La Mesa is getting a significant infrastructure boost. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) Board of Directors has approved more than $3.5 million in funding for two projects in the city, according to the Times of San Diego.

The larger grant — $3.5 million — will go toward the La Mesa Boulevard Complete Streets Gateway Roundabout, which calls for designing and installing a roundabout at the intersection of University and Memorial Drive. The project also includes enhanced pedestrian crossings, improved lighting and landscaping, bike facilities, traffic calming measures, and upgraded transit stops.

"This is a huge win for the city," said Michael Throne, La Mesa's Director of Public Works, adding that the improvements are expected to make it easier to access local businesses along the corridor.

An additional $372,000 was approved for the La Mesa Downtown Village Specific Plan Update, a multi-phase effort that includes community outreach, environmental review, and public hearings aimed at encouraging mixed-use housing, economic development, and better connections between neighborhoods and transit.

City officials say the SANDAG funding allows La Mesa to advance these projects without drawing from the general fund. For East County residents who travel through La Mesa regularly, the changes are expected to improve safety and reduce traffic friction at one of the area's busier intersections.