SR-98: Yuha Cutoff

Yuha Cutoff / Birch Street
Runs from I-8 at Ocotillo to I-8 near Grays Well

Highway 98 crosses one of the more desolate sections of the Imperial Valley, through a city, and miles of farmland. The crossing of the Yuha Desert on the west end is something to be done only with vehicle in good condition and plenty of fuel. In springtime, it can be quite scenic as there are plenty of Ocotillo plants in bloom. Until 1955, the western terminus was in Seeley at US 80, where it went south along Drew Road, down to the current alignment.

Heading east along the Yuha Cutoff
Looking toward Signal Mountain
Ocotillo in bloom in the Yuha Desert
At the junction with State 111 (former US 99) in Calexico
Original concrete paving from the 1920’s near Ash Main Canal. Realigned about 1940.
New bridge over the All-American Canal with an older style curbing and railing. This was to mimic the original 1939 bridge. Why this was done is a bit of a mystery .

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