Editing California State Route 52

{{short description|Highway in California}}
{{Redirect|CA 52|the congressional district|California's 52nd congressional district}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{featured article}}
{{Infobox road
|state=CA
|type=SR
|route=52
|section=352
|maint=[[California Department of Transportation|Caltrans]]
|map={{maplink-road|from=California State Route 52.map}}
|map_custom=yes
|map_notes=State Route 52 highlighted in red
|length_mi=17.222
|length_round=3
|length_ref=<ref name=trucklist>{{caltrans trucklist}}</ref>
|counties=[[San Diego County, California|San Diego]]
|established=1964
|tourist=[[File:California Scenic State.svg|20px|link=State Scenic Highway System (California)]] SR 52 through [[Mission Trails Regional Park]]<ref name="EastCounty"/>
|direction_a=West
|terminus_a={{jct|state=CA|I|5}} in [[San Diego]]
|direction_b=East
|junction={{plainlist|
*{{Jct|state=CA|I|805}} in San Diego
*{{Jct|state=CA|SR|163}} in San Diego
*{{Jct|state=CA|I|15}} in San Diego
*{{jct|state=CA|SR|125}} in [[Santee, California|Santee]]
}}
|terminus_b={{jct|state=CA|SR|67}} in Santee
|previous_type=SR
|previous_route=51
|next_type=SR
|next_route=53
}}
'''State Route 52''' ('''SR&nbsp;52''') is a [[List of state highways in California|state highway]] in [[San Diego County, California]], that extends from La Jolla Parkway at [[Interstate 5 in California|Interstate 5]] (I-5) in [[La Jolla]], San Diego, to [[California State Route 67|SR&nbsp;67]] in [[Santee, California|Santee]]. It is a [[freeway]] for its entire length and serves as a major east–west route through the northern part of the city of San Diego. The road connects the major north–south freeways of the county, including I-5, [[Interstate 805|I-805]], [[California State Route 163|SR&nbsp;163]], [[Interstate 15 in California|I-15]], [[California State Route 125|SR&nbsp;125]], and SR&nbsp;67. SR&nbsp;52 passes north of the [[Rose Canyon Fault]] before traversing [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar]] (MCAS Miramar). East of Santo Road and west of SR&nbsp;125, the highway goes through [[Mission Trails Regional Park]], a large open preserve. SR&nbsp;52 is also known as the '''Soledad Freeway''' and the '''San Clemente Canyon Freeway'''.

Plans for a route between La Jolla and Santee date from 1959, and SR&nbsp;52 was officially designated in the [[1964 state highway renumbering (California)|1964 state highway renumbering]]. Construction began in 1966 at the I-5 interchange with Ardath Road leading to La Jolla. It continued with the construction of San Clemente Canyon Road, which was later widened to become SR&nbsp;52. The freeway was completed east to I-805 in 1970, and was built in two stages from there to Santo Road east of I-15; the last phase was completed in 1988.

The freeway east of Santo Road encountered delays from environmentalists over the endangered [[least Bell's vireo]], a songbird which faced habitat destruction, as well as those concerned with the destruction of homes and businesses for the freeway [[right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]]. The extension to Mission Gorge Road opened in 1993, and SR&nbsp;52 was completed to SR&nbsp;125 in 1998. Funding issues delayed the completion of the entire route until 2011, more than fifty&nbsp;years after construction began; until then, the city of Santee faced traffic snarls. A widening project was completed in 2007 between Santo Road and Mast Boulevard; further expansion has been put on hold due to state budget concerns.

==Route description==
[[File:California state route 52.JPG|thumb|left|SR&nbsp;52 westbound heading towards I-15]]
SR&nbsp;52 begins just west of [[I-5 (CA)|I-5]] at the eastern end of La Jolla Parkway. Before entering [[San Clemente Canyon]], part of Marian Bear Natural Park,<ref name="tgsd" /> the road becomes a freeway as it intersects I-5. The freeway runs north of the [[Rose Canyon Fault]], composed of [[Late Cretaceous]] rock estimated to be 90&nbsp;million years old, and [[Mount Soledad]].<ref name=utsdgeology /> Following exits with Clairemont Mesa Boulevard / Regents Road and Genesee Avenue, SR&nbsp;52 intersects [[I-805 (CA)|I-805]] before exiting the canyon and traveling along the southern edge of the [[MCAS Miramar]] military base.<ref name="tgsd" />

From I-805 to SR&nbsp;163, the highway goes through an area with visible [[Pliocene]] sedimentary rocks estimated to be 10&nbsp;million years old.<ref name=utsdgeology /> After passing the Miramar Recycling Center and an interchange with Convoy Street, SR&nbsp;52 intersects [[SR 163 (CA)|SR&nbsp;163]], a freeway heading towards downtown San Diego.<ref name="tgsd" /> SR&nbsp;52 intersects Kearny Villa Road before an interchange with [[I-15 (CA)|I-15]]. A [[collector/distributor road]] serves these three interchanges.<ref name="tgsd" />

After this interchange, the freeway leaves the edge of the military base and enters the San Diego neighborhood of [[Tierrasanta, San Diego, California|Tierrasanta]], where there is a junction with Santo Road, before traversing [[Mission Trails Regional Park]], an open space preserve, for a few miles.<ref name="tgsd" /> The freeway ascends to Mission Trails Pass, north of the {{convert|1230|ft|m|adj=on}} summit of Fortuna Mountain.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=gnispq:3:::NO::P3_FID:242379 | title=GNIS Detail – Fortuna Mountain | publisher=U.S. Geological Survey | work=U.S. Board on Geographic Names | date=January 19, 1981 | access-date=October 6, 2012 | author=Staff}}</ref> The mountain is part of the [[Peninsular Range]]; the highway cuts through [[Eocene]] rocks estimated to be 50&nbsp;million years old and marine [[fossils]]. The road on the eastern side of the mountain is carved out of "igneous granitic rocks" that are thought to be 150&nbsp;million years old, an unusual formation compared to the Eocene layer.<ref name=utsdgeology>{{cite news|last=Clifford|first=Hal|title=Geology unexpected bonus for travelers on 52 freeway|newspaper=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=June 5, 1996|oclc=25257675|page=E4}}</ref>

