County to install Route 395 signs

It wasn’t that long ago motorists could hop on US Highway 395 where it met US 101 near what is today the University of San Diego and drive to Canada without changing roads. That ended in 1963 when construction began on Interstate 15.

But today a significant part of the old road is still in service, especially in North County, and San Diego County’s Department of Public Works (DPW) crews are installing signs to mark the route’s history.

California’s legislators officially designated Historic State Highway Route 395 on February 14. While US 395’s route varied over the years, the legislation recognizes only the original route.

“Old Highway 395 will always have a special place in the hearts of longtime residents of North County,” said Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn. “While it was an adventure to drive, I’m glad we’ll have permanent reminders of the original route.”

DPW will install “Historic State Highway Route 395” signs on county-maintained roads that lie on the original US 395 route in the communities of Bonsall, Fallbrook and Rainbow as well as in the unincorporated area of Vista.

Signs mark South Santa Fe Avenue between Smilax Road and Montgomery Drive in the unincorporated area of Vista, East Vista Way from Osborne Street north to State Route 76 in Bonsall, (South) Mission Road from State Route 76 north to Main Avenue in Fallbrook, Main Avenue from (South) Mission Road to (East) Mission Road in Fallbrook, (East) Mission Road from Main Avenue east to Interstate 15 in Fallbrook and Old Highway 395 from (East) Mission Road/Sterling View Drive north to the Riverside County line in Rainbow.

Signs are expected to be in place by mid-April.