Looking east from Glorietta Bay Park in Coronado, the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge illuminates the night sky and reflects onto the calm waters of San Diego Bay. Photo taken by Jeff Royston and Andy Field (12/03/06).
Routing
California 75 begins at its junction with Interstate 5 in San Diego. It starts as east-west Palm Avenue through southern San Diego (Otay-Nestor) and Imperial Beach, then turns due north to parallel the coastline along the Silver Strand Boulevard. Upon reaching Coronado, California 75 follows Orange Avenue, the major north-south roadway through that beach community. It passes by the famous Hotel Del Coronado, viewed as one of the top tourist attractions in the San Diego area. Once passing through downtown Coronado, California 75 turns east to cross the San Diego Bay via the Coronado Bay Bridge. The highway comes to its end at Interstate 5 in the Barrio Logan community of San Diego.
Prior to 1976, what is now known as California 905 was an easterly extension of California 75. This section was renumbered as California 117 in 1976 and then renumbered again to California 905 in 1985 per legislative action. The route was likely split because no one would logically drive California 75 from Otay Mesa to Imperial Beach to Coronado to downtown San Diego. California 117 was renumbered as California 905 due to the planned conversion of that highway into a freeway with potential aspirations as the Interstate 905 corridor.
One of the most striking features of the San Diego Skyline is the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. With its sweeping blue arch flying high above the waters of the San Diego Bay, the bridge is known for its simple design and high arch. Many of the graphical presentations of San Diego's skyline feature the bridge in the artwork. In addition, this is the only bridge to cross San Diego Bay, so part of its beauty lies in its uniqueness. Built as a toll bridge, the tolls were removed in July 2002.
The bridge was completed in 1969 as a replacement to the ferry service that used to connect Coronado with downtown San Diego at the Broadway Pier. Although some ferry service remains, the bridge has largely supplanted the ferry for commuter traffic. Many travelers who take the bridge work for the military, as Coronado is home to the North Island Naval Air Station. In addition, tourists flock to the bridge to reach the beaches of Coronado and the famed Hotel Del Coronado located off Orange Avenue (California 75) toward the south end of town.
In an article by Thomas Lux in the March 16, 2000, San Diego Reader are some facts about the bridge. These facts were collected prior to the removal of the toll from the bridge in July 2002.
Principal architect: Robert Mosher
Opened on August 3, 1969
in 1970, it won the Most Beautiful Bridge Award from American Institute of Steel Construction
2.12 miles (11,179 feet) long
cost $50 million to build
retrofitting will cost $70-150 million
20,000 tons of steel (13,000 tons in structural steel and 7,000 in reinforcing steel)
94,000 cubic yards of concrete
900,000 cubic yards of dredged fill
some caissons for the towers were drilled and blasted 100 feet into the bed of the San Diego Bay
4.67% grade from Coronado to San Diego
side railings are concrete blocks only 34 inches high
over 50 people work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to maintain the bridge and take its tolls
the grade and the 90-degree angle turn is to create clearance for an empty aircraft carrier to pass beneath it
the bridge is the third largest orthogonal box in the country - the box is the center part of the bridge, between piers 18-21 over main shipping channel
2,850 of curved steel is contain the largest such segments in the country
Chronology of California 75
1969. The Coronado Bay Bridge opens; this new span replaces the old Coronado Ferry and extends California 75 east to meet Interstate 5 (old U.S. 101) just southeast of downtown San Diego.
1975. California 75 is curtailed from its prior extension east to Otay Mesa. Now the highway begins at Interstate 5 in the South Bay, continues north along the Silver Strand to Coronado, then culminates at the Interstate 5 junction in Barrio Logan. The eastern extension of California 75 is renumbered to California 117 (which later becomes California 905); the freeway is under construction in 1975.
July 2002. The toll is removed from the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge.
2005. Plans call for construction of a tunnel along California 75 and California 282 between the foot of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and the entrance to the naval air station at North Island. Such a facility would be very expensive to construct. Despite support, the tunnel's future remains uncertain.