A dedicated two-way bicycle path exists on the northern side of the roadway between Santo Road and Mast Boulevard, with access possible from both termini.<ref name=commute>{{cite web|author=Staff |title=Bike Route Map |url=http://www.icommutesd.com/Bike/documents/SouthBikeMap_Web_000.pdf |work=iCommute |publisher=San Diego Association of Governments |access-date=August 19, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120617114224/http://www.icommutesd.com/Bike/documents/SouthBikeMap_Web_000.pdf |archive-date=June 17, 2012 }}</ref> East of the Mast Boulevard interchange, SR&nbsp;52 crosses and begins to parallel the [[San Diego River]]. The freeway enters the city of [[Santee, California|Santee]], where SR&nbsp;52 was built alongside Mission Gorge Road.<ref name="tgsd">{{Cite map| publisher=Thomas Brothers| title=San Diego County Street Atlas| year=2009|pages=1227–1231}}</ref> SR&nbsp;52 intersects the northern end of [[SR 125 (CA)|SR&nbsp;125]], where SR&nbsp;52 traffic can exit south onto SR&nbsp;125. The freeway continues east through Santee, with interchanges at Fanita Drive, Cuyamaca Street, and Magnolia Avenue, before it comes to an end at [[California State Route 67|SR&nbsp;67]].<ref name="gmaps">{{google maps|url=https://maps.google.com/?ll=32.830558,-117.096405&spn=0.139339,0.308647&t=m&z=12|access-date=August 18, 2012|title=State Route 52}}</ref>

SR&nbsp;52 is part of the [[California Freeway and Expressway System]]<ref name="cafes">{{CAFESystem}}</ref> and is eligible for the [[State Scenic Highway System (California)|State Scenic Highway System]].<ref name="scenic">{{CA scenic}}</ref> In 2016, [[Caltrans]] officially designated the segment adjacent to Mission Trails Regional Park between Santo Road and Mast Boulevard as a scenic highway.<ref name="caltransscenic">{{Caltrans scenic|access-date=May 11, 2019}}</ref><ref name="EastCounty">{{cite web|url=https://www.eastcountymagazine.org/state-route-52-designated-scenic-highway|title=State Route 52 Designated A Scenic Highway|first=Miriam|last=Raftery|publisher=East County Magazine|date=May 13, 2016|access-date=May 11, 2019}}</ref> SR&nbsp;52 is also part of the [[National Highway System (United States)|National Highway System]],<ref name=fhwa-nhs>{{FHWA NHS map|region=sandiego}}</ref> a network of highways that are considered essential to the country's economy, defense, and mobility by the [[Federal Highway Administration]].<ref name=NHS-FHWA>{{FHWA NHS}}</ref> The entire route is known as both the Soledad Freeway and the San Clemente Canyon Freeway.<ref name=tcr>{{cite web|title=SR&nbsp;52 Transportation Concept Report|url=http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist11/departments/planning/pdfs/tcs/2010_SR_52TCS.pdf|publisher=California Department of Transportation|access-date=August 20, 2012|author=Staff|year=2010|pages=15–16}}</ref> In 2013, SR&nbsp;52 had an [[annual average daily traffic]] (AADT) of 69,000 at the eastern terminus with SR 67, and 103,000 between Convoy Street and SR&nbsp;163, the lowest and the highest AADT for the highway, respectively.<ref name=traffic>{{Caltrans traffic|year=2013|start=51|end=59}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:California State Route 52 history.svg|thumb|SR 52 construction history]]
In 1959, Legislative Route 279 was designated as a highway from La Jolla to Santee and incorporated into the California Freeway and Expressway System.<ref name="CAstat1959">{{cite CAstat|year=1959|ch=1062}}</ref> In the [[1964 state highway renumbering (California)|1964 state highway renumbering]], this became SR&nbsp;52.<ref name="CAstat1963">{{cite CAstat|year=1963|ch=385}}</ref> However, SR&nbsp;52 took more than fifty years to be constructed, due to delays in the planning and construction phases.

===I-5 to I-805===
A public hearing on Legislative Route 279 and on the Ardath Road connection to La Jolla was held on November&nbsp;15, 1961.<ref name="hearing">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Hearing to Discuss Soledad Freeway Plan | work=The San Diego Union | date=November 13, 1961 | page=A21|oclc=13155544}}</ref> At the hearing, there were concerns expressed regarding destruction of vegetation. City and state officials indicated that the Soledad Freeway would be constructed in the northern part of the canyon to minimize environmental damage.<ref name="trees">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Tree Lovers Voice Pleas | work=The San Diego Union | date=November 16, 1961 | page=E17|oclc=13155544}}</ref> On November&nbsp;9, 1966, the I-5 interchange with Ardath Road opened at the western end of what would become SR&nbsp;52. The original goal was to connect the interchange with San Clemente Canyon Road, which served as a predecessor to SR&nbsp;52; plans were to widen the road to four lanes and designate it as SR&nbsp;52.<ref name="LaJolla1">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=La Jolla, Interstate 5 Link to Downtown to Open Today | work=The San Diego Union | date=November 9, 1966 | page=B8|oclc=13155544}}</ref> The connecting ramps were not opened that day because the aluminum [[guard rail]]s had not been delivered on time. Estimates indicated that each resident of La Jolla would save 80&nbsp;hours per year by using Ardath Road. A ramp from southbound I-5 to westbound Ardath Road was never completed because of a hairpin turn that would be necessary due to the towering cliff on the west side of I-5<ref name="lajolla2">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Interstate&nbsp;5 Section to La Jolla Opened | work=The San Diego Union | date=November 10, 1996 | page=A19|oclc=13155544}}</ref> that Ardath Road ascends as it continues to La Jolla.<ref>{{cite map|url=http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.83734,-117.23665&z=15&t=R|title=Acme Mapper|publisher=Acme Maps|access-date=February 17, 2013|cartography=Google, Inc.}}</ref> On November&nbsp;18, San Clemente Canyon Road was connected to I-5 when the aluminum guard rails arrived and were subsequently installed.<ref name="2lanes">{{cite news |author=Staff| title=2 Freeway Lanes Open | work=The San Diego Union | date=November 19, 1966 | page=B1|oclc=13155544}}</ref> San Clemente Canyon Road was not fully opened until 1967.<ref name="uc">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=University City Eyes the Future | work=The San Diego Union | date=March 9, 1970 | page=B1|oclc=13155544}}</ref> That year, citizens expressed opposition to the construction of the Soledad Freeway because some wanted the land to be used for a park, and did not view the freeway as "necessary."<ref name="necessary">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=N. City Freeway Plans Criticized | work=The San Diego Union | date=May 22, 1967 | page=B3|oclc=13155544}}</ref>

