SR-14: Antelope Valley Freeway

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Antelope Valley Freeway / Sierra Highway / Midland Trail
Runs from I-5 at Newhall Pass to US 395 near Inyokern

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High Points:

  • Newhall Pass – 1750′
  • Escondido Summit – 3258′
  • Soledad Pass – 3209′

Hwy 14 starts off at I-5 with a rather impressive full interchange. Large and high flyover ramps connect all directions. This interchange has also had its share of problems. Originally under construction in 1971, it partially collapsed in the February 9, 1971 Sylmar / San Fernando Earthquake. Rebuilt by 1975, it collapsed again in the January 17, 1994 Reseda / Northridge Earthquake. In 2014, a direct HOV connection from the 14 to I-5 was added to the mix.

Southbound on Route 14 at the I-5 junction.
Southbound on Route 14 at the I-5 junction.
View of the 14 Freeway at the 5.
View of the 14 Freeway at the 5 taken about 2001.
Bridge stamp on the 5N/14N ramp.
Bridge stamp on the 5N/14N ramp.
Side view of the NB 14 ramp from NB 5.
Side view of the NB 14 ramp from NB 5.

From Santa Clarita to Lancaster, the freeway serves a rather busy commuter corridor. As a result, it gets pretty busy during peak periods. It is very much directional with traffic heaviest southbound in the mornings and northbound in the evenings. Congestion usually eases after leaving Santa Clarita, at least northbound. HOV lanes were constructed between 1998 and 2006 to help alleviate some of the traffic.

The Antelope Valley Freeway opened in segments. The first section from just west of Sand Canyon Road to Ward Road opened on October 15, 1963. The last segment from San Fernando Road to I-5 finally opened in 1975. In Canyon Country, a freeway interchange was planned for the SR-126 Freeway. Only a couple ramps were built as the whole freeway was cancelled a few years later. The number – 14 – was originally assigned to Artesia Blvd until 1963, when it was reassigned to the former routing of US 6.

Plans call for the last sections of two-lane roadway, between Red Rock Canyon and the east State 178 junction to be upgraded to expressway within the next few years. This will make State 14 four-lanes or greater for its entire length, something travelers to the Eastern Sierra will certainly enjoy.

Here a sign just north of the 5 shows this as the Antelope Valley Freeway.
Here a sign just north of the 5 shows this as the Antelope Valley Freeway.
View of the freeway at Placerita Canyon in 1997 before the HOV lanes were added. The divided road on the right is the original Sierra Highway.
View of the freeway at Placerita Canyon in 1997 before the HOV lanes were added. The divided road on the right is the original Sierra Highway.
14mpThis milepost was on Sierra Highway at Friendly Valley Parkway in Santa Clarita, CA. The mileage is not accurate to the road length. Here is the explanation : Mileposts in California are numbered by county. Mileage increases north and east. This milepost shows 30 miles to the end of the highway. SR-14 ends at I-5. Caltrans had planned on completing the highway from I-5 to the Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) near Sunset Blvd. This is the reason for the anomaly.
Interchange with the unbuilt 126 freeway. Note the EXIT ONLY tab for the Sierra Highway exit. This would have been the exit for SR-126 WEST. More information on this interchange and the bridge to nowhere.
Interchange with the unbuilt 126 freeway. Note the EXIT ONLY tab for the Sierra Highway exit. This would have been the exit for SR-126 WEST.
1963 view of the old Soledad Canyon freeway end. Sand Canyon Road interchange is visible at center.
1963 view of the former Soledad Canyon freeway terminus. Sand Canyon Road interchange is visible at center. Courtesy – Caltrans
Typical section of the freeway near Vasquez Rocks. The construction here is for carpool lanes was completed in mid 1999. The carpool (HOV) lanes now extend to Pearblossom Highway in Soledad Pass.
Typical section of the freeway near Vasquez Rocks. The construction here is for carpool lanes was completed in mid-1999. The carpool (HOV) lanes now extend to Ave P-8 in Palmdale.
View of the freeway near Vasquez Rocks.
View of the freeway near Vasquez Rocks.
Ward Road terminus in 1963. View is easterly.
Ward Road terminus in 1963. View is easterly. Courtesy – Caltrans
Past the northern Soledad Canyon Road junction, heading north. In spring, the poppies really bloom in this area. This was from the 2005 season.
Past the northern Soledad Canyon Road junction, heading north. In spring, the poppies really bloom in this area. This was from the 2005 season.
Northbound view just after the Pearblossom Highway / Sierra Highway exit.
Northbound view just after the Pearblossom Highway / Sierra Highway exit.
North side of the Soledad Pass Grade. California Aqueduct bridges are visible in the background.
North side of the Soledad Pass Grade. California Aqueduct bridges are visible in the background.
Near the San Andreas Fault crossing at Ave S.
Near the San Andreas Fault crossing at Ave S.
Junction with SR-138 in Palmdale. This is near where the Metropolitan Bypass Freeway was supposed to cross. Now, a new alignment has been chosen leaving SR-14 near Avenue P-8. It may be built as a freeway or expressway.
Junction with SR-138 in Palmdale. This is near where the Metropolitan Bypass Freeway was supposed to cross. Now, a new alignment has been chosen leaving SR-14 near Avenue P-8. It may be built as a freeway or expressway.
Winter view of the San Gabriel Mountains from Palmdale on the southbound 14.
Winter view of the San Gabriel Mountains from Palmdale on the southbound 14.
Northbound at Ave N, the freeway is recessed for a while, creating a more urban feel in the middle of the desert.
Northbound at Ave N, the freeway is recessed for a while, creating a more urban feel in the middle of the desert.
Passing through Mojave.
Passing through Mojave.
California City Blvd interchange, added in the early 2000's.
California City Blvd interchange, added in the early 2000’s.
Rare kilometer sign near Cinco, south of Red Rock Canyon.
Rare kilometer sign near Cinco, south of Red Rock Canyon.
1958 Red Rock Canyon Bridge and Red Rock Canyon State Park
1958 Red Rock Canyon Bridge and Red Rock Canyon State Park
Northern end of State 14 at US 395.
Northern end of State 14 at US 395.

One thought on “SR-14: Antelope Valley Freeway”

  1. I remember when the Newhall Pass was a very scenic one. That was pre Hwy5 and Hwy14. Back then, it was Hwy99, San Fernando Rd.
    Todays interchange is just awful and boring.
    How time has changed.
    Like your website.

    Reply

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