California Highways: Route by Route

Episode 3.10 completes our exploration of I-5, looking at the segment that was former US 99, LRN 3, between Red Bluff and the Oregon Border. Along the way, we visit Red Bluff, Anderson and Redding, the Lake Shasta Area, Dunsmuir, Mt. Shasta, Weed, Yreka, and run into a California Agricultural Inspector who was trapped in a bottle by a witch. Our next episode will move us to the next highway, looking at US 6 and all things Route 6 in California.For more information and additional link, visit the episode's page at the Podcast's forever home, caroutebyroute.org

Episode 3.09 continues our exploration of I-5 with the segment from Sacramento to Red Bluff, which primarily incorporates the former LRN 7 / US 99W routing between Woodland and Red Bluff, and a new routing that roughly followed LRN 238, then LRN 50 and LRN 232 between Sacramento and Woodland (near former Sign Route 16 and Sign Route 24). We talk about this history of this segment, as well as some discussion of historical routings in Natomas, Woodland, Williams, Willows, Corning, and Red Bluff. Our exploration of I-5 finishes in Episode 3.10, where we explore the former LRN 3/US 99 segment between Red Bluff and the Oregon Border.For more information and links, see the episode's page at our show's forever home at CARouteByRoute.org.

Episode 3.08 continues our exploration of I-5 with a slight digression: A discussion about I-5W. In the late 1950s, I-5W was proposed as a spur route from I-5 running along what is today Route 132, I-580 (both the Tracy Diagonal and the former US 50 portion between the I-205/I-580 junction and Oakland/Berkeley), I-80 between Berkeley and near Vacaville, and I-505 between Vacaville and I-5. This short episode explores these pieces and their history. In Episode 3.09, we return to I-5 proper when we explore the former US 99W section of I-5 between Woodland and Red Bluff.For more information and additional links, visit the show's forever home page at https://caroutebyroute.org/2025/03/13/ca-rxr-3-08-i-5-whatever-happened-to-i-5w/

Next up in our exploration of I-5: the segment between the I-5 / Route 99 split and where I-5 meets former US 99W (now Route 113) in Woodland. Generally known as the "Westside Highway", this was mostly a completely new routing for I-5 along LRN 238, although some portions paralleled former US 50 between Stockton and Sacramento, and Sign Route 16 between Sacramento and near Route 113 in Woodland/Yolo.  As usual, we cover the history of the route, naming, and projects. Subsequent episodes will be looking at (3.08) the planned I-5W; (3.09) the former US 99W portion from Sacramento to Redding; and (3.09) the portion from Redding to the Oregon Border.Additional information may be found atthe episode's foreever home on CARouteByRoute.org.

Our I-5 exploration continues, with a focus on the segment of I-5 from the US 101 split in Downtown Los Angeles to the Route 99 split in Wheeler Ridge. This episode, Part 2 of 3.06, completes the history from Part 1 with a detailed dive into the history of the Ridge Route. After that, we discuss major projects in this segment of I-5, as well as historical and memorial names. This includes our second deep dive into the history of the "Grapevine" name. Our special guest this episode is Sydney Croasmun of the Ridge Route Preservation Organization. Sydney brings her expertise our Ridge Route discussion, and also discusses the goals and activities of the RRPO. Subsequent episodes will be looking at (3.07) the Westerly Routing; (3.08) the planned I-5W; (3.09) the former US 99W portion from Sacramento to Redding; and (3.09) the portion from Redding to the Oregon Border. For more details, including additional links, visit the episode's page at CARouteByRoute.

Our I-5 exploration continues, with a focus on the segment of I-5 from the US 101 split in Downtown Los Angeles to the Route 99 split in Wheeler Ridge. This episode, Part 1 of 3.06, after a recap on LRN 5 and Sign Route 5, focuses on the history of I-5 from Downtown LA (DTLA) to and through the Newhall Pass. We explore the history of LRN 4 and LRN 161, the timeline of freeway construction to and through Burbank, the history of Route 5S (Colorado Blvd), and a dive into the history of routings through the Newhall Pass and in Saugus. We also talk about the Interstate number submissions for I-5, and have some updates on the projects we discussed in Episode 3.05p2. Our special guest this episode is Sydney Croasmun of the Ridge Route Preservation Organization. Sydney brings her expertise to our discussion in Part 2, when we're going in detail over the Ridge Route. Part 2 also discusses projects and naming in this section, especially the history of the "Grapevine" name. Subsequent episodes will be looking at (3.07) the Westerly Routing; (3.08) the planned I-5W; (3.09) the former US 99W portion from Sacramento to Redding; and (3.09) the portion from Redding to the Oregon Border. For more details, including additional links, visit this episode's page on CARouteByRoute.