[[Construction bidding|Formal bids]] began in February&nbsp;1969 for the first section of SR&nbsp;52 between I-5 and I-805.<ref name="linkup">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Interstates 5 and 805 in Linkup | work=The San Diego Union | date=February 4, 1969 | page=B2|oclc=13155544}}</ref> The state ordered the construction of this section on April&nbsp;28, 1969.<ref name="scc">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=San Clemente Canyon Freeway Work Slated | work=The San Diego Union | date=April 29, 1969 | page=B1|oclc=13155544}}</ref> On Thursday, May&nbsp;28, 1970, the Soledad Freeway opened,<ref name="hearing2">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Route&nbsp;52 Unopposed at Public Hearing | work=The San Diego Union | date=November 18, 1970 | page=B6|oclc=13155544}}</ref> connecting Regents Road and Genesee Avenue with I-5; however, it did not connect to the unopened I-805. The road was built by Kasler, Ball and Yeager for $3.9&nbsp;million<ref name="soledad">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=State Opens Soledad Road Today | work=The San Diego Union | date=May 21, 1970 | page=B3|oclc=13155544}}</ref> (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|3900000|1970|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} The construction firm deposited dirt into "an unnamed finger canyon" against the conditions of the city permit, and the city ordered the firm to remove it.<ref name="dumping">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Removal of Dirt Ordered | work=The San Diego Union | date=January 7, 1970 | page=B1|oclc=13155544}}</ref> The section of I-805 from SR&nbsp;52 to El Cajon Boulevard was scheduled to be dedicated on March&nbsp;20, 1972.<ref name="805opening">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Route&nbsp;805 Bicycle Day Set March 19 | work=The San Diego Union | date=March 8, 1972 | page=B1|oclc=13155544}}</ref>

Ardath Road was renamed La Jolla Parkway on October&nbsp;15, 2002, for two reasons: a nearby residential street was also named Ardath Road, and there was a desire to draw attention to this primary route to downtown La Jolla. This required the city of San Diego to pay $20,000 (about ${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US-GDP|20000|2002|r=-3}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} to replace the signs on SR&nbsp;52.<ref name="ardath">{{cite news | title=Name change to La Jolla Parkway ends Ardath Roads' parallel universe | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=October 16, 2002 | author=Huard, Ray | page=B1|oclc=25257675}}</ref>

===I-805 to Santo Road===
The second phase of SR&nbsp;52 from I-805 to {{convert|1.1|mi|km}} past [[U.S. Route 395 in California|U.S. Route 395]] (which became I-15 in 1974<ref>{{cite CAstat|year=1974|ch=537}}</ref>) was projected to cost $29.4&nbsp;million (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|29400000|1970|r=3}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}}. The new freeway was to provide access to Tierrasanta and reduce the traffic on [[Interstate 8|I-8]]. The U.S. Navy was consulted in the planning process due to the road's proposed routing through what was then [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar#Naval Air Station|NAS Miramar]] that would provide a delineation against further urban development. There were no concerns expressed at the public hearing on November&nbsp;17, 1970;<ref name="hearing2" /> however, construction did not begin for more than ten years, as California governor [[Jerry Brown]] stalled the construction of SR&nbsp;52 from Santo Road to SR&nbsp;67.<ref name="gov" /> In 1977, the county supervisor, a San Diego City councilman, and the mayors of La Mesa and National City wrote a letter to Brown to ask for the construction of this portion of SR 125 and other freeways, due to concerns about the types of congestion seen in [[Los Angeles]] coming to San Diego due to the incomplete freeway system.<ref>{{cite news | title=Added Freeway Projects Sought | work=The San Diego Union | date=April 26, 1977 | page=B4}}</ref> San Diego City Councilman Tom Gade wrote a telegram to Caltrans Director [[Adriana Gianturco]] about the possible deletions; in response, Gianturco clarified that the plans were only being reconsidered and had not been removed, and a CHC member criticized the tone of the original telegram, calling it "intemperate".<ref>{{cite news | title=State Aide Protests Gade Words | work=The San Diego Union | date=July 24, 1977 | author=Harrison, Donald | page=H16}}</ref> In 1984, Leo Trombatore, the Caltrans Director under California governor [[George Deukmejian]], requested to the [[California Transportation Commission]] (CTC) that "formal studies toward this end be initiated immediately. Route&nbsp;52 has a high statewide priority."<ref name="gov">{{cite news | title=Governor backs Highway&nbsp;52 plan | work=The San Diego Union | date=January 18, 1984 | author=Carson, Daniel | page=B1|oclc=13155544}}</ref> The CTC followed the director's wishes, approving the studies.<ref name="newroute52">{{cite news | title=State gives green light to Route&nbsp;52 | work=Evening Tribune | date=January 26, 1984 | author=Roach, Ron | location=San Diego | page=B1|oclc=37687666}}</ref>

The first part of this phase, from I-805 to Convoy Street, began construction in December&nbsp;1986.<ref name="funds">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=State&nbsp;52 funds | work=The San Diego Union | date=March 1, 1986 | page=B3|oclc=13155544}}</ref> It was dedicated at a community celebration on July&nbsp;11, 1987, and was scheduled to open to traffic a few weeks later.<ref name="dance">{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 bash: Chance to do some freeway dancing | work=Evening Tribune | date=July 9, 1987 | author=Hughes, Joe | location=San Diego | page=B3|oclc=37687666}}</ref> The first [[callbox]]es in San Diego County were installed on SR&nbsp;52 near Convoy Street on June&nbsp;20, 1988.<ref name="callbox">{{cite news | title=First call boxes to be turned on along Route&nbsp;52 | work=Evening Tribune | date=June 18, 1988 | author=Hughes, Joe | location=San Diego | page=B2|oclc=37687666}}</ref> On June&nbsp;30,&nbsp;1988, SR&nbsp;52 from Convoy Street to Santo Road opened to traffic.<ref>{{cite news | title=Motorists christen stretch of Route&nbsp;52 | work=Evening Tribune | date=July 1, 1988 | author=Hughes, Joe | location=San Diego | page=B3|oclc=37687666}}</ref> The I-15 interchange was built with state funds from the CTC.<ref name="funds" />

