We’re starting a new series called “RoadTalk with Michael Ballard” where we’ll talk about the highways and byways of Southern California. Other topics include the railroads, geology, and history. The first video in the series is on old US 91 where it merges with I-15 near Field Road.
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover, let us know!
The Historic Highway 99 Association of California, in conjunction with the Ridge Route Preservation Organization, has produced a video on the basics of the Ridge Route and some of the features that make the road unique. Learn about the curbs, rails, footprints of all types, tire tracks, and more that can be found on the road. They also talk about the different pavement types on the road as well as how you can get up there and see the road yourself.
The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has also produced other videos talking about other sections of the highway, including the bridges over the Santa Clara River and Castaic Creek in their “History along US 99” series.
Join the Historic Highway 99 Association of California and explore a section of Garvey Avenue, which was part of the first “freeway” in California.
Back in July 2017, I took a trip out east, partially following old US 80 east of El Cajon, CA. One of the goals was to take photos of a section I had passed countless times before but never stopped at. The section in question was near Flinn Springs. This old alignment was bypassed in the 1930’s and cut off by I-8 in 1965.
Known today as Flinn Springs Road, it mostly serves as a connector to Blossom Valley Road, which itself was cut by I-8 at the same time as this alignment. The original concrete was paved over at some point in the past but was, at the time I stopped, very obvious and partly exposed. I took this opportunity to take many photos of the road. There were plenty of markings on the roadway which could indicate resurfacing was imminent but wasn’t quite sure. It was a good thing I did as, less than two weeks later, the whole thing was resurfaced, burying that old concrete yet more and making it impossible to see.
The lesson here is to TAKE PHOTOS and DOCUMENT! You never know when you’ll be back or if it will be there when you do.
The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has posted another episode of their “History along US 99” series. This time they talk about a section of 1930’s concrete in Ontario, California. Come check it out!