About a month and a half ago, a tanker fire damaged the tunnel that connects the northbound I-5 to the northbound SR-2. Caltrans has now completed structural testing and is set to implement repairs. Work is scheduled to begin in October.

Here’s the full press release from Caltrans:

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has completed structural testing of the tanker-fire damaged northbound SR-2 to northbound I-5 connector and has determined solutions that will repair the damaged walls, columns, outrigger beams, and pavement. The repair work is expected to begin in October and finish before Christmas. The overall cost of repairs is currently estimated at $16.5 million.

The following solutions will be used to allow the safe opening of the connector:

Hydrodemolition will remove any degraded concrete from the surface of the structure.

Shotcrete is a slurry of concrete that is sprayed at a high velocity to fill damaged voids.

Epoxy injections will help seal cracks in the concrete and provide additional strength to the structure.

Repave the damaged roadway.

Upgrade the connector’s lighting, metal beam guardrail, and add anti-graffiti coated paint.

Currently, the project is in the design phase to detail what sections need repair or need to be upgraded by the future contractor.

“After several rounds of exhaustive tests, we are confident that our solutions will be quick and cost effective,” said Acting District 7 Director Carrie Bowen. “Emergency projects are always fluid, but we are moving as much red tape as possible to safely open this connector for all motorists.”

The intense heat from the tanker fire on July 13 caused extensive damage to the pavement, walls, support structures, drainage, and lighting within the northbound SR-2/northbound I-5 connector tunnel, requiring it to be closed.