Shift Insider Blog

The Golden Triangle is going through a period of tremendous growth! Nearly 50 major public, private and transportation infrastructure projects are underway or planned over the next five years. The Shift team is here to help mitigate the impact of possible challenges created by construction and provide transportation choices to make it easier to get around. Check out the shift blog to stay up-to-date on the latest Golden Triangle transportation resources and experiences from commuters, residents and families in this area.

Transit Etiquette 101
by Shift San Diego | Nov 05, 2018
Here area few tips to make your commute more enjoyable, relaxing, and cost effective. Read on to learn more!
Planning Ahead
• Get to the transit stop five to ten minutes before your scheduled departure time to make sure you don’t miss your ride .
• When riding the bus, pick the right spot. Check that you are on the correct side of the street and stand up as the bus approaches to signal that you are ready to be picked up.
• If you’re paying with cash, have exact change when riding the bus. Drivers don’t carry change. You can easily get a Compass Card or download Compass Cloud from the app to make payment easier. Just call 511 and say “Compass” to get more information.
Boarding
• When riding the Trolley or COASTER, you must purchase a ticket before boarding. There are ticket vending machines at each station where you can pay by cash, card, or reload a Compass Card.

  You can also pay for your pass with the Compass Cloud app on your mobile device.

• All routes are wheelchair accessible.
• Bikes are allowed on buses (two per bus) as well as the COASTER, SPRINTER, and all Trolley lines. Learn how to bring your bike onto MTS and NCTD.
Be Aware
• Be cautious in traffic; drivers and other motorists may not see you. Don’t run across the street for a bus and never run in front of a bus.
• Choose a safe location. If possible, wait at a well-lit bus stop or one with other passengers and pedestrians nearby.
• In the event of an emergency, a bus driver can radio the control office for help from first responders. If you need assistance or witness an emergency, ask your operator for help.
• Don’t block the aisle with strollers or other objects.
• Occupy only one seat; place bags or parcels near your feet or on your lap.
Be Respectful
• Offer seating to elderly or disabled riders if you are in good health.
• Avoid loud conversations, music, cell phone calls, and foul language.
• Stay clear of all walkways and door areas.
• Avoid eating or drinking on board.
• Be considerate of future riders and don’t deface the vehicle with graffiti, trash, or anything else that does not belong.
Arriving
• Be mindful of which stop you need to get off at and aware of which stop comes before.
• Take all your belongings when you leave, including newspapers and trash. Double check you have your phone, wallet, and keys!
• Exit through the rear doors to allow passengers getting on board to use the front door.
Whether you are new to transit or an existing transit commuter, these are great tips to keep in mind when you travel by bus, trolley or train.
Learn more about your transportation solutions at www.shiftsandiego.com
Take the bus with San Diego Metropolitan Transit System at www.sdmts.com
Explore North County with North County Transit District at www.gonctd.com



