scenic highway in Balboa Park by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), meaning that it is a substantial section of highway passing through a "memorable landscape" with no "visual intrusions", where the potential designation has gained popular favor with the community. History The southernmost portion of the highway, running through Balboa Park, began construction in 1942 and opened in 1948 as part of US 395; it was the first freeway in San Diego County and one of the first in California. The Cabrillo Freeway was also part of US 80 from the late 1940s until 1964. This stretch of road has been called one of America's most beautiful parkways, and was designated a California Historic Parkway in 2002. On May 17, 1995, former US soldier and plumber Shawn Nelson stole a tank from the National Guard armory went on a destructive rampage throughout San Diego. Driving the tank onto SR 163, Nelson disabled the tank on a traffic barrier before being shot and killed by San Diego police. Exit list See also References External links State Route 163 from California @ AARoads.com Caltrans: Route 163 highway conditions from Caltrans SR 163 from California Highways 163 163 State Route 163 163 Balboa Park (San Diego) Transportation in San Diego U.S. Route 80 U.S. Route 395