Ground Broken on $490M I-95 Bridge Project Over Lake Marion

Major infrastructure upgrade to replace aging interstate spans in Santee, California

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:32am

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A high-end studio still life featuring a collection of sleek, polished metal and concrete construction materials arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the materials and planning involved in a major infrastructure project.Premium construction materials symbolize the major investment in upgrading California's aging interstate bridges.Santee Today

Local, state, and federal officials gathered in Santee, California to celebrate the groundbreaking for the $490 million project to replace the aging Interstate 95 bridges over Lake Marion. The bridges, which are a critical part of the regional transportation network, will be completely rebuilt to improve safety and traffic flow.

Why it matters

The I-95 bridges over Lake Marion are a vital link in the interstate highway system, carrying thousands of vehicles daily between Northern and Southern California. The existing bridges have deteriorated over time, necessitating this major infrastructure upgrade to ensure the long-term reliability of this key transportation corridor.

The details

The project will involve completely demolishing and rebuilding the northbound and southbound I-95 bridges over Lake Marion. The new bridges will feature wider lanes, improved shoulders, and upgraded safety features to accommodate current and future traffic demands. Construction is expected to take several years to complete.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 7, 2026.
  • Construction on the bridge replacement project is slated to begin in the summer of 2026.

The players

Santee

A city in Southern California located along the shores of Lake Marion, where the I-95 bridges are situated.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

The state agency responsible for managing and maintaining California's highway infrastructure, including the I-95 bridges over Lake Marion.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

The federal agency that provides funding and oversight for major interstate highway projects like the I-95 bridge replacement.

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What they’re saying

“This project is a critical investment in our state's transportation infrastructure that will improve safety and reliability for the thousands of drivers who rely on I-95 every day.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

“We're proud to partner with state and local leaders to deliver this transformative project that will benefit the entire region for decades to come.”

— Stephanie Pollack, Deputy Administrator, Federal Highway Administration

What’s next

Construction on the I-95 bridge replacement project is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026 and is expected to take several years to complete. The new bridges are slated to open to traffic by the end of 2029.

The takeaway

The groundbreaking for the $490 million I-95 bridge replacement project over Lake Marion represents a major investment in California's critical transportation infrastructure. The new, modernized bridges will improve safety, traffic flow, and long-term reliability for this vital interstate corridor.