Event Sat. will open part of 15 to walkers, riders

San Diegans will get the unique opportunity to set foot — safely — on state Route 15 in southeastern San Diego, as Caltrans closes the freeway to car traffic and invites them to walk, bike and help beautify the freeway on Saturday.

Caltrans District 11 will be shutting down the 15 to vehicular traffic and opening northbound lanes to the public while crews perform routine scheduled maintenance on the southbound lanes.

Saturday’s event culminates a 10-day “CommUNITY Days” celebration, as transportation officials and community partners in San Diego and Imperial counties to encourage Californians to beautify their neighborhoods as part of Clean California, a $1.2 billion state initiative to beautify public spaces, remove trash and create jobs.

“We are using this opportunity to connect with communities rather than run through them, and work on solutions together that result in clean air, clean water, clean communities and a Clean California,” said district director Gustavo Dallarda.

On Saturday, the northbound freeway will open between state Route 94 and Harbor Drive from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

While the work is being performed, the public can also attend touch-a-truck and other safety equipment demonstrations, art installations by local artists, family games and activities and cleanups across the community, including:

• A cleanup and storm drain stenciling at Mountain View Park from 9-11 a.m.

• An organized bike ride starting from Dennis V. Allen Park at 10 a.m.

• Resource booths, activities and a community cleanup at Dorothy Petway Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Resource booths and activities on SR 15 at Ocean View Boulevard starting at 11 a.m.

Attendees who want to help clean the freeway can pick up supplies at the various event locations along I-15. People will be able to enter the closed freeway from Main Street, Ocean View Boulevard or Market Street. Those interested in attending can take the Blue Line trolley to the Pacific Fleet Station or the Orange Line trolley to the 32nd & Commercial Station.