California 75 North
Northbound California 75 prepares to leave the city of Coronado and cross the San Diego Bay to enter San Diego via the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. Photo taken 08/08/04.
The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge is constantly patrolled, both by city police and Highway Patrol. This overpass was originally part of the toll plaza. Photo taken 08/08/04.
As it ascends the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge, California 75 becomes a freeway, but it does not have Interstate-standard shoulders. Additionally, the median adjusts to allow for configurations of either two or three lanes in each direction; there are five lanes available in total. Photo taken 08/08/04.
At the time this photo was taken, the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge was configured with two lanes northbound and three lanes southbound. Note that the bridge actually travels east-west; "northbound California 75" is actually due east across the bridge. Photo taken 08/08/04.
A striking feature of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge is the way it curves as it ascends to its highest point. Photo taken 08/08/04.
Northbound California 75 departs Coronado and enters San Diego. Photo taken 08/08/04.
Even without walkways and pedestrian areas, the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge still sees a fair number of people threatening suicide. These signs are designed to help those with suicidal tendencies to call the 24-hour hotline to receive counseling and help. Note that there are no fences on either side of the bridge, so jumpers can drive to the top, stop their car, and jump. Photo taken 08/08/04.
The city of San Diego spreads into view as the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge reaches its apex and begins to descend toward Logan Heights. Photo taken 08/08/04.
Northbound California 75 splits into north and south Interstate 5 as the bridge descends onto a viaduct above the Logan Heights community of San Diego. Use the right lanes for southbound and the left lanes for northbound. Photo taken 08/08/04.
The two left lanes head north to downtown along north Interstate 5, while the two right lanes head south toward Tijuana, with an offramp for National Avenue. Use Interstate 5 south to California 15 north. This marks the northern terminus of California 75. Photo taken 08/08/04.
California 75 South
After leaving Interstate 5, the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge/southbound California 75 begins its westerly journey toward Coronado and North Island Naval Air Station. This sign is supposed to advise motorists on the number of lanes available for traffic headed westbound. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge is a very well-lit freeway, with closely spaced light fixtures. Looking to the right of the bridge is downtown San Diego, including Petco Park and the sprawling Convention Center. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The bridge has five lanes, so the number of lanes allocated for westbound (southbound) traffic may be either two or three lanes. The speed limit on the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge is 50 miles per hour. Photo taken 04/09/06.
At the apex of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge/southbound California 75, the city of Coronado, the Silver Strand, and North Island Naval Air Station all come into view. The Pacific Ocean looms large, providing a majestic backdrop to the narrow strip of land that includes the city of Coronado. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge/southbound California 75 departs San Diego and enters the city of Coronado as the bridge begins to turn to the right (north) toward its landing. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The city of Coronado spreads out as a thin line of land against the vast ocean. The Hotel del Coronado, the red-roofed building to the left of Point Loma, provides a visual focal point on the drive into Coronado. Point Loma, the westernmost part of San Diego, comes into view as the bridge turns northwest. For more on Point Loma, visit, Former California 209. Photos taken 04/09/06.
Turning to the north a bit, California 75 angles toward downtown Coronado. The North Island Naval Air Station comes into view at the tip of Coronado in the distance. Look north along the bay front to see massive aircraft carriers float on the bayshore. Straight ahead, the bridge lowers as it reaches toward land. Photos taken 04/09/06.
The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge comes to an end upon reaching the Coronado shoreline, and southbound California 75 continues its westerly journey into the city of Coronado toward North Island Naval Air Station. This bridge was formerly a toll bridge, but today it is free. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Traffic must navigate through the old toll booths that are still in place at the end of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. Southbound California 75 continues west as Third Street and becomes part of a one-way couplet. Photos taken 04/09/06.
The speed limit along California 75 is only 25 miles per hour, and this section is heavily enforced. Photo taken 04/09/06.
After passing by the former toll barriers, the first exit from California 75 into Coronado is Glorietta Boulevard. Use Glorietta Boulevard north to Tidelands Park and the bayshore walkway. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Notably, Glorietta Boulevard does not cross California 75 (4th Street), even though maps may make it look like it provides a north-south connection along the eastern edge of Coronado. Photo taken 04/09/06.
