US 99 – Tulare – South

Virtual Tour of US 99
Great Central Valley – San Joaquin Valley

US 99 – Tulare – South

Portion of 1926 Division of Highways map showing former alignment of US 99 between Tipton and Tulare.

Until 1931, US 99, and by extension Legislative Route 4, went on the west side of the Southern Pacific tracks from current Ave 164 north of Tipton to Bardsley Ave in Tulare, following Tulare County Road 112. This section was most likely paved with a 20′ concrete slab around 1917.

1928 USGS map showing the original alignment of US 99 at its crossing at Ave 164.
1952 aerial photograph showing the concrete at the old grade crossing at center.
Aerial view of the former north Tipton grade crossing. A short section of the original concrete at the southern connection to the current alignment is also visible just north of the canal crossing on the left side of the railroad tracks. Current State 99 is at center. Ave 164 runs to the right.
Original section of concrete still remaining at the former railroad grade crossing north of Tipton. Courtesy – Derek Law
Looking westerly from the railroad toward the original paving. The railroad was likely raised slightly at some point after the grade crossing was removed.

The roadway also retains three original bridges.  The two North Branch Tule River bridges (46C-0004 and 46C-0010 respectively) are from 1917 and retain their original pipe railing. Two other bridges, Elk Bayou and Bates Slough are also original, with the former dating to 1916. The telltale cracking of asphalt over concrete is also visible near the northern North Branch Tule River bridge to near Ave 184 at Octol.

North Brand Tule River Bridge (46C-0010) from 1917 with original railing. Courtesy – Derek Law

The realignment in 1931 eliminated two railroad crossings without the use of bridges at the tracks. The new road was also built a little higher to help ease flooding problems that were common in the Central Valley. Today, some of the bridges built at that time still remain, albeit widened or otherwise modified.

Go North on US 99 to Tulare

Go South on US 99 to Famoso

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