Southern California Regional Rocks and Roads - Historic Roads

From the Archives – 1964

Michael F Ballard — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 23:53:18 +0000

Barstow has grown quite a bit since this photo was taken. Shown here, the original Main Street exit, which was originally built as a freeway-freeway interchange meant for US 466 / State 58 and connected Main Street (Former US 66 and US 91) to the then-new freeway. The Main Street interchange was redone in 1998 ...

New Video – The Three Ridge Routes

Michael F Ballard — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:45:18 +0000

Did you know that three roads have held the title of “Ridge Route” between Los Angeles and Bakersfield? Check out this video which shows where you can see all three at the same time.

New US 99 Video!

Michael F Ballard — Sun, 03 May 2026 22:11:04 +0000

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has posted a new video for the highway’s centennial discussing the history of the highway, what happened to it, and what replaced it. They also discuss how you can learn more about the road and the adventures you may find along the road. Come check it out!

Old US 60 in eastern Moreno Valley

Michael F Ballard — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:15:43 +0000

A short section of original US 60 can be found east of the intersection of Allesandro Blvd and Gilman Springs Road in the eastern Moreno Valley. This section of US 60 was bypassed by the current alignment, now State Route 60, in 1936. Gilman Springs Road, at that time, became State Route 79, which was ...

New Video – Indio Overhead Bridge

Michael F Ballard — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:02:28 +0000

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has posted their latest episode of History along US 99. This time, they talk about the Indio Overhead, a grade separation from 1936 and 1956 in Indio, California.

New Video – Old Button Copy sign in Ventura, CA

Michael F Ballard — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 23:52:28 +0000

An original button copy sign was found in Ventura near an entrance to US 101 recently. Come check it out!

Featured Image – 12/21/2025

Michael F Ballard — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 19:08:40 +0000

Heavy rain storms in late 2025 produced some interesting views along the 15 in the Mojave Desert. Normally dry, Ivanpah Lake and Roach Lake were filled, along with even Jean Lake further on. It was quite surreal seeing the 15 in this way.

New Video Posted – San Diego Freeways

Michael F Ballard — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 02:45:04 +0000

I’ve posted a new episode of RoadTalk where I discuss the abandoned freeway stubs and unbuilt freeways in San Diego. Learn about the 157, 252, as well as that odd ramp at the 163 and 5 interchange.

New Video – Old US 91 near Field Road

Michael F Ballard — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:30:18 +0000

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 ...

New Video – Ridge Route Basics

Michael F Ballard — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:42:26 +0000

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 ...