A small monument sign greets visitors to the city of Coronado (the sign reads "Coronado Island"). At this point, California 75 separates into two one-way couplets. Southbound traffic curves to the right onto 3rd Street, while northbound traffic uses 4th Street. Photo taken 04/09/06.
For this brief section, southbound California 75 is actually traveling north. At the turn ahead, it will turn northwest for two blocks, then turns south onto Orange Avenue. The next cross street is Glorietta Place. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Southbound California 75 curves onto 3rd Street. There has been discussion and plans made to construct a tunnel beneath California 75 and California 282 that would allow traffic en route to North Island Naval Air Station to avoid the Coronado city streets. However, such a tunnel (likely to be two lanes) would cost quite a sum of money. It remains uncertain if this tunnel will ever be built, despite the city of Coronado's support for the project. Photo taken 04/09/06.
After crossing B Avenue, California 75/3rd Street approaches Orange Avenue and the junction with California 282. At this intersection, California 75 turns south onto Orange Avenue to serve downtown Coronado. California 282 continues northwest on 3rd Street to spur into the North Island Naval Air Station. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Now crossing C Avenue, California 75 approaches its junction with California 282. Use the left two lanes to turn onto Orange Avenue and continue south toward downtown Coronado. Use the right three lanes to continue north onto California 282. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The control cities are Imperial Beach for California 75 south and North Island for California 282 northwest. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Turn right onto Orange Avenue to the San Diego-Coronado Pedestrian Ferry. This ferry connects the Ferry Landing plaza with downtown San Diego near the Broadway Pier. The landing also serves as a shopping plaza, with shops and restaurants that face the bayshore and look out to the downtown San Diego skyline. Orange Avenue is the main commercial corridor through the city, and businesses line both sides of the street both north and south of this intersection. Photo taken 04/09/06.
A traffic signal governs the flow of traffic between 3rd Street and Orange Avenue. Continue straight ahead to follow California 282 north to North Island Naval Air Station or turn left to follow California 75 south toward downtown Coronado, the Silver Strand, and Imperial Beach. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Now on southbound Orange Avenue, this sign indicates that California 75 south continues straight ahead, while California 75 north (back to the San Diego-Coronado Bridge) is a left turn at the next intersection (4th Street). Photo taken 04/09/06.
Turn left to return to the city of San Diego via northbound California 75/4th Street; continue straight ahead to downtown Coronado, the Silver Strand, and Imperial Beach via southbound California 75/Orange Avenue. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Now reaching the 4th Street intersection, it becomes clear how wide Orange Avenue is. The four-lane roadway is separated into two dual lane segments by a wide landscaped median. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Continuing south, California 75 (Orange Avenue) meets 6th Street at this intersection. The next block is a park on both sides of Orange Avenue. To the west lies a fire station, the public library, and police station. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Two blocks further south, California 75 (Orange Avenue) crosses 8th Street and enters another business district, similar to the one closer to 3rd Street. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Southbound California 75 (Orange Avenue) passes through the commercial area between 8th Street and 10th Street). Photos taken 04/09/06.
Now at 10th Street, Orange Avenue turns southeast past the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Park. At this odd, almost six-way intersection, Isabella Avenue angles west toward the Coronado Municipal Beach, while Park Boulevard splits off southwest toward the same beach via the Star Park traffic circle. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Continuing southeast, California 75 (Orange Avenue) passes by several businesses on both sides of the road, including the Post Office. After crossing C Avenue, Orange Avenue approaches Loma Avenue. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The famed Hotel del Coronado comes into view for the first time on southbound California 75 at the Churchill Place intersection. Photo taken 04/09/06.
At the next block, Orange Avenue intersects R.H. Dana Place. The Hotel del Coronado sits on the southwest corner of this intersection. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The next intersection is the main entrance into the Hotel del Coronado. Southbound California 75 continues along Orange Avenue toward the Silver Strand. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The Coronado Boat House comes into view on the east side of Orange Avenue. With the Hotel del Coronado to the east, the peninsula narrows significantly. Photo taken 04/09/06.
