California State Route 52

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Route 52

Length:

15 mi (24 km)

Formed:

Major cities:

San Diego
Santee

Direction:

East-West

JUNCTION	POSTMILE
I-5	SD 0.00
I-805	SD 3.76
SR-163	SD 6.81
I-15	SD 7.33
SR-125	SD 15.16
SR-67	SD ??

California State Routes Unconstructed - Deleted - Scenic
< Route 51	Route 53 >

State Route 52 is a California State Highway that extends from La Jolla Parkway at Interstate 5 in La Jolla to Route 125 in Santee. Route 52 is a freeway for its entire length.

Highway 52 successfully relieved Interstate 8, five miles to the south, of some congestion. However, it was overwhelmed as soon as it opened, being the only freeway connecting directly with Santee. Near its center, where it meets with Interstate 15 and Route 163, is one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in the county. A portion of Highway 52 was built ontop of the old Miramar Landfill, and between Interstate 805 and Interstate 15 it has many pronounced undulations, due to the trash below it settling slowly over time. Some drivers find these frequent dips unsettling, and they have sometimes been associated with high-speed traffic accidents.

Construction from its present terminus eastward to Route 67 is currently being planned, with work projected to begin in 2009.

[edit] Controversy

The cost of constructing Highway 52 near Mission Trails Regional Park was increased by approximately two million U.S. dollars. The money was used to protect the Least Bell's Vireo, an endangered bird, from the commotion of construction. However, the Least Bell's Verio is known for not being easily disturbed.