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SANDAG Projects $56 Billion for Roads, But Congestion Inevitable

The San Diego Association of Governments held a public hearing today on its long term transportation plan to keep the region moving over the next 25 years. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

SANDAG Projects $56 Billion for Roads, But Congestion Inevitable

The San Diego Association of Governments held a public hearing today on its long term transportation plan to keep the region moving over the next 25 years. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

SANDAG’s plan, updated every four years, projects $56 billion worth of improvements. The plan includes four more lanes up Interstate 5, toll roads in the far north and south of the county, and a tunnel to create double tracks for the Coaster through Del Mar.

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But project manager Michael Hix says there’s no way the region can build its way out of traffic congestions. The population is expected to grow from 3 to 4 million by the year 2030.

Hix : So that means that three quarters of the population in the next 25 years are already here, and where they live and the land use patterns are already established so we’re working very hard with the local jurisdictions on trying to get that other million people to move into transportation corridors.

However that means more density, unpopular in San Diego, and the SANDAG board doesn’t control land use planning. Public comment on the transportation plan ends Monday.

Alison St John, KPBS News.