Category Archives: Ridge Route

Castaic, Highways, History, I-5, Image, Los Angeles County, Ridge Route, US 99

From the Archives – 1923

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1920’s postcard of the Ridge Route near Castaic, CA

The Ridge Route on US 99 between Castaic and Gorman was a very twisty roadway when it first opened. All told, there was about 39,600 degrees of curvature over the approximately 30-mile route, enough to go in 110 circles. The state gradually worked to alleviate this headache by straightening curves whenever possible. Some curves were merely daylighted where others were completely bypassed. In the case of the Callahan Line Change, as shown in the postcard above, the road was shifted to change eight sharp curves into one gentle curve. The work here was completed in 1926. In 1933, the roadway would by bypassed altogether by the Ridge Route Alternate.

Ridge Route – Callahan Line Change
Highways, Meeting, Presentation, Ridge Route, Ridge Route Preservation Organization, Updates

Ridge Route Meeting

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The Ridge Route Preservation Organization is holding an online meeting on Thursday, January 20 at 6 pm. They are trying out something new this year and are starting to hold more regular meetings, albeit online via Zoom, to help keep everyone updated on the roadway, give presentations on various aspects of the history of the road or special features, and give time to share stories about the roadway.

For the January meeting, Michael Ballard will be sharing photos from the last two trips over the roadway showing the current state of the Ridge Route and giving an update on the status of upcoming events. Come join us on Thursday, January 20 at 6 pm!

To register, please use the link below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwtde-pqTwiH9TT3Z5xjxm-nQPIO_qrZhRl

Event, Highways, History, Ridge Route, Ridge Route Preservation Organization, Roads, US 99

Upcoming Ridge Route Event

Next weekend, on October 23, 2021, the Ridge Route Preservation Organization will be holding a Clean Up The Ridge Route event. These events are work parties to help repair and preserve the historic Ridge Route. They are open to all, though donations are always welcome. For more information and specific details, please check out their website:

http://www.ridgeroute.org/october-cutrr-event/

California, Castaic, Disaster, Event, Highways, I-5, Los Angeles County, Ridge Route, Ridge Route Preservation Organization, Roads, Wildfire

Fire on the Ridge Route

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There is currently a fire, #RouteFire, burning on the Ridge Route near Templin Highway. I-5 is closed both directions and the Old Ridge Route may be in danger. For information, follow the Twitter feed for the Ridge Route Preservation Organization – @ridgeroute99.

Castaic, District 7, Highways, History, Image, Los Angeles County, Old Alignment, Ridge Route, Ridge Route Preservation Organization, Roads, US 99

Featured Image – 8/9/2021

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Ridge Route between the Tumble Inn and Kelly’s Halfway Inn

The old Ridge Route is my favorite roadway. Each trip is an adventure and I always seem to find something new. Sometimes those “new” things aren’t as exciting as they could be. In January 2021, a large rockslide was found just south of Swede’s Cut. On August 28, the Ridge Route Preservation Organization will be holding an event to remove that rockslide. They need your help and support. See their website for details on how you can help. Not only will you be able to go beyond the gates and see parts of the Ridge Route that are normally closed, but you will be able to help maintain it as well.

http://ridgeroute.org