Nov 05, 2018
Shift Monthly Construction Update - October
by Shift San Diego | Oct 30, 2018
Shift Program Monthly Construction Update We’re excited to share updates on some of the major projects that will bring access to new community amenities and resources in your neighborhood. Please note, construction schedules are subject to change. To confirm the below and other work schedules, contact Shift at 844-SHIFT-SD.
CONSTRUCTION TERM HIGHLIGHT: SOIL NAILING
Construction Term: Soil nailing is a technique used to reinforce and strengthen existing ground. Soil nailing consists of installing closely spaced bars into a slope or excavation as the construction proceeds from top down. For the work related to the Torrey Pines Slope Stabilization Project, 40-foot long soil nails and water tie-ins are being installed into the retaining wall.
Mid-Coast Trolley Construction Along Genesee Avenue, SANDAG Project The Mid-Coast Trolley construction is continuing along the Genesee Avenue at several intersections. Girder construction along Genesee Avenue, north of La Jolla Village Drive will continue through the end of the year. View closure updates at KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/MidCoastTrolley, Facebook.com/MidCoastTrolley, or @ShiftSanDiego on Twitter.
The Mid-Coast Trolley construction continues along Genesee Avenue.
Gilman Drive Bridge, SANDAG and Caltrans Project Falsework, the temporary support structures used during construction, for the Gilman Drive Bridge is tentatively planned for complete removal in October. This effort will reveal the bridge’s form for the first time since work began in November 2016. Visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/GilmanDrive to learn more about the Gilman Drive Bridge project.
The Gilman Drive Bridge with falsework still intact.
North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood, UC San Diego Project Soil excavation and utility work is expected to be complete by the end of November. Concrete trucks will enter campus from North Torrey Pines Road and Muir College Drive. They will exit the campus from North Torrey Pines and La Jolla Shores Drive. Buildings structures are expected to be built from June to December 2019, and the student-ready housing is estimated to be complete by Fall 2020.
The Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood is under construction.
Torrey Pines Slope Stabilization Project, City of San Diego Project Work for the project has included connecting a water line to the existing main line on Torrey Pines Road and installing 40-foot long soil nails and water tie-ins into the retaining wall. Grinding and overlaying road work is tentatively scheduled in November, followed by the construction of a stamped asphalt median.
UC San Diego Mesa Housing Pedestrian and Bike Bridge, UC San Diego Project Construction on the pedestrian and bike bridge started in October on the south side of the canyon by the UC San Diego Mesa graduate housing buildings and will progress to the north side of the canyon. This bridge will provide a much-needed connection between Mesa Housing and the Medical Center, while also encouraging walking and biking with significantly shorter, safer routes to campus. The bridge will span 465 linear feet and will feature a 10-foot-wide bike lane and a separate 6-foot-wide pedestrian walkway. The northwest end of the bridge will tie into the existing sidewalk at Medical Center Drive, providing direct connectivity to the new Gilman Drive Bridge.
Westfield Residential Tower, Private Project Construction continues on the 23-story residential tower at Nobel Drive and Genesee Avenue. The last major concrete pour occurred in October and street work surrounding the tower will occur periodically over the next few months.
Street work continues in the area surrounding the Westfield residential tower.
Let us know what projects you’re most interested in receiving information about via email at info@ShiftSanDiego.com or phone at 1-844-SHIFT-SD. Visit ShiftSanDiego.com to sign up for email alerts about major construction updates and access the map of all the ongoing projects. The Shift San Diego team





Oct 30, 2018
Shift Monthly Construction Update - September
by Shift San Diego | Sep 28, 2018
Shift Program Monthly Construction Update We’re excited to share updates on some of the major projects that will bring access to new community amenities and resources in your neighborhood. Please note, construction schedules are subject to change. To confirm the below and other work schedules, contact Shift at 844-SHIFT-SD.
CONSTRUCTION TERM HIGHLIGHT: STAGING AREA
Staging Area: A construction staging area is a physical location used for the storage of construction related equipment and materials such as vehicles and stockpiles. For example, a crane to lift the girders is being staged in the median along Genesee Ave.
Mid-Coast TrolleyConstruction Along Genesee Avenue, SANDAG Project Pre-cast girders, which are large beams used to support the Trolley bridge, are being placed on top of the columns to build the viaduct, the structure that will carry the Trolley along its alignment. Work for the Mid-Coast Trolley girders along Genesee Avenue began this month and will continue through the fall for the remaining intersections at La Jolla Village Drive, Esplanade Court, the UTC Transit Center and Eastgate Mall. Due to the complexity of the work, closures can be postponed at any time without notice. View closure updates atKeepSanDiegomMoving.com/MidCoastTrolley,Facebook.com/MidCoastTrolley, or@ShiftSanDiegoon Twitter.
Mid-Coast Trolley construction map and timeline as of September 2018.
Lane Reduction on La Jolla Village Drive, SANDAG Project Crews began restriping lanes on La Jolla Village Drive in early September between Costa Verde Boulevard and Executive Way, reducing the number of east and westbound lanes. This work is required in order to complete the Trolley bridge construction. The lane reduction will be in place 24 hours a day and is anticipated to be in place through mid-to late 2019.
Gilman Drive Bridge, SANDAG Project Falsework, the temporary support structures used during construction, for the Gilman Drive bridge is tentatively planned for complete removal by the end of October 2018. This effort will reveal the bridge’s form for the first time since work began in November 2016. Visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/GilmanDrive to learn more about the Gilman Drive bridge project.
View of the Gilman Drive Bridge Deck prior to the final concrete pour.
Gilman Drive Public Sewer Improvements, City of San Diego/UC San Diego Project The most recent phase of the project, Phase 4, began this month on Gilman Drive between Via La Jolla Drive and the middle driveway of the La Jolla Terrace community south of Evening Way. K-rail was been placed to separate the work equipment storage area from commuting traffic. Phase 5 construction moving northward is anticipated to start mid- to late October, and continued impacts are expected until November 2018.
Gilman Drive Public Sewer Improvement construction map and timeline as of September 2018.
Torrey Pines Slope Stabilization Project, City of San Diego Project The Torrey Pines Slope Stabilization Project is nearing completion. The final work includes connection of the newly installed water line to the existing main line on Torrey Pines Road, installation of soil nails into the retaining wall, the repaving and striping on Torrey Pines Road, and stamped asphalt work on the median. Some of this work will require lane closures; however, there will be available lanes in each direction during the project.
Let us know what projects you’re most interested in receiving information about via email at info@ShiftSanDiego.com or phone at 1-844-SHIFT-SD. Visit ShiftSanDiego.com to sign up for email alerts about major construction updates and access the map of all the ongoing projects. The Shift San Diego team