In this episode, we continue our exploration of I-5, the central spine of California. We're splitting the discussion over 6 episodes, some of which are two-parters. This first episode (a two-parter) looks at the former US 101 segment, from the Mexico Border to Downtown Los Angeles. Part 2, this part, looks at the projects along this segment of I-5, as well as some of the more significant names. Go back to part 1 for a discussion of all things 5: Maritime Highway M-5, the 5th state highway, Legislative Route 5, Sign Route 5, and then I-5. For I-5, we look at the history of the route, and the pieces that led to first the US 101 Bypass and then I-5 in this area. Subsequent episodes will be looking at (3.06) from Downtown LA to Wheeler Ridge, where Route 99 splits, including the Ridge Route; (3.07) the Westerly Routing; (3.08) the planned I-5W; (3.09) the former US 99W portion from Sacramento to Redding; and (3.09) the portion from Redding to the Oregon Border. For more information and links, see the episode's page on CARouteByRoute.org.

In this episode, we start our exploration of I-5, the central spine of California. We're splitting the discussion over 6 episodes, some of which are two-parters. This first episode (a two-parter) looks at the former US 101 segment, from the Mexico Border to Downtown Los Angeles. Part 1, this part, starts with a discussion of all things 5: Maritime Highway M-5, the 5th state highway, Legislative Route 5, Sign Route 5, and then I-5. For I-5, we look at the history of the route, and the pieces that led to first the US 101 Bypass and then I-5 in this area. We'll finish the discussion in Part 2, where we look at projects along the route and names along the route. Subsequent episodes will be looking at (3.06) from Downtown LA to Wheeler Ridge, where Route 99 splits, including the Ridge Route; (3.07) the Westerly Routing; (3.08) the planned I-5W; (3.09) the former US 99W portion from Sacramento to Redding; and (3.09) the portion from Redding to the Oregon Border. For more information and additional links, see the page for this episode over on CARoutebyRoute.org.

In this episode, we complete our exploration of Route 4, covering the segments from Stockton and Route 99 through Angels Camp, and then on over the Sierras to Route 89 near Markleville. This includes segments that go through Gold Country, as well as the Ebbetts Pass segment that includes some very steep grades. Along the way, we look at the history of the route in these areas, projects along the way, and naming of the route. As always, we conclude with a discussion of this segment of the route after the credits. Next up: The first of six episodes (some with two parts, making it really eight episodes) covering Interstate 5. Episode 3.05 looks at the former US 101 portion from the Mexico border to downtown Los Angeles. For more information and additional links, see the show page on the show's foreverhome site: caroutebyroute.org.

In this episode, we continue our a 3-part exploration of Route 4. This episode focused on the Stockton Crosstown Freeway: A short freeway segment of Route 4 that bisects the city of Stockton, essentially running from I-5 to Route 99. We talk about the LRNs that made up this segment: LRN 75, and LRN 24. We spend much of the episode talking about the impact the construction of the route had on Stockton, including an interview with Dr. Paul Ong of UCLA, lead author of a paper ("Stockton’s Crosstown Freeway, Urban Renewal, and Asian Americans: Systemic Causes and Impacts") that explored the impact of the construction of the Stockton Crosstown Freeway on the Asian-American community. We also talk about the project to complete this freeway, and the names given to the freeway. Our last episode on Route 4 will focus on the segment of Route 4 from Stockton to near Markleeville, including the segment through Ebbetts Pass. For more details, see the specific page for this episode at the Podcast's forever home, CARouteByRoute.org

In this episode, we commence a 3-part exploration of Route 4. This episode starts with all things Route 4: The 4th state route, DOH and Legislative Route 4, and pre-1964 Route 4, finally setting on today’s Route 4. We talk about the LRNs that make up today’s Route 4: LRN 106, LRN 75, and LRN 24. We focus on the first segment of the route, from I-80 in Hercules to I-5 in Stockton. We talk about Route 4 in cities such as Hercules, Martinez, Concord, Antioch, Brentwood, the wetlands, and the Port of Stockton. We also talk about freeway segments, projects, and names along the route. The subsequent two episodes continue Route 4, with 3.03 focusing on the Stockton Crosstown Freeway. For more information and additional links, see this episode's page on our forever home at caroutebyroute.org.

Welcome to Season 3 of California Highways: Route by Route. We promised that the season would start in September, and we're making it by the wire. Season 3 covers Routes 3 through 7; this is the first episode covering Route 3, which is in Northwest California near Weaverville and Route 299. In this episode, we talk about all things "three": The third state route, Legislative Route 3, Sign Route 3, and finally the current Route 3. For the current Route 3, we talk about the history of the route, projects currently ongoing on the route, and some naming along the route. We even have a digression on the proposed Interstate 3. We also talk about the state scenic highway system, and how routes earn the golden poppy. The next three episodes will be focused on Route 4. For more information and additional links, visit this episodes page at the show's forever home.

