UC San Diego Health East station
| Company type | San Diego Trolley station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | 2005 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California , United States |
Area served | College Area, Del Cerro, San Diego |
UC San Diego Health East station—commonly referred to as UCSD Health East and shown on signs as UC San Diego Health East Campus Medical Center—was previously known as Alvarado station and Alvarado Medical Center station. This stop is part of the San Diego Trolley system's Green Line, situated within the College Area. Positioned at street level near the intersection of Alvarado Road and Reservoir Drive, the station lies directly opposite the East Campus Medical Center at UC San Diego Health and features side platforms for boarding.
Initially opened in 2005 under the name Alvarado Medical Center station, corresponding with the hospital's former identity as Alvarado Hospital, it was renamed Alvarado station in 2023 following the facility's transition to UC San Diego Health East Campus Medical Center. In 2024, coinciding with the launch of the Copper Line, the station's signage was revised to its current designation, UC San Diego Health East.
This trolley stop caters not only to visitors of the medical center and the College Area but also serves portions of the adjacent residential community of Del Cerro.
Alvarado riddle
One notable aspect of this station is an artistic riddle embedded in the tilework that separates it from the nearby freeway. Designed by Roman De Salvo in 2005, this creative installation contributes a distinctive element to the location.
The riddle states:
"Arteries, veins, and, capillaries. For autos, rain, and, catenaries. All three lines are side by side.
Above, below, and, stratified. One is numbered less than nine. Another was there at the dawn of time.
The last will be here after a wait. Or, right away if you're not too late.
Look around to solve this riddle. Name all three, top, bottom and middle.
If bewildered, feel the handrail. The answer there is writ in Braille.”