Sep 28, 2018
Shift Monthly Construction Update - August
by Shift San Diego | Aug 29, 2018
Shift Program Monthly Construction Update We’re excited to share updates on some of the major projects that will bring access to new community amenities and resources in your neighborhood. Please note, construction schedules are subject to change. To confirm the below and other work schedules, contact Shift at 1-844-SHIFT-SD.
CONSTRUCTION TERM HIGHLIGHT:GIRDERS
GIRDER:A girder is a large iron or steel beam or compound structure used for building bridges and the framework of large buildings. Pre-cast girders, which are large beams used to support the Trolley bridge, will be placed on top of the columns to build the viaduct, the bridge structure that will carry the Trolley along its alignment. The girders along the Mid-Coast Trolley project are being installed from August to October.
Mid-Coast Trolley Construction Along Genesee Avenue, SANDAG Project Column work for the section of the viaduct from La Jolla Village Drive to Regents Road on Genesee Avenue is complete. Work for the installation of girders will begin in late August and will tentatively continue through October 2018. This construction will require closures of east and westbound traffic at six intersections, including Regents Road, Eastgate Mall, Executive Drive, La Jolla Village Drive, Esplanade Court and the UTC Transit Center. For more information, including upcoming traffic plans and detours, visit: KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/MidCoast.
Mid-Coast Trolley La Jolla Colony Drive Cut-and-Cover Tunnel, SANDAG Project Work on the cut-and-cover tunnel at La Jolla Colony is anticipated to begin in late-September or early October. The traffic configuration on La Jolla Colony Drive for work on the cut-and-cover tunnel has been narrowed to two lanes, one lane in each direction. This configuration is in preparation for work to begin creating the tunnel and to allow for grading for the installation of a wall next to the tunnel. Follow @ShiftSanDiego on Twitter for the latest project updates and closure notices. For more information on the project, visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/MidCoast.
Gilman Drive Bridge, SANDAG Project The final pour of the bridge deck, the top surface of the bridge span, for the keyway as well as the side barriers has been completed. For the next phase of this project, falsework will be removed this month and will require additional temporary closures. Visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com to learn more about the Gilman Drive Bridge project and sign up for the Shift newsletter at ShiftSanDiego.com to receive the most recent notices.
View of the Gilman Drive Bridge Deck prior to the final concrete pour.
North Torrey Pines Living & Learning, UC San Diego Project Contractors are using the Torrey Pines Gilderport for parking during work hours from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. through the remainder of the summer months. Signs will indicate the reserved parking for project personnel. Employees will be shuttled from the Gliderport to the project site. Commuters should anticipate potential delays in these areas and can plan an alternative route by visiting the interactive construction map at ShiftSanDiego.com.
Let us know what projects you’re most interested in receiving information about via email at info@ShiftSanDiego.com or phone at 1-844-SHIFT-SD. Visit ShiftSanDiego.com to sign up for email alerts about major construction updates and access the map of all the ongoing projects. The Shift San Diego team





