Michael F Ballard is the author and administrator of the Southern California Regional Rocks and Roads website, https://socalregion.com, since 1995. I have been studying the geology and highway history throughout southern California for most of my life. I am also the President of the Ridge Route Preservation Organization. Founder of the Historic Highway 99 Association of California, https://historic99.org .
In the Belltown area of Riverside, CA, I found a rather interesting concrete roadway on 24th St. It appears to be a part of a former alignment of either Rubidoux Blvd, Market Street, or combination of the two. It dates to August 1931 and is in very good shape. What I found most interesting was the curve at Avalon St, which seemed to suggest its former importance as a Riverside to Colton roadway.
Looking westerly toward Avalon St on 24th St.
Curve at Avalon St, looking easterly.
Date stamp from August 20, 1931.
Why this roadway was built and when it was bypassed may remain a mystery for some time, however, it does show that you can still find old treasures like this in Southern California.
UPDATED 2021:
According the the magazine, California Highways and Public Works January-February 1948, Crestmore Road, as it was called then, was realigned under a Federal Aid contract. The construction began March 19, 1947 and was completed August 25, 1947. This work only involved the segment in Riverside County and the new alignment was paved with concrete.
After seeing a few vehicles with the new “Legacy” license plates that DMV is issuing, I thought I might convert my personalized plates to them as well. While both my motorcycles aren’t old at all (both are post-2000), they both carry plates with old highways on them. Yesterday, my Highway 99 plates came in. In about a month or so, my Highway 6 plates should be here as well. I think they look pretty cool and give US 99 a new (and fitting) look. Yes, my rear tire will be replaced soon.
While still not in its final form, I have added a Site Map to this website. The site is large and, while at least somewhat organized, it can be tough to find certain pages. This new feature will allow for an easier look into all this site has to offer. It can be found here and in the menu on the left side of the page.