In 2000, Hazard Construction Company added a single westbound lane on SR&nbsp;52 from SR&nbsp;163 to I-805, a distance of {{convert|2.5|mi|km}}, at a cost of $1.7&nbsp;million<ref>{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 widening under way | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=August 13, 2000 | author=Dipping, Caroline | page=I8|oclc=25257675}}</ref> (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|1700000|2000|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} In 2006, the [[San Diego Metropolitan Transit System|Metropolitan Transit System]], in cooperation with the [[San Diego Association of Governments]] (SANDAG), Caltrans, and the [[California Highway Patrol]], began a pilot program to run transit buses along the shoulders of SR&nbsp;52 between Kearny Villa Road and I-805. During [[rush hour]], buses were able to use these shoulders to bypass slow traffic in the main lanes.<ref name="dec2005">{{cite web | url=http://www.sandag.org/enewsletter/archives/december2005/feature_1.html | title=Buses Go Off Road to Cruise by Traffic | publisher=San Diego County Association of Governments | work=rEgion–SANDAG's Electronic Newsletter | date=December 2005 | access-date=August 20, 2012 | author=Staff | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120506071029/http://www.sandag.org/enewsletter/archives/december2005/feature_1.html | archive-date=May 6, 2012 }}</ref> The trial was considered successful as more than 99&nbsp;percent of trips arrived on time, customer feedback was favorable and no safety concerns were encountered.<ref name="nov2006">{{cite web | url=http://www.sandag.org/enewsletter/archives/november2006/feature_1.html | title=Buses on shoulders—a smooth ride | publisher=San Diego County Association of Governments | work=rEgion–SANDAG's Electronic Newsletter | date=November 2006 | access-date=August 20, 2012 | author=Staff | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105075852/http://www.sandag.org/enewsletter/archives/november2006/feature_1.html | archive-date=November 5, 2011 }}</ref> On May&nbsp;9, 2007, ''[[San Diego Union-Tribune|The San Diego Union-Tribune]]'' published a story which raised reader concerns about a dangerous dip in the freeway. The dip had developed in a section of the highway constructed on top of the Miramar Landfill, and had been caused by trash settling; it was repaired by the next day.<ref name="dip1">{{cite news | title=State Route 52 motorists are taking a dip at Convoy Street | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=May 9, 2007 | author=Ristine, Jeff | page=B1|oclc=25257675}}</ref><ref name="dip2">{{cite news | title=Caltrans smooths out dip on westbound Route&nbsp;52 | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=May 10, 2007 | author=Ristine, Jeff | page=B2|oclc=25257675}}</ref>

===Planning for eastern portion===
The planning process for the remainder of SR&nbsp;52 began as early as 1970, when the initial plan was to route the freeway through the city of Santee along Mission Gorge Road and the San Diego River.<ref name="santee1970">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Santee Area to Decide on River Route | work=The San Diego Union | date=September 27, 1970 | page=B3|oclc=13155544}}</ref> Planning was delayed until 1984, along with the construction of the I-805 to Santo Road segment. The City of Santee opposed the original plans, hoping to route the freeway on Prospect Avenue or north of the San Diego River.<ref>{{cite news | title=Santee officials protest CalTrans plans for State&nbsp;52 | work=The San Diego Union | date=September 21, 1984 | author=Reynolds, Christopher | page=B3|oclc=13155544}}</ref> By April&nbsp;1985, a second route along Prospect Avenue, proposed by Caltrans, earned the support of the City Council;<ref name="statecites">{{cite news | title=State cites 2 routes freeway could take through Santee | work=Evening Tribune | date=April 10, 1985 | author=Griffin, Vern | location=San Diego | page=B4|oclc=37687666}}</ref> however, the required demolition of many small businesses led many of those affected to start a petition against this route.<ref name="proposedpath">{{cite news | title=Proposed path of 52 opposed | work=The San Diego Union | date=August 4, 1985 | author=Reynolds, Christopher | page=B3|oclc=13155544}}</ref> On the other hand, there were objections about the "river route" costing approximately $15&nbsp;million more<ref>{{cite news | title=River site for freeway more costly, Santee told | work=Evening Tribune | date=November 7, 1985 | author=Griffin, Vern | location=San Diego | page=B7|oclc=37687666}}</ref> (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|15000000|1985|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} and cutting through a future "Town Center development".<ref name="etreport">{{cite news | title=Report counts costs of Route&nbsp;52 plan in Santee | work=Evening Tribune | date=December 3, 1985 | author=Griffin, Vern | location=San Diego |page=B1|oclc=37687666}}</ref> The [[Lakeside, California|Lakeside]] Chamber of Commerce preferred the route along the San Diego River, citing the proximity to that city.<ref name="chamber">{{cite news | title=Chamber endorses Highway&nbsp;52 route | work=Evening Tribune | date=February 7, 1986 | author=Griffin, Vern | location=San Diego | page=B8|oclc=37687666}}</ref> The environmental impact report was found to be deficient by the [[Federal Highway Administration]] in late 1986.<ref>{{cite news | title=Federal agency dissatisfied with Route&nbsp;52 impact study | work=Evening Tribune | date=December 15, 1986 | author=Krueger, Anne | location=San Diego | page=B1|oclc=37687666}}</ref>

In January&nbsp;1987, the Santee City Council voted to commence a study of a more northern route, even though local residents and workers objected that this would postpone construction.<ref name="santeecouncil">{{cite news | title=Santee council OKs study of north route for highway | work=Evening Tribune | date=January 16, 1987 | author=Griffin, Vern | location=San Diego | page=B17|oclc=37687666}}</ref> In March, the study, done by BSI Inc., supported the Caltrans decision to abandon plans for the northern path due to the increased cost from the "mountainous, undeveloped" terrain.<ref name="route52study">{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 study pans northern alternative; Santee councilman decries report that backs CalTrans on highway extension | work=San Diego Union | date=March 25, 1987 | author=Moran, Barbara | page=B1|oclc=13155544}}</ref> The council voted to support a southern alignment through the town, with both the Prospect Avenue and San Diego River alternatives still viable.<ref name="decisionnear">{{cite news | title=Decision near on Route&nbsp;52 path | work=Evening Tribune | date=March 26, 1987 | author=Jones, J. Harry | location=San Diego | page=B5|oclc=37687666}}</ref> In the same month, the mayor of [[La Mesa, California|La Mesa]], Fred Nagel, started a petition drive supporting the extension of the freeway due to the recurring traffic on I-8.<ref name="lamesa">{{cite news | title=Nagel urges fight to get Route 52 work finished | work=Evening Tribune | date=March 12, 1987 | author=Taylor, Kathie | location=San Diego | page=B6|oclc=37687666}}</ref> The Caltrans environmental impact report indicated that the Prospect Avenue route would cost $89&nbsp;million (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|89000000|1987|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}}, compared to the river route's $121&nbsp;million<ref>{{cite news | title=Santee ends wait, gets Route&nbsp;52 plan | work=Evening Tribune | date=April 14, 1987 | author=Jones, J. Harry | location=San Diego| page=B1|oclc=37687666}}</ref> (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|121000000|1987|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} The city council of [[El Cajon, California|El Cajon]] publicly supported the Prospect Avenue routing;<ref>{{cite news | title=El Cajon backs Prospect plan for Rte.&nbsp;52 | work=The San Diego Union | date=April 22, 1987 | author=Padilla, Steve | page=B2}}</ref> however, some employees of the City of Santee, including some city planners and engineers, were concerned that portions of the report were "outdated."<ref name="santeecity">{{cite news | title=Santee city employees raise questions about Route&nbsp;52 | work=Evening Tribune | date=May 15, 1987 | author=Jones, J. Harry | location=San Diego | page=B8|oclc=37687666}}</ref> The petitions were given to the CTC in May, when San Diego officials made several arguments in support of the construction.<ref>{{cite news | title=State agency given petitions seeking State&nbsp;52 extension | work=The San Diego Union | date=May 30, 1987 | author=Padilla, Steve | page=II4|oclc=13155544}}</ref>