Aug 29, 2018
Shift Monthly Construction Update - July
by Shift San Diego | Jul 25, 2018
Shift Program Monthly Construction Update We’re excited to share updates on some of the major projects that will bring access to new community amenities and resources in your neighborhood. Please note, construction schedules are subject to change. To confirm the below and other work schedules, contact Shift at 844-SHIFT-SD.
CONSTRUCTION TERM HIGHLIGHT: CUT-AND-COVER TUNNEL
A method of construction for shallow tunnels where a trench is excavated and roofed over with an overhead support system strong enough to carry the load traveling above – in the case of the Mid-Coast Trolley, vehicle traffic. Sample photo from the Orange Line.
I-5/Genesee Interchange, SANDAG/Caltrans Project Shift is excited to announce the completion of the I-5/Genesee Interchange project, celebrated at a ribbon-cutting on June 29.By providing links to transportation, employment centers, hospitals, and UC San Diego, the I-5/Genesee Interchange greatly improves movement through the area. Along with the replacement of the overcrossing, the project included widened freeway access ramps, an additional auxiliary lane in the northbound direction on I-5 between Genesee Avenue and Roselle Street, a pedestrian and bicycle bridge, and a new, separated and protected bike path linking the Sorrento Valley Coaster Station to UC San Diego.
View of the completed pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Genesee Avenue.
Mid-Coast Trolley Construction Along Genesee Avenue, SANDAG Project Column work along Genesee Avenue is expected to be completed in July 2018. For the next phase of work in this area, the construction team will install girders from August to October 2018. This construction will require closures of east and westbound traffic at six intersections, starting at Regents Road and moving south to Eastgate Mall, Executive Drive, La Jolla Village Drive, Esplanade Court, and the UTC Transit Center. Work has also begun on the station foundations, including the station at Executive Drive. Because construction schedules and road closures are subject to change, residents are encouraged to contact Shift for traffic plans and detours. For more information on the project, visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/MidCoast.
Work to create the concrete columns seen along Genesee Avenue. Installation of the girders – the main horizontal supports – will require upcoming closures.
Gilman Drive Bridge, SANDAG/CaltransProject The concrete pour for the Gilman Drive Bridge deck, the top surface of the bridge span, started in June 2018 and should conclude in August. The removal of falsework is also expected in late August to early September. Visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com to learn more about the Gilman Drive Bridge project and contact Shift for construction notices and upcoming closures.
View of the Gilman Drive Bridge Deck prior to the final concrete pour.
North Torrey Pines Living & Learning, UC San Diego Project The North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood groundbreaking ceremony officially introduced the start of project construction in June. As part of construction, campus parking lot P207 and P208 will are permanently closed to be demolished. Contractors are using the Torrey Pines Gilderport for parking during work hours from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Soil excavation is expected to occur in July; trucks will route from Muir College Drive to North Torrey Pines to Gilman Drive to I-5, and concrete trucks will be accessing the site from both the north and the south. Commuters should anticipate potential delays in these areas and can plan an alternative route by visiting the interactive construction map at ShiftSanDiego.com.
UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep Khosla introduces the project at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Let us know what projects you’re most interested in receiving information about via email at info@ShiftSanDiego.com or phone at 1-844-SHIFT-SD. Visit ShiftSanDiego.com to sign up for email alerts about major construction updates and access the map of all the ongoing projects. The Shift San Diego team





