Virtual Tour of US 99 Newhall Pass – Weldon Canyon
Weldon Canyon
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. The lanes visible still exist but are buried under dirt and asphalt. Courtesy – Caltrans
Former 1951 southbound lanes partially visible just north 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.
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.
