July 19–Before construction crews start work on a $1 billion hotel and convention center in Chula Vista, the bayfront is going to need dirt.
And lots of it.
The Port of San Diego this week began importing soil to Chula Vista's waterfront. For the next month, hundreds of trucks will bring tons of soil to the area to account for potential sea level rise.
The soil will also improve drainage in the area, according to the Port of San Diego.
The Port manages 34 miles of San Diego Bay's waterfront in five cities — Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego. The cities and port promote development, commerce, recreation, and fisheries along the bay.
Trucks will exit Interstate 5 at H Street as they transport dirt to Sandpiper Way and Bayside Parkway. Those trucks are scheduled to work Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Aug. 11.
"The Port requests and appreciates patience from the public and businesses in the area as truck traffic ramps up during this important project," read a statement announcing the work.
More soil will be imported to Chula Vista's water front again from Aug. 20 to the end of October, according to the release.
This isn't the only work happening on the bayfront.
In June, crews began demolition work just south of H Street and Marina Parkway. The work involved breaking up concrete slabs and asphalt pavements to clear the area so that it can be properly graded.
Once completed, the bayfront hotel and convention center will be located between H and G streets just west of Marina Parkway.
The project is expected to have approximately 1,600 hotel rooms, 275,000 square feet of convention and event space, and resort-style amenities like restaurants, bars, and a spa.
Public infrastructure improvements associated with the project include access roads, new public streets, utility services, and a new park along the bay.
Those improvements could begin as early as 2019, according to the Port of San Diego.
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