San Diego

The California Transportation Commission approved more than $21 million in funding Friday to construct the third phase of the California 52 extension, a Caltrans spokesman said.

“This work will complete the 5.5 miles of freeway betwen Interstate 805 and Santo Road just east of Interstate 15,” Caltrans Director Leo Trombatore said.

Phase 3 construction, which probably will be advertised for contract bids in two months, will complete the Convoy Street interchange, will provide ramps at California 163 and will connect Kearny Villa Road to Ruffin Road, Caltrans spokesman Jim Larson said.

He said the entire project will cost about $56 million. Phase 1, which will connect Interstate 805 to Convoy Road, is the only section under construction, at a cost of $12.9 million. Phase 2, which will connect Kearny Villa Road to Santo Road, costs $22 million, Larson said. It will be open for bids in Los Angeles on May 22.

The entire freeway should be operational in two years, Larson said.