In June 1987, the CTC staff initially recommended against allocating money for the SR&nbsp;52 segment;<ref>{{cite news | title=State planners oppose funding for Route 52 | work=Evening Tribune | date=June 9, 1987 | author=McLaren, John | location=San Diego | page=B3|oclc=37687666}}</ref> however, SANDAG agreed to fund the project with $1&nbsp;million<ref>{{cite news | title=$1 million OK'd for extension of Route&nbsp;52 to east | work=Evening Tribune | date=June 12, 1987 | author=McLaren, John | location=San Diego | page=B6|oclc=37687666}}</ref> (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|1000000|1987|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} Residents of Santee opposed the possible routes through the city at a public forum on June&nbsp;10 because of the necessary destruction of homes to build on those routes.<ref>{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 plan draws fire at Santee meeting | work=Evening Tribune | date=June 11, 1987 | author=Jones, J. Harry | location=San Diego | page=B3|oclc=37687666}}</ref> In late June, Caltrans considered making small modifications to the Prospect Avenue alignment to destroy fewer homes, including those in mobile home parks.<ref>{{cite news | title=Revisions studied in Route&nbsp;52 plans | work=Evening Tribune | date=June 24, 1987 | author=Jones, J. Harry | location=San Diego | page=B1|oclc=37687666}}</ref> On June&nbsp;25, 1987, the CTC voted to support the SR&nbsp;52 extension, with the requirement that $4.8&nbsp;million (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|4800000|1987|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} come from local funding sources.<ref>{{cite news | title=Funding approved for Route&nbsp;52 here | work=Evening Tribune | date=June 26, 1987 | author=Roach, Ron | location=San Diego | page=B6|oclc=37687666}}</ref> Finally, on September&nbsp;23, the City of Santee recommended the Prospect Avenue Route to the CTC.<ref>{{cite news | title=Santee votes path of Route&nbsp;52 along Prospect Avenue | work=Evening Tribune | date=September 24, 1987 | author=Jones, J. Harry | location=San Diego | page=B5|oclc=37687666}}</ref>

[[File:BellsvireoF1.jpg|thumb|A [[Bell's vireo]], of which the least Bell's vireo is a subspecies]]
In July 1987, the [[U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service]] expressed concerns that construction near the San Diego River crossing might result in the destruction of the endangered [[least Bell's vireo]] habitat.<ref>{{cite news | title=U.S. officials opposing Route&nbsp;52 project fear threat to bird habitat | work=Evening Tribune | date=July 24, 1987 | author=Richmond, Michael | location=San Diego | page=B6|oclc=37687666}}</ref> Two of the four alternative routes considered by Caltrans passed through the Carlton Hills golf course,<ref>{{cite news | title=Highway 52 route may affect Santee golf course | work=The San Diego Union | date=October 3, 1987 | author=Moran, Barbara | oclc=13155544 | page=B2}}</ref> which the public opposed.<ref>{{cite news | title=Santee takes swing at State&nbsp;52 plan to cut through golf course | work=The San Diego Union | date=October 13, 1987 | author=Castaneda, Carol | page=B2|oclc=13155544}}</ref> In April&nbsp;1988, the [[Sierra Club]] denounced the Prospect Avenue route; federal negotiators recommended shifting the route from Hollins Lake towards the golf course.<ref>{{cite news | title=Sierra Club opposes CalTrans' routing for State&nbsp;52 | work=The San Diego Union | date=April 12, 1988 | author=Moran, Barbara | page=B3|oclc=13155544}}</ref> Environmental concerns raised in June&nbsp;1988 related to the least Bell's vireo included decrease of insects, a darker environment after overpasses are constructed, and the fragmenting of habitat. Nevertheless, Caltrans still desired the Prospect Avenue route over concerns of a more expensive and less traveled northern route.<ref>{{cite news | title=Dead end ahead for Route&nbsp;52 work | work=Evening Tribune | date=June 6, 1988 | author=Hughes, Joe | location=San Diego | page=B1|oclc=37687666}}</ref> Upset because of the delays, the Santee City Council wrote to U.S. senators [[Pete Wilson]] and [[Alan Cranston]], asking for their assistance.<ref>{{cite news | title=Santee council vote rekindles debate over Route&nbsp;52 extension through city | work=Evening Tribune | date=August 26, 1988 | author=Hays, Tom | location=San Diego | page=B16|oclc=37687666}}</ref> Councilman Jim Bartell alleged that the issue would affect the city council elections.<ref>{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 controversy resurfaces in battle for Santee council seat | work=Evening Tribune | date=October 7, 1988 | author=Morrissey, Siobhan | location=San Diego| page=B5|oclc=37687666}}</ref>

In March&nbsp;1989, the Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to the project, on the conditions of altering the route to cross the San Diego River and pass east of the center of the town, and constructing 44&nbsp;acres of additional habitat as [[Environmental mitigation|mitigation]].<ref>{{cite news | title=Agency OKs Route&nbsp;52 extension through habitat | work=Evening Tribune | date=March 17, 1989 | author=Morrissey, Siobhan | location=San Diego | page=B2|oclc=37687666}}</ref> SANDAG voted against building a full bicycle lane along the route in July&nbsp;1989, citing the high costs.<ref>{{cite news | title=SANDAG cites cost, curbs Route&nbsp;52 bike-path plans | work=Evening Tribune | date=June 26, 1989 | author=Kubik, Agnes | location=San Diego | page=B3|oclc=37687666}}</ref> Finally, on July&nbsp;27, the final routing of SR&nbsp;52 was determined, running along Prospect Avenue.<ref>{{cite news | title=State paves way for a much-delayed extension of Route&nbsp;52 | work=Evening Tribune | date=July 28, 1989 | author=Ikeda, John | location=San Diego | page=B2|oclc=37687666}}</ref> In May&nbsp;1990, Santee councilman Roy Woodward was censured for having a [[conflict of interest]] in voting to support the proposals for the freeway because he "held interests" in three properties that would benefit from the freeway, thus violating the [[Political Reform Act]] as these interests exceeded $10,000. One of the holdings was near Cuyamaca Street, the location of an offramp on a path that he voted to support. He was fined $2,000 (about ${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US-GDP|2000|1990|r=-2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} for each property, for a total of $6,000<ref>{{cite news | title=Freeway votes costly to Santee councilman | work=Evening Tribune | date=May 2, 1990 | author=Roach, Ron | location=San Diego | page=B4|oclc=37687666}}</ref> (about ${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US-GDP|6000|1990|r=-2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}}

