US 99 – Weldon Canyon

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Virtual Tour of US 99
Newhall Pass – Weldon Canyon

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Weldon Canyon

This photo shows US 99 in 1949. It is looking towards the US 6 / US 99 junction.
Weldon Canyon in 1949. It is looking towards the US 6 / US 99 junction. Courtesy – Caltrans

The first highway through Weldon Canyon was completed in 1930. The “Newhall Alternate” was the first major realignment of US 99 south of the Ridge Route. In 1949, passing lanes were added as a temporary measure from Tunnel Station to just north of Weldon Summit until the freeway could be constructed. In 1951, US 99 was finally upgraded to an expressway through here, ending south of the summit. In 1954, the section to the south was reconstructed as a freeway.  In 1968, the area was changed yet again, and in the most drastic way, as the roadway was rebuilt on a new alignment as Interstate 5.

Weldon Summit in 1951. Looking South. Currently, the lanes visible exist but the concrete is buried under dirt and asphalt.
Weldon Summit in 1951. Looking South. The lanes visible still exist but are buried under dirt and asphalt. Courtesy – Caltrans
Former southbound lanes partially visible just north of the summit.
Former 1951 southbound lanes partially visible just north of the summit.
North view of the old southbound lanes just south of the summit.
North view of the old southbound lanes just south of the summit.
Looking south into Weldon Canyon. I-5 cuts the old southbound lanes off at the fence line.
Looking south into Weldon Canyon. I-5 cuts the old southbound lanes off at the fence line.
Double white striping from a "temporary" four-lane configuration of the old three-lane concrete. This was done in 1949 as an interim measure before the road was reconstructed as an expressway in 1951.
Double white striping from a “temporary” four-lane configuration of the old three-lane concrete. This was done in 1949 as an interim measure before the road was reconstructed as an expressway in 1951.
This is the last remaining uncovered stretch of the 1930 Newhall Alternate concrete. Motorcycle is on the 1951 alignment.
This is the last remaining uncovered stretch of the 1930 Newhall Alternate concrete. Motorcycle is on the 1951 alignment.
Contractor's Stamp on the concrete shown above.
Contractor’s Stamp on the concrete shown above.

It reads:

Jahn & Bressi
Contractors
6 17 1930
Station 64 + 00

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