While much of the 1934 Garvey “Superhighway”, former US 60 / US 70 / US 99, has been either built over or completely modified, a small portion remains virtually untouched. In Alhambra, CA, there is a small section of original concrete paving still intact. This section, called Garvey Ave, runs from Ramona Rd to Casuda Canyon Rd.
Looking northerly from Carlos Ave.Last intact date stamps on this section, from July 18, 1934 by Jahn and Bressi Contractors.Looking southerly from Carlos Ave
At Fremont Ave and Monterey Pass Rd, there are also some grade separations from 1934 that are still intact. These weren’t photographed but videos were made. When I get my video software working again, I will post those.
State Route 78, one of the original State Highways in the region, has has undergone many changes since it was originally built. Most of the original routing west of Vista, CA, known as Vista Way, has been eliminated by the current alignment of the highway. By the 1960’s, State 78 was an expressway west of Vista, CA. It was gradually upgraded further to a full freeway, bypassing or replacing yet more of the original alignment. Today, there are some original sections still around, albeit very short. The two main sections of old paving, mostly dating to the late 1920’s to early 1930’s, exists near El Camino Real and College Ave in the Oceanside area.
The first section, near El Camino Real, is located on Haymar Dr / S Vista Way and is only partly exposed. Here, the concrete has been repaved but is showing through some of the potholes.
S Vista Way just west of El Camino Real in Oceanside. Note the concrete peeking out from under the asphalt.Closer view of the concrete paving beneath.
To the east of this section, there is another and more exposed bit of old paving. Adjacent to the Marron Adobe on Haymar Dr (old Vista Way), this paving still retains the feel of the old roadway. No date stamps could be found, but the style of the concrete seems to date it from 1926 to 1935.
Intact section of concrete adjacent to the Marron Adobe.Marker for the Marron Adobe, as in Marron Road “fame”.
Other sections of older alignments do still exist, but they are all completely reconstructed and no longer retain the old paving.
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.
