Traffic Challenges
CALIFORNIA WILL BE FACING VIRTUAL GRIDLOCK
Southern California is experiencing tremendous growth. Within the next fifteen years, San Diego's population will increase by one million people. By 2025 the population of Southern California will increase to more than 22 million residents -- the equivalent of adding two cities the size of Chicago. This increase will not only affect roadway traffic, it will also place a stranglehold on our airports and seaports. Interstate 5 and 405 between San Diego and Los Angeles is the busiest freeway corridor in the western United States. Currently 44 million cars per year travel on interstate 5 between San Diego and Orange County with that number increasing by 50% within the next 15 years. Since 1980 lane miles of freeway increased by only 16% while vehicles miles traveled increased by 124%. Compounding the challenge, per capita miles traveled increased by 42% in the last 25 years. If radical infrastructure changes are not implemented now within the next 15 years 50 to 70% of freeway travel time will be at speeds of 16 to 23 miles per hour. Southern California will be facing virtual gridlock.