Southbound Interstate 5 through Encinitas will be fully closed from midnight to 4 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 5, as part of ongoing construction, agencies involved in the project have announced.

In addition to the closure, coastal residents in Cardiff and Solana Beach can expect construction traffic during the first week of 2022 as work continues on the San Elijo Lagoon restoration project.

The I-5 closure will allow Caltrans, SANDAG Build NCC crews to install a sign structure across lanes from the median to the outside shoulder, according to the announcement.

Southbound drivers must exit at La Costa Avenue and detour using El Camino Real, the agencies stated. Motorists can re-enter southbound I-5 at Encinitas Boulevard. Detour signage will be placed to guide motorists around the closure. A map of the closure and detour routes is available by clicking here.

In addition to the Jan. 5 freeway closure, the agencies are advising residents in Cardiff and Solana Beach to expect construction traffic and related noised from the San Elijo Lagoon restoration project.

Residents and businesses along North Rios Avenue in Solana Beach and Manchester Avenue in Cardiff will notice traffic noise and backup alarms Jan. 3-7 for equipment transportation to and from the lagoon.

The agencies also remind motorists that freeway speed limits through Build NCC project construction zones are set 55 mph.

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