In 2008, San Diego County voters did something extraordinary. They voted to tax themselves.
They passed TransNet, the half-cent sales tax extension that was supposed to fix our highways, build our transit, and finally deliver the infrastructure North County had been begging for. And tucked inside that promise were two specific commitments to the 78 corridor: HOV lanes running the full length of the 78 from I-5 to I-15, and direct connectors so drivers could move between our major freeways without grinding to a halt at every interchange.
The price tag back then was $495 million for the 78 HOV lanes alone…