A series of high rise condominiums come into view after passing by the Hotel del Coronado. These buildings were visible from the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. These condos are the only high rises in Coronado, and they will likely remain the only high rises for some time to come. Those fortunate enough to own a condo have commanding million-dollar views of the ocean, which are priceless at sunset. Photo taken 04/09/06.
California 75 continues south as a four-lane, divided highway. For the first time, California 75 is signed with a "South" banner, since the highway meandered in nearly every direction while navigating through Coronado. After the merge with Pomona Avenue, Orange Avenue ends and Silver Strand Boulevard begins. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The next traffic signal along southbound California 75 is for Strand Way (eastbound) and Avenida de las Arenas (westbound). "Avenida de las Arenas" means Avenue of the Sands or Sand Avenue. Note the notched divoted concrete median curbing, which is indicative of older state route expressways. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The speed limit finally increases from 25 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour as Silver Strand Boulevard leaves the commercial and residential areas. The state highway, while still within the city of Coronado, now enters the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Rendova Road and Tarawa Road both offer access to the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base. The next signal is for Rendova Road. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The next signal along southbound California 75 is for Tarawa Road. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Continuing south, the next traffic signal is for Tulagi Road, which parallels Tarawa Road and serves the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base. Photo taken 04/09/06.
While still within the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base, southbound California 75 (Silver Strand Boulevard) becomes a state scenic highway. The highway becomes an expressway, with occasional intersections. To the west lie gorgeous sand dunes that separate the highway from the ocean, but these dunes are off-limits to hikers due to military operations. Continue south to the Silver Strand State Beach for recreational activities. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The speed limit on this stretch of California 75 (Silver Strand Boulevard) is 65 miles per hour, but many choose to take this road slower due to the natural scenic beauty of the highway and its environment, surrounded by water on two sides. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Continuing south, California 75 passes by Delta Beach within the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base. There is no beach access here. Photo taken 04/09/06.
This left turn serves the Navy Yacht Club. The next intersection is with Leyte Road. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The Pacific Ocean and sandy beach come into view as southbound California 75 meets Leyte Road in the U.S. Naval Amphibious Base. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Now at Leyte Road, this unusual traffic signal design allows southbound traffic to continue moving, while turning traffic lines up in a separate lane. Northbound traffic would have to stop for traffic turning from southbound California 75 to eastbound Leyte Road. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Continuing south, California 75 (Silver Strand Boulevard) travels by more sand dunes. The highway will leave the amphibious base and enter the Silver Strand State Beach soon. For this distance, California 75 remains within the city of Coronado. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The Silver Strand State Beach begins on the west side of California 75. Access to the beach is provided at the Coronado Cays interchange. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Looking west, across the Silver Strand State Beach parking lot, the Pacific Ocean comes into view. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The next intersection along southbound California 75 is the left turn to eastbound Loews Coronado Bay Road (formerly Coronado Bay Road). The name of this road was changed on April 18, 2006, as a result of a resolution passed by the city of Coronado. This name change was warranted since the road only serves the Loews resort. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Southbound California 75 approaches Loews Coronado Bay Road (traffic signal ahead) and Coronado Cays Boulevard (interchange after the traffic signal). For most of the route between Imperial Beach and Coronado, California 75 is an expressway, and it features a half-interchange at Coronado Cays Boulevard. Southbound traffic encounters an exit ramp, while northbound traffic meets a traffic signal. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Southbound California 75 reaches Coronado Bay Road (traffic signal); the next exit is for Coronado Cays Boulevard. Use that exit to connect to the Silver Strand State Beach. Both of these exits serve the Coronado Cays community of the city of Coronado. Photos taken 04/09/06.
Southbound California 75 reaches Coronado Cays Boulevard. Photo taken 04/09/06.
A stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, along with the Silver Strand State Beach and Imperial Beach pier, is afforded along Southbound California 75 as the expressway crosses over the Coronado Cays Boulevard overpass. Photo taken 04/09/06.
