Historic US 80 in California

us-2di_ca-80

Introduction

US 80 in California formerly ran from downtown San Diego east to Winterhaven at the Colorado River. I-8 bypassed the old highway entirely by 1972. Early portions of freeway were built in Mission Valley in the late 1940’s and mid 1950’s. This page will have a tour of the highway with photos and maps.

1939 San Diego Inset
1939 map showing the routing of US 80 in California.
1958 ACSC map showing US 80 from San Diego to El Centro

Tour Sections:

Special Sections:

Links:

Photographs

Washington St approaching Lincoln St in University Heights. Concrete here dates to 1948.
Washington St approaching Lincoln St in University Heights. Concrete here dates to 1948.
El Cajon Blvd with Historic Route 80 signs in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego.
El Cajon Blvd with Historic Route 80 signs in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego.
Business Route 8 signage on El Cajon Blvd. This was formerly Business US 80 after it was bypassed in the late 1950's.
Business Route 8 signage on El Cajon Blvd. This was formerly Business US 80 after it was bypassed in the late 1950’s.
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1920’s view of the former 1917 arch bridge that was located in In-Ko-Pah Gorge. This bridge was removed following heavy damage from Hurricane Kathleen in 1976.
Section of the original concrete just west of Miller's at the bottom of In-Ko-Pah Gorge.
Section of the original concrete just west of Miller’s at the bottom of In-Ko-Pah Gorge.

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