SR-52: San Clemente Canyon Freeway

San Clemente Canyon Freeway / Mt Soledad Freeway
Runs from I-5 in San Diego near La Jolla to SR-67 near Santee

High Points:

  • Mission Trails Summit – 821′

Originally planned to run through the bottom of San Clemente Canyon between I-5 and I-805, local opposition forced it to run along the edge of the canyon. This allowed for the creation of Marion Bear Park, named after one of the chief protesters. The freeway had the unique control point of “San Clemente Canyon” until the signs were replaced in the early 2000’s, though one sign at I-5 still retains the location. State 52 also had no surface routing. The first segment of the freeway was built in 1972 between I-5 and I-805. The last segment was completed in 2011 between State Routes 125 and 67 in Santee.

Last remaining signage for San Clemente Canyon at I-5 heading EB on 52.
Last remaining signage for San Clemente Canyon at I-5 heading EB on 52.
State 52 within San Clemente Canyon just east of I-5.
State 52 within San Clemente Canyon just east of I-5.
Sign with the former Ardath Road name removed. Ardath Road became La Jolla Parkway in the early 2000's.
Sign with the former Ardath Road name removed. Ardath Road became La Jolla Parkway in the early 2000’s.
Genessee Ave interchange
I-805 at State 52, looking northerly
The freeway ended here at Santo Road from 1988 until 1993.
The freeway ended here at Santo Road from 1988 until 1993.
Fortuna Mountain from the 52.

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