDAG Vice Chair and City of San Diego Council President Joe LaCava.
“The University Bikeway will give people safer options for traveling through the area, benefitting those who bike and walk, and those who travel by bus and car.”
“For too long, communities like ours have gone without the infrastructure investments needed to keep people safe and connected,” said City of San Diego Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera. “The University Bikeway is a meaningful step toward transportation justice — directly addressing longstanding problems to create safer streets and expand access for the people who walk, bike, take transit, and drive in District 9.”
The University Bikeway is anticipated to open to the public in late 2027. For more information, visit SANDAG Bikeway & Walkways Projects.
