Category Archives: Caltrans

Advocacy, District 6, Historic Highway 99 Association of California, US 99

Pine and Palm Update

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California is working to save and mark the historic Pine and Palm in Madera County along Highway 99. They posted an update on their project today. Contact them for more information or if you’d like to get involved with their project.

Palm and Pine Update – July 2024

Greetings All!

I wanted to give some updates on the Pine and Palm. I recently had a meeting with Caltrans District 6 to discuss the project and what our intentions are for the landmark trees.

Signage

We explained that, while we appreciated and liked their idea of planting more trees along the southbound side of the roadway, we would like to see a marker or sign placed in both directions to help commemorate the site and increase public awareness of the landmark itself. They agreed this would be a good idea in concept but were uncertain if it could gain approval as the signs as proposed may not be MUTCD compliant. The main issue was with the graphics of the pine and palm itself, as they are not standard for signage. Should the sign be approved, that portion of the sign would likely have to be removed. There is precedent for such a sign in Oregon which marks the 45th Parallel along I-5. The Pine and Palm are similar in nature, though not as specific, so that should help us in our quest for approval. We look forward to finding a way to make this happen.

Median Barrier

Caltrans also is looking into putting something on the median barrier itself, which has been done in many other locations through the state. These, in addition to the signs and new trees, should help mark the site and its significance. We are confident we can make something happen at the Pine and Palm site, even if it takes longer than construction.

Existing Trees

The existing trees may not likely survive, unfortunately, due to the problems of moving such plants. If they are moved, those accepting the trees may have to bear the costs of the move, which can be prohibitive to some. Their disposition isn’t likely to be known for a while and we will try to keep everyone informed as to where they end up. For now, we have until early 2026 before they are torn down, so make sure to enjoy them while they last.

Design Help

As a side note, we are looking for an artist to design a “Pine and Palm” logo for placement on t-shirts and stickers which we’d like to sell. Let us know if you’re interested in helping us with this project. We are looking to get things started soon.

District 7, Highways, Historic Highway 99 Association of California, History, I-5, Los Angeles County, Presentation, Ridge Route, Roads, Santa Clarita, The Grapevine, US 99

New Video – Piru Gorge and Pyramid Lake

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Former US 99 followed a very scenic path over the mountains north of Los Angeles. Follow the Historic Highway 99 Association of California on a journey through the mountains, down the canyons, and beneath Pyramid Lake. Learn what was there before I-5 and what it took to build both roads.

Caltrans, Disaster, District 7, DTLA, Highways, I-10, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County

I-10 Closure Resources

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Courtesy – Caltrans

I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway) is closed for an extended period in both directions through Downtown Los Angeles between I-5 and the 110 due to fire damage. To get around, here are some good resources:

Los Angeles Metro – Detours and Transit Options

City of Los Angeles – Emergency Management

Caltrans Quickmap – Real-Time Traffic Updates

Metrolink

Courtesy – City of Los Angeles
10 eastbound at Santa Fe Avenue. Signage here shows both I-5 and I-10 co-signed over the Golden State Freeway.
Oblique aerial view easterly along the mostly-completed I-10 Santa Monica Viaduct. Photo was taken by the Division of Highways on September 16, 1961. Viaduct is still under construction west of Alameda Avenue. Loop ramp visible at center connects eastbound Olympic Blvd to eastbound traffic heading to the East Los Angeles Interchange. Courtesy – Caltrans
District 9, Highways, History, Inyo County, Old Alignment, Railroads, Southern Pacific, SR-136, SR-190

Old State 136 near Keeler, CA

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Map of Dolomite Loop Road and current State 136. Stars at center mark the former railroad crossing locations. Photos below show the southern crossing.

The Owens Valley in Inyo County, California is home to many fascinating highway relics. One road in particular toward the southern end of the Owens Valley southeast of Lone Pine, State Highway 136, had a very unique and rare feature – old railroad grade crossing markings. Until 1964, it was known as State Highway 190 and was realigned quite a bit between the Owens River and Keeler in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s as travel to Death Valley became more popular. Most of the old alignments are still traversable today, complete with original paving. The longest intact section is known as Dolomite Loop Road and runs between the Owens River bridge to just north of Swansea.

Former SPRR (Carson and Colorado Railway) grade crossing near Dolomite mine. Remains of rails and ties can be seen here at the darker asphalt patch.

These crossings were still in use until the whole line was abandoned in April 1960. The markings themselves likely date to the 1940’s. They are made of a large X and an arrow pointing to the crossing itself.

Looking southerly toward the northern Dolomite mine grade crossing.
Northerly view at the Dolomite mine crossing. The former railroad grade can be seen low berm to the left of the roadway.
Burbank, Caltrans, District 7, Highways, Historic Highway 99 Association of California, History, I-5, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, Road Signs, Roads, US 99

Historic Sign Revealed in Los Angeles

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Either through heavy wind, corrosion, or a combination of the two, a section of “greenout” fell off a sign on the eastbound Ventura Freeway (State 134) recently at Victory Blvd. This sign, approaching the Golden State Freeway (I-5) has been there since 1961 when the freeway opened. In 1961, the Golden State Freeway was still US Highway 99. In 1965, the sign was covered over with an overlay for I-5. In early 2023, that overlay (“greenout”) fell off, revealing a portion of the original signage. The left side of the sign has a State 134 EAST sign as 134 proceeded east toward Pasadena via the Golden State Freeway and Colorado St until 1968.

For more information about US 99:

Enjoy it while it lasts!

Sign bridge on eastbound 134 showing the US 99 sign.
US 99 revealed! A State 134 EAST sign remains covered on the left side of the sign.