Southern California Regional Rocks and Roads - 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 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 – Castaic Creek Bridge

Michael F Ballard — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 16:40:05 +0000

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California has posted a new video on the history of the Castaic Creek bridge near Santa Clarita, CA. Come check it out!

Old US 80 and a lesson

Michael F Ballard — Fri, 30 May 2025 15:58:42 +0000

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 ...

New Video – C-Monuments

Michael F Ballard — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 23:24:05 +0000

The Historic Highway 99 Association has posted their latest video in the History along US 99 series. This time, the video is on C-monuments. What they are, how they came about, and how you can find them is all there in the video. Come check it out!

New Video – Piru Gorge and Pyramid Lake

Michael F Ballard — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 03:08:43 +0000

Former US 99 followed a very scenic path over the mountains north of Los Angeles. Follow the Historic Highway 99 Association of California on a journey through the mountains, down the canyons, and beneath Pyramid Lake. Learn what was there before I-5 and what it took to build both roads.

Ridge Route February 2024 Update Video

Michael F Ballard — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 21:51:09 +0000

In early and mid-February 2024, the Ridge Route Preservation Organization went on a field survey trip over the Ridge Route to assess damage. They took a lot of videos and put together an overview of what they saw. Come join the Ridge Route Preservation Organization on their journey over the Ridge Route.

New History Video

Michael F Ballard — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 00:55:03 +0000

The Historic Highway 99 Association of California is starting a new series on the history of US 99, historic sites along the way, and information about the Association. Join them on their YouTube Channel – @highway99 – to learn more. Their first video is on The Grapevine. Historic Highway 99 Association of California YouTube Channel

Ridge Route Preservation Organization Begins Pothole Project

Michael F Ballard — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 22:48:15 +0000

From the Ridge Route Preservation Organization: The Ridge Route Preservation Organization was cleared by the Angeles National Forest to repair potholes along the north section of the Old Ridge Route from the 138 to the Tumble Inn. The intent is to preserve the road and make it more accessible to the public as well as ...

NPS National Historic Trails Site

Michael F Ballard — Sun, 01 Oct 2023 23:29:46 +0000

A reader sent a link to this site and I thought it would be of interest to all of you. This site, produced by the National Park Service (NPS), has detailed maps showing the routing of various national historic trails. Of interest to California, it shows the National Old Trails Highway (US 66), El Camino ...