US 99 – Tejon Pass

Virtual Tour of US 99

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Tejon Pass
El 4144′ (1966)

1951 expressway, retaining its original concrete surface.
1951 expressway, retaining its original concrete surface.

Many changes have taken place over the years in Tejon Pass. The first paved roadway, at 4213′, the Ridge Route, was completed here in 1915, paved in 1917, and repaved in 1923. Portions of the 1917 concrete were used as a base for the newer 1923 concrete, which was about 3 feet wider. In 1933, the pass was reconstructed and lowered to 4183′ during the Ridge Route Alternate project. This roadway remained in use until 1951, when US 99 was reconstructed to expressway standards over the pass. None of the 1933 concrete was used here, it was torn up and buried. In 1966, I-5 was built over the pass, lowering the elevation yet again to 4144′. The San Andreas Fault also passes through here, creating the low divide and weaker rock in the pass.

For a time from the late 1930’s to the 1950’s, the pass was also locally known as “Hollands Summit”, due to the service station and cafe located there. Prior to the 1930’s, Hollands was located at the “high point” on Gorman Post Road (former US 99) between Gorman and Quail Lake.

Postcard showing Tejon Pass looking northerly. Taken between 1917 and 1922.
Looking southerly along the 1951 expressway alignment. Bridge at center left crosses I-5 at the summit.
Looking southerly along the 1951 expressway alignment. Bridge at center left crosses I-5 at the summit.
All three alignments. From the left, 1923 concrete, 1951 concrete, and 1966 concrete. This photo shows well the changes in elevation each new construction made.
All three alignments. From the left, 1923 concrete, 1951 concrete, and 1966 concrete. This photo shows well the changes in elevation each new construction made.
Original alignment of the Ridge Route at Tejon Pass. These lanes were built in 1923 on top of the original 1919 Ridge Route concrete.
Original alignment of the Ridge Route at Tejon Pass. These lanes were built in 1923 on top of the original 1919 Ridge Route concrete.
View of Tejon Summit in 1949 during expressway construction.
View of Tejon Summit in 1949 during expressway construction.
Aerial Photo of US 99 over Tejon Pass. Taken in 1958. View is southerly. Photo Courtesy - Caltrans
Aerial Photo of US 99 over Tejon Pass. Taken in 1958. View is southerly. Photo Courtesy – Caltrans
1999 Aerial photo showing Tejon Pass and US 99 from the summit to Frazier Mountain Park Road.
1999 Aerial photo showing Tejon Pass and US 99 from the summit to Frazier Mountain Park Road. Courtesy – Caltrans

Special Interest:

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