Virtual Tour of old US 99
Santa Clarita Valley
Castaic Junction Weigh Station
This section of highway was first paved in 1917 with a 15 foot wide concrete roadway. In 1922, it was widened to 20 feet. The collapse of the St Francis Dam on March 12, 1928 brought a change to this section of US 99 in addition to the Santa Clara River crossing. San Francisquito Creek formerly crossed US 99 just north of the weigh station. The flood caused by the dam diverted the stream to the south, creating a new channel. It also washed out a three span through-girder bridge built in 1916 to cross the creek. This was replaced with a small culvert.
In 1932, this section was widened to three lanes. In May 1949, it was widened further to a four-lane expressway. The weigh station was replaced in 1964 when this section of I-5 was built. The oleander in the center divider can be found along much of 99 and a few modern freeways. It served two purposes. One was to eliminate the glare from opposing headlights and the other was to create a barrier between traffic lanes. It remains as one of the few sections still intact of the 1940’s upgrade.
Go North on US 99 / West SR-126 to Bakersfield / Ventura
Go South on US 99 / East SR-126 to Los Angeles
Return to US 99 Introduction