This rusty chain link fence separates the California 75 expressway from the surf. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Southbound California 75 passes through additional military land after leaving the state beach as it straddles the Silver Strand on its way from Coronado to Imperial Beach. An enclosure featuring an extremely tall fence is located west of California 75 (not photographed). This fence keeps people away from sensitive areas. Photo taken 04/09/06.
To the east, the Chula Vista power plant dominates the skyline above the waters of the San Diego Bay near the southern end. Near here, California 75 swings away from the ocean and moves toward the bayshore. Photo taken 04/09/06.
California 75 continues southeast along the expressway as it passes by the South Bay Study Area to the east and the U.S. Naval Radio Station to the west. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Continuing south, the mainland comes into view. California 75 skirts the edge of the U.S. Naval Radio Station as it approaches Imperial Beach. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Southbound California 75 prepares to leave the Silver Strand and approaches Imperial Beach. The speed limit on the expressway will drop to 40 miles per hour shortly. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Leaving Coronado, California 75 enters the city of Imperial Beach. This city, sometimes called "IB" by locals, is home to the world famous sand castle festival each year. The official state scenic route comes to an end here. Photos taken 04/09/06.
Now in the city of Imperial Beach, the first signalized intersection is with Rainbow Drive. The Silver Strand Plaza is located at the southeast corner of this intersection. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The next traffic signal is for 7th Street. Turn right onto 7th Street to Palm Avenue westbound. California 75 becomes Palm Avenue between 8th Street and 9th Street. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Palm Avenue merges with California 75; from here eastward, California 75 is known as Palm Avenue. The state highway travels due east to rendezvous with Interstate 5 in the Otay-Nestor community of the city of San Diego. Photo taken 04/09/06.
The beautiful landscaped medians of Imperial Beach continue as California 75 travels east along Palm Avenue. Photo taken 04/09/06.
California 75 (Palm Avenue) leaves Imperial Beach and re-enters the city of San Diego in the Otay-Nestor community. At the point where the state highway enters San Diego, a fence appears in the median. Recently, plants were installed to grow around the fence, making the look of this stretch of highway more like the section in Imperial Beach. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Southbound California 75 approaches its southern terminus at the junction with Interstate 5 in San Diego. Originally, the far right lane was for southbound Interstate 5 and the middle lane was for northbound Interstate 5, but this changed when the flyover ramp from southbound California 75 to northbound Interstate 5 was constructed. For whatever reason, the blank sign remains here. The next traffic signal is with Saturn Boulevard, then the highway splits onto Interstate 5. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Southbound California 75 reaches the junction with Interstate 5 in San Diego. This marks the southern terminus of California 75. Photo taken 04/09/06.
A flyover ramp connects California 75 with Interstate 5 northbound, owing to the commuter traffic leaving Imperial Beach and Otay-Nestor en route to Chula Vista, National City, and downtown San Diego. Photo taken 04/09/06.
Other California 75 Pictures
View of downtown San Diego as seen from Coronado at the ferry landing about two blocks east of the northern terminus of Orange Avenue. Photo taken 12/14/02.
The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge, which connects the city of Coronado with San Diego, arcs over the San Diego Bay. Five lanes wide, the bridge has reversible lanes that are adjusted to accommodate rush hour traffic. Photo taken 07/06/99.
View of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge as seen from the ferry landing about two blocks east of the northern terminus of Orange Avenue. Photo taken 12/14/02.
Signage for the toll crossing entrance from Cesar Chavez Parkway (The parkway was known as Crosby Street at the time this picture was taken; Crosby Street was a surface street near the Interstate 5/California 75 interchange near Barrio Logan that was renamed as Cesar Chavez Parkway in April 2002.) to San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge. This crossing is no longer toll (as of July 2002), so this sign has been removed. Photo taken 07/06/99.
This is an onramp from Logan Avenue (near Cesar Chavez Parkway) onto the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge (same area as previous photo). Photo taken 08/08/04.