===Santo Road to Mission Gorge Road===
[[File:California State Route 52 Bridge in Mission Trails Regional Park.jpg|thumb|SR 52 crossing a canyon in [[Mission Trails Regional Park]]]]
In April&nbsp;1990, the Santee City Council agreed to begin purchasing land, over the environmental concerns of Councilman Jim Bartell.<ref>{{cite news | title=Santee council OKs deal for Route&nbsp;52 extension | work=Evening Tribune | date=April 12, 1990 | author=Harpster, David | location=San Diego | page=B8|oclc=37687666}}</ref> Construction finally began on the four-lane section of SR&nbsp;52 between Santo Road and Mission Gorge Road on July&nbsp;19, 1991. The work was projected to cost $52&nbsp;million (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|52000000|1991|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}}. For environmental mitigation, a new {{convert|45|acre|sqmi|adj=on}} songbird habitat was constructed that cost $8.3&nbsp;million<ref>{{cite news | title=Work begins on State&nbsp;52 extension Tierrasanta-to-Santee section expected to divert 25,000 vehicles a day from I-8 | work= The San Diego Union | date=July 20, 1991 | author=Weisberg, Lori | page=B1|oclc=13155544}}</ref> (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|8300000|1991|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} Fossils of "small foraging mammals" were discovered during construction in late 1991.<ref>{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 path bares bones of prehistory | work=Evening Tribune | date=December 16, 1991 | author=Bigelow, Bruce V. | location=San Diego | page=A1|oclc=37687666}}</ref> The construction company, HDB Construction, was required to keep noise below 61&nbsp;decibels to protect the birds.<ref>{{cite news | title=Workers give songbird some quiet time | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=June 18, 1993 | author=Harpster, David |  page=B1|oclc=37687666}}</ref> The project was funded primarily with revenue from a voter-approved sales tax in 1987. The opening of this portion was scheduled for December&nbsp;16, 1993.<ref name="temp">{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 to open new horizons east–west link is due Dec.&nbsp;16 | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=November 27, 1993 | author=Harpster, David | page=B1|oclc=25257675}}</ref> This new segment ended just southeast of the Mast Boulevard interchange, after the San Diego River overpass.<ref name="tgsdold">{{cite map|title=San Diego County Road Atlas|year=1998|publisher=Thomas Brothers|page=1230|section=H6–H7}}</ref>

The opening of this stretch of SR&nbsp;52 had many effects on the transportation of the [[East County (San Diego)|East County]] region. Traffic decreased significantly on I-8 in early 1994, with an estimated 30,000 commuters switching from I-8 to SR&nbsp;52.<ref name="I-8">{{cite news | title=I-8's rush-hour traffic far easier as Route&nbsp;52 unclogs bottlenecks | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=January 15, 1994 | author=Harpster, David | page=B6|oclc=25257675}}</ref> Fewer cars traveled on the western part of Mission Gorge Road, leading to a decrease in revenue for businesses located along that road.<ref>{{cite news | title=Mission Gorge stores sing bypass blues | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=February 22, 1994 | author=Dibsie, Patricia | page=B1|oclc=25257675}}</ref> On Mast Boulevard and Mission Gorge Road in Santee, much more traffic was present, leading to residents complaining to the city.<ref name="santee2">{{cite news | title=Santee hears residents' gripes over din of Route&nbsp;52's road link | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=May 14, 1994 | author=Harpster, David | page=B7|oclc=25257675}}</ref> In 1998, the city began to widen Mission Gorge Road between Carlton Hills Drive and Fanita Road to handle the extra traffic from the incomplete SR&nbsp;52.<ref name="wideningMG">{{cite news | title=Santee's most used street to get wider | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=April 22, 1998 | author=Harpster, David | page=B3|oclc=25257675}}</ref>

The year after the [[September 11 attacks|September 11, 2001 attacks]], the military erected a fence to block a deer tunnel underneath the freeway that connected the base and Mission Trails Regional Park, since the tunnel could be used to gain unauthorized access to the base.<ref>{{cite news | title=Security concerns close wildlife tunnel | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=October 25, 2002 | author=Green, Kristen | page=B1|oclc=25257675}}</ref> In 2006, construction began to add a third lane on westbound SR&nbsp;52 between Mast Boulevard and Santo Road.<ref name="crewstobegin">{{cite news | title=Crews to begin widening work on Route&nbsp;52 | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=October 28, 2006 | author=Clock, Michelle | page=B4|oclc=25257675}}</ref> The expansion cost $3.4&nbsp;million (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|3400000|2006|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} and was funded by the state and the county TransNet sales tax.<ref name="thirdlane">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Third lane to be opened on westbound Route&nbsp;52 | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=April 28, 2007 | page=B2|oclc=25257675}}</ref> The new lane opened on May&nbsp;8, 2007; however, the widening generated complaints from angry commuters facing a "bottleneck" at Santo Road.<ref name="route52imp">{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 improvement work moves to fast lane | work=The San Diego-Union Tribune | date=May 13, 2007 | author=Schmidt, Steve | page=B4|oclc=25257675}}</ref> Because the additional lane was constructed in portions, the opening of the third lane between Santo Road and the existing third lane closer to I-15 was delayed; however, construction for the missing {{convert|2100|ft|m}} was approved in April&nbsp;2007.<ref name="sandag">{{cite web | url=http://www.keepsandiegomoving.com/SR-52-Corridor/SR52-FAQ.aspx | title=SR52-FAQ | publisher=San Diego Association of Governments | work=State Route 52 Corridor | access-date=August 20, 2012 | author=Staff}}</ref> The extension opened on July&nbsp;20, 2007.<ref name="extends">{{cite news | title=Caltrans extends lane on westbound Route&nbsp;52 | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=July 21, 2007 | author=Schmidt, Steve |page=B2|oclc=25257675}}</ref>

