Interstate 5 cuts through downtown San Diego, dividing historic neighborhoods and severing them from Downtown and Balboa Park.
Who
San Diego Commons was formed in 2019 by concerned citizens to address this issue.
What
Freeway Lids An effort to cover the freeway with community amenities in park-like settings.
Where
Along I-5 in the heart of San Diego.
When
As soon as possible – targeting 2028.
Why
To create a healthier and more beautiful environment for San Diego.
What is a Freeway Lid?
Glad you asked! Also known as freeway covers, these are concrete decks constructed over a road. Lids reconnect neighborhoods and provide much-needed open space.
Construction of the Interstate 5 Freeway created a divide through the heart of San Diego severing historic neighborhoods and vital connections to downtown and Balboa Park.
San Diego Commons was formed to advance many years of grassroots efforts to heal this divide. We aim to cover specific freeway trenches along the I-5 in the core of San Diego with parkland – reconnecting underserved communities with accessible, desirable open space.
Throughout the nation and the world, communities are engaged in similar efforts. Perhaps the best California example is “Hollywood Central Park” covering US 101 with a 38-acre deck park currently progressing through Environmental Impact Review (EIR) and the planning approval process.
Our focus is on two freeway covers identified in the Downtown San Diego and Southeast San Diego community plans:
1
Sherman Heights to East Village from Market Street to J Street
2
Balboa Park and Bankers Hill to downtown from Cortez Hill east of 6th Avenue to 2nd Avenue
Goals and Aspirations
Reconnect communities severed by the freeway
Transform sources of toxic air, heat, and noise into desirable, accessible open space
Create common ground for community and shared civic healing
Embody Climate Positive/Resilience principles for a sustainable future
Nonprofit Status: San Diego Commons is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization with the State of California. All donations are tax-deductible. Tax ID: 83-4204024