Reconnecting San Diego Communities
Creating sustainable, accessible public spaces that bridge communities.
Bridge Gaps
Created by Freeway
Construction
Reclaim Freeway
Areas for Public
Use
Link
Communities to
Public Spaces
San Diego's Communities Were Divided by Freeways
Challenges
Every day, San Diegans face physical barriers to public space access
Physical Divides
The construction of SR-163 in 1948 and I-5 in 1964, resulted in dividing communities and neighborhoods from its many public spaces.
Lost Connections
Communities feel isolated and disconnected, with limited access to green spaces and shared public areas.
Environmental Impacts
Concrete canyons create heat islands, noise pollution, and poor air quality that affect community health and wellbeing.
Where They Can Be Better Connected
SDC is focusing on two freeway lid covers or bridges
Sherman Heights to East Village
from Market Street to J Street
Balboa Park to nearby communities
from Cortez Hill east of 6th Avenue to 2nd Avenue
There's a Better Way Forward: Freeway Lids & Bridges
Imagine walking from your neighborhood to Balboa Park, Sherman Heights, and East Village without crossing dangerous freeway ramps. Picture new community spaces and safe crossings where concrete divides once stood.
Cities across America are healing similar divides with innovative solutions like freeway lids and community bridges — reconnecting neighborhoods and creating safer, greener spaces.
Freeway Lids
Parks and community spaces built over existing highways, creating new green areas while covering the freeway below.
Already proven successful here in San Diego with Teralta Park in City Heights
Community Bridges
Safe pedestrian and cyclist crossings that span the freeway, creating direct connections between divided neighborhoods.
Proven effective in cities worldwide for reconnecting communities
Why Freeway Lids and Bridges Work
Reconnect Communities
Create access, promote walking, encourage biking, improve health, provide social settings, improve land value and enhance views
Create Green Space
Add or improve parkland, cover lands with asphalt or concrete, and more fully utilize public right of ways.
Improve Environment
Limit freeway noise, reduce air pollution, provide urban trees, reduce heat islands, provide opportunity for sustainable energy.
🌱 Our Mission
San Diego Commons was formed to reconnect you and your neighbors across I-5 and 163 with new green spaces and bridges that make it easier to walk, bike, and gather.
Ways to Help
There are many ways to reconnect our communities—pick what works for you.
Donate
Fuel today's work with a one-time or monthly gift.
Submit an Idea
Tell us what your neighborhood needs.
Read the Vision
Explore the long-term plan to reconnect communities.
See the History
Understand how we got here—and what's next.
Join the Newsletter
Occasional updates. No spam.
Volunteer / Attend
Help at events or lend your skills.
What our Community, Politicians and Experts have said
Jane Doe
Sherman Heights Resident
"I've lived near I-5 for 15 years and always felt cut off from Balboa Park. The idea of a freeway lid would transform our neighborhood and give my kids a safe place to play."
Michael Smith
Urban Planner
"Freeway lids are proven solutions that create valuable public space while reconnecting divided communities. San Diego is perfect for this kind of innovative urban design."
Lisa Rodriguez
Community Advocate
"Our communities have been divided for too long. The Green The Gap project gives us hope that we can heal these divisions and create spaces where everyone can come together."