===Mission Gorge Road to SR&nbsp;67===
[[File:CA SR&nbsp;52 Opening.JPG|thumb|right|Opening celebration on March 19, 2011]]
Construction on the next portion of SR&nbsp;52, from Mission Gorge Road to SR&nbsp;125, was scheduled to begin in late 1995, at a total cost of $60&nbsp;million (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|60000000|1995|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} for the entire project.<ref>{{cite news | title=SANDAG study designed to map out future of Route&nbsp;52 | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=June 21, 1995 | author=Harpster, David | page=B2|oclc=25257675}}</ref> Property acquisition began in 1994, with many property owners along the south side of Mission Gorge Road being forced to move out of the way of the freeway and subsequent road construction, as Mission Gorge Road was moved south to accommodate the new freeway. About $40&nbsp;million (${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|40000000|1995|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} was spent on the property acquisition.<ref>{{cite news | title=New road drives away pioneering Santee pair | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=November 11, 1994 | author=Harpster, David | page=B1|oclc=25257675}}</ref><ref name="swatch">{{cite news | title=Swath into Santee cleared for freeway | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=August 10, 1994 | author=Harpster, David | page=B1|oclc=25257675}}</ref> After weather-related construction delays due to the [[El Niño]] season of the winter of 1997–1998, the extension of SR&nbsp;52 between Mission Gorge Road and SR&nbsp;125 was dedicated on May&nbsp;9, 1998. The eastbound lanes were scheduled to be opened a few days later, and the westbound lanes were to be opened in mid-July of that year. L.R. Hubbard Construction Company built the portion for $17&nbsp;million<ref name="newfreeway">{{cite news | title=New freeway between Santee and La Mesa to be opened in stages | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=May 8, 1998 | author=Arner, Mark | page=B4|oclc=25257675}}</ref> (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|17000000|1998|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars).{{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}}

The City of Santee faced problems in the construction of the freeway from SR&nbsp;125 to SR&nbsp;67. As early as 1995, it was clear that the [[environmental impact report]] was delayed and that there would be funding difficulties.<ref>{{cite news | title=Santee stays on slow road to Route&nbsp;52 Need for money and EIR update fuels council debate | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=April 15, 1995 | author=Huffstutter, P.J. | page=B3|oclc=25257675}}</ref> SANDAG allocated $23&nbsp;million&nbsp;dollars (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|23000000|1999|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} in 1999 to purchase properties needed for the [[right-of-way (transportation)|right-of-way]].<ref name="1999s">{{cite news | title=$23 million OK'd for Santee's Route&nbsp;52 | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=March 3, 1999 | author=Harpster, David | page=B2|oclc=25257675}}</ref> In 2001, SANDAG gave $138&nbsp;million (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|138000000|2001|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} to the expansion of SR&nbsp;52 to SR&nbsp;67, which was necessary for extending the freeway past Cuyamaca Street.<ref name="sandag2">{{cite news | title=Funds for Route&nbsp;52 link to 67 approved SANDAG to set aside $138&nbsp;million for project | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=November 17, 2001 | author=Burge, Michael | page=B1|oclc=25257675}}</ref> But by 2003, the transportation committee of SANDAG voted to delay the project due to decreased state funding.<ref name="sandag1">{{cite news | title=SANDAG panel wants to delay major road plans: Full board to consider action in vote Friday | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=October 18, 2003 | author=Ristine, Jeff | page=B1|oclc=25257675}}</ref> The City of Santee was required to make improvements to Forester Creek to accommodate potential flooding, which cost $30&nbsp;million<ref name="creek1">{{cite news | title=Santee approves creek work, advancing Route&nbsp;52 extension | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=September 29, 2005 | author=Clock, Michelle | page=B2|oclc=25257675}}</ref> (about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|30000000|2005|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars);{{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}} the work began in May&nbsp;2006.<ref name="creek2">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=City plunges into creek restoration | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=May 18, 2006 | page=B2}}</ref> Funding issues were finally resolved in 2006 with voter-approved statewide transportation bonds.<ref name="longroad" /> In 2007, highway construction costs increased;<ref name="costs">{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 addition on track Link to Route&nbsp;67 expected in 2010 | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=December 17, 2009 | author=Clock, Michelle | page=EZ1|oclc=25257675}}</ref> that year, the SANDAG transportation committee voted to fund the construction, taking money from a planned [[reversible lanes]] project on SR&nbsp;52.<ref name="sandag3">{{cite news | author=Staff|title=State Route 52 extension backed by SANDAG panel | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=April 21, 2007 | page=B2|oclc=25257675}}</ref>

"Heavy construction" of SR&nbsp;52 from SR&nbsp;125 eastward to SR&nbsp;67 began in February&nbsp;2008. More than 360&nbsp;properties were acquired to build the freeway; at least 60 were mobile homes.<ref name="longroad">{{cite news | title=A long road to completion State Route 52, envisioned in '50s, getting its last section | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=March 3, 2008 | author=Clock, Michelle | page=A1|oclc=25257675}}</ref> This portion was divided into three construction projects: from SR&nbsp;125 to Cuyamaca Street, from there to Magnolia Avenue, and the interchange with SR&nbsp;67, which began construction in mid-June 2008. The middle project had to be shut down briefly in February&nbsp;2009 due to funding issues.<ref name="proj">{{cite news | title=Caltrans Route&nbsp;52 project manager | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=February 7, 2009 | author=Clock, Michelle | page=EZ1|oclc=25257675}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | author=Staff|title=Building of Routes 52, 67 interchange to be marked | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=June 19, 2008 |page=B2|oclc=25257675}}</ref> Completion was scheduled for 2010, but was postponed to early 2011 due to weather-related delays.<ref>{{cite news | title=Route&nbsp;52 work gets extension | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=April 1, 2010 | author=Clock, Michelle |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2010/apr/01/route-52-work-gets-extension/|access-date=November 16, 2012|oclc=25257675}}</ref> This new portion was opened to traffic on March&nbsp;29, 2011. The cost of this project was $525&nbsp;million,<!--(about ${{Formatprice|{{Inflation|US-GDP|525000000|2011|r=2}}}} in {{inflation-year|US-GDP}} dollars){{Inflation-fn|US-GDP}}--> funded with state and federal funds as well as TransNet revenue. The opening was predicted to reduce traffic on I-8 as well as Mission Gorge Road and other Santee thoroughfares.<ref name="sdut-ca52">{{cite news | url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/29/new-link-finishes-freeway-puzzle/ | title=State Route 52 through Santee is open at last | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=March 29, 2011 | access-date=August 21, 2012 | last=Schmidt | first=Steve|oclc=25257675}}</ref> The official "ribbon cutting" ceremony took place on March&nbsp;19, 2011 on the freeway at the Cuyamaca Street interchange.<ref name="10news2">{{cite news | url=http://www.10news.com/news/27249435/detail.html | title=Thousands Celebrate Opening Of Final Segment Of Route&nbsp;52 | work=10News.com | date=March 20, 2011 | access-date=August 21, 2012 | location=San Diego}}</ref>

