PICTORIAL GUIDE TO SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HIGHWAYS

SR-163

Cabrillo Freeway / Escondido Freeway

Runs from Ash Street in downtown San Diego to I-15 in Miramar

Historical Information

Former US 395

About State 163

Built as US 395, the Cabrillo Freeway is the oldest freeway in San Diego. The first section opened in 1947 through Balboa Park. From I-5 to I-8, it is considered a State Scenic Highway, one of the few that are urban. Traffic is also seemingly perpetually heavy southbound from the University Avenue exits south to the 5 due to the narrow roadway as it drops from 5 lanes to 2.

Pictorial Guide

End signage at Ash Street in Downtown San Diego.
End signage at Ash Street in Downtown San Diego.
I-5 and State 163 (then US 101 and US 395) Interchange in the late 1960's.
I-5 and State 163 (then US 101 and US 395) Interchange in the late 1960’s. Courtesy –  Caltrans
Laurel Street Bridge, built in 1915.
Laurel Street Bridge, built in 1915.
1960 view of the Cabrillo Freeway looking north from the Laurel Street Bridge.
1960 view of the Cabrillo Freeway looking north from the Laurel Street Bridge.
South from the Laurel Street Bridge in 1947. Courtesy – Caltrans
2013 view, also taken from the Laurel Street Bridge.
2013 view, also taken from the Laurel Street Bridge.
Richmond St Onramp Bridge built in 1947, no longer in use.
Richmond St Onramp Bridge built in 1947, no longer in use.
cabrillo-fwy-north-robinson
Looking north from University Ave toward Washington St.
Washington Street Overcrossing in 1947. Courtesy – Caltrans
1960 view of the 163 / 8 interchange. At the time, it would have been US 395 and US 80.
1960 view of the 163 / 8 interchange. At the time, it would have been US 395 and US 80.
Northbound at the 805
Signage showing a missing exit. This most likely would have shown some of the exits from Kearny Villa Road prior to 1983.
Signage showing a missing exit. This most likely would have shown some of the exits from Kearny Villa Road prior to 1983.
Northern end of 163 at the 15.
Northern end of 163 at the 15.
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