State Route 52 (SR 52) is a 17-mile east-west travel corridor that links I-5 in La Jolla to SR 67 in Santee. Along the way, it connects to I-805, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, SR 163, I-15, Mission Trails Regional Park, and SR 125. Planning for the former “Legislative Route 279” began in 1959. SANDAG’s planning efforts began in the 1980s when the Board voted on bicycle lanes and helped determine the final route, and we have continued to improve the corridor in collaboration with Caltrans.
SR 52 Extension from SR 125 to SR 67 (complete)
This project extended SR 52 from SR 125 east to SR 67 within the City of Santee. The 3.5-mile portion of new freeway completed the 17.7-mile link from SR 67 all the way to I-5. The project included direct connectors at SR 125 and SR 67 and interchanges at Fanita Drive, Magnolia Avenue, and Cuyamaca Street. Construction began in 2008 and was completed in 2011 in partnership with Caltrans. The approximately $520 million cost was paid for with TransNet, state, and federal funds. The project was designed in close coordination with the City of Santee’s Forester Creek project, which addressed the area’s frequent flooding.
SR 52 Operational Improvements (in progress)
Environmental clearance for operational improvements along SR 52 is underway, and we expect to begin design in late 2028. Proposed improvements include:
- Adding a westbound managed lane from Mast Boulevard to Santo Road
- Relocating the bike path to the south side of SR 52
- Adding a reversible managed lane between Santo Road and Mission Gorge Road
- Increasing westbound SR 52 from two lanes to three between SR 125 and Mast Boulevard
- Increasing eastbound SR 52 from two lanes to three between Mast Boulevard to east of the San Diego River Bridge
We are also exploring Rapid 880 from El Cajon to UC San Diego via Santee, SR 52, Kearny Mesa, I-805, and UTC.