Jul 25, 2018
Shift Monthly Construction Update - June
by Shift San Diego | Jun 13, 2018
Shift Program Monthly Construction Update We’re excited to share updates on some of the major projects that will bring access to new community amenities and resources in your neighborhood. Please note, construction schedules are subject to change. To confirm the below and other work schedules, contact Shift at 844-SHIFT-SD.
CONSTRUCTION TERM HIGHLIGHT: FALSEWORK
The temporary framework structures used to support a project during its construction
I-5/Genesee Interchange, SANDAG/Caltrans Project This project is expected to be completed this month. Follow @ShiftSanDiego on Twitter and let us know which of the project's upcoming amenities you're most excited to try out: Improved east-west connectivity and access to and from Interstate 5. A new, separated and protected bike path linking the Sorrento Valley Coaster Station to UC San Diego, Scripps Memorial Hospital and Westfield UTC.
Construction of the pedestrian and bicycle bridge at the I-5/Genesee Interchange
Mid-Coast Trolley Construction Along Genesee Avenue, SANDAG Project Drilling on Genesee Avenue is now complete, while column work for the section of the viaduct, the bridge structure that will carry the trolley, from La Jolla Village Drive to Regents Road on Genesee Avenue continues. Once completed, the construction team will bring in pre-cast tubs for further assembly of the viaduct. While this work takes place in the median, motorists are encouraged to follow signage indicating the appropriate speed in active construction zones. For more information visit KeepSanDiegoMoving.com/MidCoast.
Construction to build the columns, now completed, for the Mid-Coast Trolley route along Genesee Avenue.
Gilman Drive Public Sewer Improvements, UC San Diego/ City of San Diego Project Construction activity is anticipated to begin on Gilman Drive south of the current work area from the southbound I-5 off-ramp to La Jolla Village Drive and La Jolla Shores Drive/Gilman Drive off-ramp. Work is excepted to start at the intersection of Gilman and Via Alicante and then continue north toward the current work zone. Continued impacts are expected for Gilman Drive, from La Jolla Village Drive to Via Alicante, until late summer 2018.
North Torrey Pines Living & Learning, UC San Diego Project The Living and Learning Neighborhood, located on the west campus between Muir College and Marshall College, just east of North Torrey Pines Road, will be a vibrant, mixed-use comunity. Construction is slated to begin this month, with new student housing expected to be move-in ready by Fall 2020. As part of construction, campus parking lot P207 and P208 will be permanently closed starting June 17, 2018. Access parking alternatives and shuttle service information at LivingLearning.UCSD.edu.
Rendering of North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood
Let us know what projects you’re most interested in receiving information about via email at info@ShiftSanDiego.com or phone at 1-844-SHIFT-SD. Visit ShiftSanDiego.com to sign up for email alerts about major construction updates and access the map of all the ongoing projects. The Shift San Diego team





Jun 13, 2018
A Neighborhood Like No Other on Campus. (Guest Feature: UC San Diego)
by Shift San Diego | Jun 12, 2018
The North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood will be an exciting new addition to the UC San Diego campus. It represents a unique opportunity to plan, design and build a vibrant mixed-use community incorporating residential, academic and administrative space.
Located on the west campus between Muir and Marshall Colleges, the Living and Learning Neighborhood will also feature dining and retail space as well as parking. With plentiful open space and a pedestrian and bike-friendly layout, the new neighborhood will be a welcoming space for all who are there to live, learn, work or visit.
Read more about it on the campus newsletter This Week @ UC San Diego and view renderings on the NTPLLN website.
To learn about other construction projects happening in the Golden Triangle and University area, visit the interactive map on Shift.





Jun 12, 2018
Integrating Commute Alternatives in a Company`s Sustainability Plan
by Shift San Diego | May 31, 2018
Celgene, a scientific research company that is, “committed to improving the lives of patients worldwide,” has recently launched an advancement of their internal initiative to sustainability by becoming a participant of the iCommute Employer Program. Celgene already has a strong commitment to sustainability by implementing program efforts such as several educational and directional signage for recycling and disposing. Employees are also strongly recommended to take advantage of using the eWaste and battery recycle program the company provides. Celgene began integrating alternative commute choices as another sustainable component as they already have a group of employees that take advantage of the showers, lockers, and bike racks at the facility.
This year, Celgene decided to integrate commuting into their growing sustainability efforts by having Shift San Diego, iCommute, and Waze Carpool participate as vendors in their 1<sup>st</sup> annual Earth Day Fair event. The planning for this event began at least six months prior to April. Part of the planning process, Celgene distributed the iCommute survey to employees, which helped to identify employee commute needs and motivations. “The commuter survey analysis report identifies the priorities on which commuter program enhancements are proposed and developed through management staff,” says Patty, Employee Transportation Coordinator for Celgene. ``It`s wonderful to see that 76% of our employees are interested in trying a different commute that is more sustainable and that we are able to support them in their efforts.``
The initial action steps after compiling Celgene’s commute survey results included hosting a Waze Carpool/iCommute tabling event and a free iCommute bike education tune-up at their Earth Day Fair and in tandem preparation for Bike to Work Day. The next commuter event that Celgene will participate in is the iCommute Carpool Incentive Pilot, which will provide each participant with 10 free Waze Carpool rides. With a baseline employee single-occupancy vehicle rate of 83%, Celgene is well on their way to reducing this and continuing to improve the lives of their employees.
If your company would like to enhance or develop a commuter benefits program, contact the Shift San Diego team at info@shiftsandiego.com.

Employees at Celgene`s Inaugural Earth Fair featuring teams from Shift San Diego, Waze Carpool, and iCommute`s employer bike tuneup serviced by Cycle Quest.





May 31, 2018