Cabrillo Bridge: Gateway to Balboa Park

The Cabrillo Bridge, soaring over State Route 163, stands as a majestic gateway to Balboa Park in San Diego. Constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, the bridge provided pedestrian and light automotive access between the park and the uptown area. Dedicated on April 12, 1914, by Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Assistant Secretary of the Navy, it quickly became a symbol of the city. Designed by Thomas B. Hunter, the bridge features a unique multiple-arched cantilever structure, a first of its kind in California. The bridge spans 916 feet, with its main section stretching 450 feet long and rising 120 feet high. Its seven arches, each 56 feet across, are supported by fourteen hollow concrete pillars. The bridge's design was inspired by bridges in Spain and Mexico, with some suggesting a resemblance to the Roman aqueduct at Queretaro, Mexico. Over the years, the Cabrillo Bridge has undergone several renovations to maintain its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. In 2014, the bridge was closed for repaving, sidewalk repairs, and seismic improvements. The bridge also received new ornamental LED floodlights to highlight its architectural details at night. Today, the Cabrillo Bridge remains a beloved landmark, offering stunning views of Balboa Park and the surrounding area.