Reactions to the extension between SR&nbsp;125 and SR&nbsp;67 were mixed. There were reports of faster transportation through the East County area, yet commuters noted a rush hour backup at SR&nbsp;125 headed westbound because there were only two lanes traveling west through the interchange.<ref name="sdutmixed">{{cite news | url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/sep/22/santee-freeway-smooths-traffic-but-not-for-all/ | title=Santee freeway smooths traffic, but not for all | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=September 22, 2011 | access-date=August 19, 2012 | last=Schmidt | first=Steve|oclc=25257675}}</ref> Traffic along Mission Gorge Road was reported to have decreased by 20&nbsp;percent.<ref name="street">{{cite news | title=Street Traffic Lightened by Route&nbsp;52 Extension | work=The San Diego Union-Tribune | date=April 10, 2011 | author=Schmidt, Steve | page=B2|oclc=25257675}}</ref>

==Future==
There are plans to add one lane in each direction, as well as two reversible lanes, from I-15 to SR&nbsp;125. These plans were put on hold in 2008 due to a budget shortfall. Completion is scheduled to take place by 2040.<ref name=sandagweb>{{cite web|title=State Route 52 Corridor|url=http://www.keepsandiegomoving.com/SR-52-Corridor/SR52-intro-west.aspx|work=Keep San Diego Moving: TransNet|publisher=San Diego Association of Governments|access-date=August 19, 2012|author=Staff}}</ref> Caltrans recommends adding two more lanes between I-5 and I-805, and two [[High-occupancy vehicle lane|HOV lanes]] between I-805 and I-15.<ref name="tcr" />

==Exit list==
{{CAinttop|exit|county=San Diego|mile_ref=<ref name="calnexus" />|length_ref=<br/><ref name="gmaps" /><ref name="calnexus">{{cite web|title=State Route 52 Freeway Interchanges|work=California Numbered Exit Uniform System|url=http://www.dot.ca.gov/trafficops/exit/docs/52.pdf|publisher=California Department of Transportation|access-date=February 5, 2009|date=May 22, 2008|author=Warring, K.S.|location=Sacramento}}</ref>
}}
{{CAint|exit
|location=San Diego
|lspan=10
|mile=0.00
|exit=
|road=La Jolla Parkway
|notes=Continuation beyond I-5; formerly Ardath Road<ref>{{Cite web |last = Stalmer |first = Julie |date = 2007-11-13 |title = La Jolla Parkway road rage and frustration |url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-02-06-nc-1731-story.html |access-date = 2023-10-16 |work = San Diego Reader |language = en-US }}</ref> <!-- Renaming occurred in 2002 -->
}}
{{CAint|exit
|type=incomplete
|mile=0.32
|exit=1A
|road={{Jct|state=CA|I|5|name1=San Diego Freeway|city1=Los Angeles|location2=[[Downtown San Diego]]}}
|notes=No exit number eastbound; no access from SR&nbsp;52 east to I-5 north; west end of SR 52; I-5 north exit 26B, south exit 26
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=1.35
|exit=1B
|road=Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Regents Road
|notes=Signed as exit 1 eastbound
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=2.30
|exit=2
|road=Genesee Avenue
|notes=
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=3.44
|exit=3
|road={{Jct|state=CA|I|805|name1=Jacob Dekema Freeway|city1=Los Angeles|city2=National City|city3=Chula Vista}}
|notes=I-805 exit 23
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=5.49
|exit=5
|road=Convoy Street
|notes=
}}
{{CAint|exit
|type=incomplete
|mile=6.28
|exit=6
|road={{Jct|state=CA|SR|163|dir1=south|name1=Cabrillo Freeway}}
|notes=No access to SR 163 north; SR 163 north exits 9A-B; SR 163 south exit 9 to SR 52 west only
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=6.93
|exit=7
|road={{Jct|state=CA|I|15|name1=Escondido Freeway|road|Kearny Villa Road}}
|notes=I-15 exit 11
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=8.39
|exit=8
|road=Santo Road
|notes=
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=13.28
|exit=13
|road=Mast Boulevard
|notes=
}}
{{CAint|exit
|location=Santee
|lspan=6
|type=incomplete
|mile=14.81
|exit=14
|road=Mission Gorge Road
|notes=Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=14.92
|exit=15A
|road={{Jct|state=CA|SR|125|dir1=south}}
|notes=Signed as exit 15 eastbound; SR 125 exit 21
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=15.13
|type=incomplete
|exit=15B
|road=Fanita Drive
|notes=Westbound exit and eastbound entrance
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=16.17
|exit=17
|road=Cuyamaca Street
|notes=No access to southbound Cuyamaca Street from westbound exit
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=17.27
|type=incomplete
|exit=18A
|road=Magnolia Avenue
|notes=Eastbound exit and westbound entrance
}}
{{CAint|exit
|mile=17.27
|exit=18B–C
|road={{Jct|state=CA|SR|67|name1=San Vicente Freeway|city1=El Cajon|city2=Ramona}}
|notes=Signed as exits 18B (south) and 18C (north); east end of SR 52; SR 67 exit 2
}}
{{Jctbtm|keys=incomplete}}

==See also==
*[[San Clemente Canyon|San Clemente Canyon—Marian Bear Memorial Park]]
*{{C|Roads in San Diego County, California}}
*{{portal-inline|California Roads}}

==References==
{{reflist|26em}}

==External links==
{{AttachedKML|display=title,inline}}
{{commons category}}
{{CASR external links|SR|52}}
*[http://www.aaroads.com/california/ca-052.html California @ AARoads.com – State Route 52]
*[http://www.cahighways.org/049-056.html#052 California Highways: SR&nbsp;52]

[[Category:State highways in California|052]]
[[Category:Roads in San Diego County, California]]
[[Category:Transportation in San Diego]]
[[Category:Southern California freeways|052]]
[[Category:State Scenic Highway System (California)|052]]