Reconnecting Communities
New public spaces, stronger neighborhoods, and a greener San Diego—our vision for healing the divide created by Interstate 5.
Less freeway edge.
More city.
When I-5 was built through San Diego in the 1960s, it cut directly through existing neighborhoods — splitting blocks, rerouting streets, and leaving communities on either side more isolated than they'd ever been.
Today, crossing from Sherman Heights into East Village, or walking toward Balboa Park, still means navigating freeway noise, fast traffic, and routes that feel hostile on foot. The distance isn't just physical — it's felt every day.
This vision is simple: stop treating I-5 like the line where San Diego breaks apart, and start using it as a place to reconnect neighborhoods, public space, and daily life.
Two approaches make it real
Cap it. Cross it.
Cap the freeway to create usable land. Build crossings people actually want to walk and bike across.
Reconnect
Streets that feel safe to cross
Where walking to school, work, or the store doesn't mean navigating noise, traffic, and barriers.
Create
Spaces people actually use
Parks, plazas, and green space replacing empty or overlooked land above the freeway.
Open
Neighborhoods reconnected
Making it easier to move between communities that the freeway once split apart.
Freeway Lids
Creating parks above traffic
Freeway lids are engineered structures that cover sections of highway, transforming unused airspace into vibrant public spaces, parks, and community amenities. They've been proven in cities around the world—and they can work here in San Diego.
East Village — Before & After
Left: Current state showing Interstate 5 as a barrier between downtown, East Village, and historic neighborhoods to the south. Right: Our vision with a freeway lid and new open space that reconnects neighborhoods and creates a continuous green corridor.
Balboa Park — Before & After
Left: Current state showing the freeway dividing Balboa Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Right: Our vision with a freeway lid creating continuous green space and reconnecting communities.
How Freeway Lids Transform Cities
Communities across the country have used freeway lids to reclaim land, reconnect neighborhoods, and create beloved public spaces.
Urban Park Creation
Transform highway corridors into green spaces that serve surrounding communities.
Mixed-Use Development
Combine residential, commercial, and recreational uses on reclaimed land.
Community Amenities
Provide essential services and gathering spaces for neighborhood residents.
Pedestrian & Cycling Bridges
Safe connections for people
Dedicated pedestrian and cycling bridges provide safe, accessible crossings over Interstate 5—connecting communities while creating opportunities for active transportation and recreation.
Bridging the Divide
Purpose-built crossings designed for people, not cars, that make walking and cycling safe and inviting.
Safe Pedestrian Access
Enable safe crossing for people of all ages and abilities.
Active Transportation
Support cycling and walking as viable transportation options.
Architectural Integration
Design bridges that enhance the urban landscape and community identity.
Key Benefits
Iconic Gateways
Spectacular views and plazas activated with public art, cultural and historic interpretive panels.
Smart Parking Solutions
Central Mesa parking solutions using West Mesa parking resources to reduce congestion.
More Visitors, Less Cars
Greater number of visitors using the park without parking needs through improved transit connections.
Activate Underutilized Areas
Adding non-vehicular users to underutilized and non-activated park areas for community engagement.
Local Success: Teralta Park
Bridging Communities in San Diego
Right here in San Diego, Teralta Park demonstrates how thoughtful infrastructure can reconnect divided communities. This park was built over I-15 freeway, creating a bridge between the Corridor and Teralta West that were previously separated by the freeway.
New public space created over existing freeway
Reconnected Corridor and Teralta West neighborhoods
Provides playground and community gathering space
Demonstrates the feasibility of freeway lid projects in San Diego
How Our Neighbors Are Doing It
Learning from Success Stories
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.
Community engagement and collaborative planning
Public-private partnerships for funding and implementation
Phased approach to development and construction
Advocacy and education to build broad-based support
Join Us in Building a Connected San Diego
Our vision requires community support, advocacy, and collaboration. Together, we can transform Interstate 5 from a barrier into a bridge that connects our neighborhoods and strengthens our city.