As promised, we had one more bonus episode to tide you over during the break between Season 2 and Season 3. In this episode, we explore the auto trails that were in California before we started having signed numbered highways. Auto Trails discussed include (a) trails that are maintained today—El Camino Real, De Anza Trail, Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, and the Pony Express National Historic Trail. We spends most of the time on the major historic auto trails: Lincoln Highway, Pacific Highway, National Old Trails Road, Old Spanish Trail, and the Arrowhead Trail. Other trails discussed include the Atlantic-Pacific Highway, Bankhead Highway, California to Banff Highway, Dixie Overland Highway, Lee Highway, Lone Star Trail, Midland Trail, New Santa Fe Trail, National Park to Park Highway, Pikes Peak Ocean to Ocean Highway, Santa Fe Trail, and the Victory Highway. Regular episodes should resume mid to late September with Season 3, which will cover Route 3 through Route 7. Please visit the show's forever page for more links. You can leave comments there or on Spotify for Podcasters.

As promised, here are a few bonus episodes to tide you over during the break between Season 2 and Season 3. In this episode, we have the second half of an interview with Joe Rouse of Caltrans, talking about HOV Lanes, Express/Toll Lanes and Bridges, and Fastrak. The first part was in Episode 2.13. There is one more bonus episodes in the pipeline: Episode 2.15 will explore auto trails. Regular episodes should resume around September with Season 3, which will cover Route 3 through Route 7. For more information, including links to Fastrak, see our show page.

As promised, here are a few bonus episodes to tide you over during the break between Season 2 and Season 3. In this episode, we have the first half of an interview with Joe Rouse of Caltrans, talking about HOV Lanes, Express/Toll Lanes and Bridges, and Fastrak. There are two more bonus episodes in the pipeline. Episode 2.14 will be the second part of this interview, and Episode 2.15 will explore auto trails. Regular episodes should resume around September with Season 3, which will cover Route 3 through Route 7. For more information, including links related to the show, visit the show page.

Episode 2.12 of California Highways: Route by Route is the second of two episodes on Route 2. In this episode, we complete our exploration of Route 2. This time, we focus on the segments in Glendale and through the Angeles National Forest, roughly from US 101 to Route 138. We talk about the pre-freeway routing, the history of the Glendale Freeway, the proposals for an Angeles Forest Freeway, and the history of Angeles Crest Highway. This is the last episode of Season 2. We hope to do some bonus episodes during the season break while we complete writing Season 3, which will cover Route 3 through Route 7. For more information and additional links, see the show's page at https://caroutebyroute.org/2024/05/06/ca-rxr-2-12-hill…-national-forest/ .

Episode 2.11 of California Highways: Route by Route is the first of two episodes on Route 2. In this episode we explore the general history of all things Route 2: What was the second state route defined; what was legislative route (LRN) 2, what was Sign Route 2, and what is today's Route 2. We focus on the flatland segment: From Santa Monica to the Glendale Freeway. We do a detailed exploration of the relationship of the Pacific Electric and Santa Monica Blvd; the history of Route 2 and US 66 -- and the ever changing routing in Los Angeles and Santa Monica -- and the whole story of the never-constructed Beverly Hills Freeway. The last episode of the season will complete our exploration of Route 2 by looking at Route 2 in the hills -- the Glendale Freeway and the Angeles Crest Highway. For more information, see this episodes page on our podcast's forever home: https://caroutebyroute.org/2024/04/12/ca-rxr-2-11-rout…-and-los-angeles/ ‎

Episode 2.10 of California Highways: Route by Route completes our exploration of Route 1, as we discuss the "Lost Coast". This area was originally part of the last segment of LRN 56, and was to be Route 1, but some reworking of the state system made the former lateral between Usal Road and US 101 (which in 1964 became Route 208) officially Route 1, and made the "Lost Coast" portion of the route Route 211. This episode explores the Lost Coast, including the history of Route 208 and Route 211. In our next episode we will move to Route 2, talking about Route 2 in the flatlands: From Santa Monica to and through Glendale, including the Beverly Hills Freeway, the Glendale Freeway, and even some Pacific Electric. We'll also talk about the Western Terminus of US 66. For more details and additional links, see this episode's forever home at https://caroutebyroute.org/2024/03/10/ca-rxr-2-10-rout…08-and-route-211/

Episode 2.09 of California Highways: Route by Route continues our exploration of Route 1, as we complete discussing present-day Route 1 in Medocino County from Gualala to Leggett and current Route 1's end at US 101. Along the way, we'll discuss the communities of Gualala, Point Arena, Albion, Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Westport and Rockport, and Leggett. As always, we'll cover the history of the route, and some current projects along the route. Our next episode will be the last on Route 1, this time covering what was Sign Route 1, and now covers Route 208 and Route 211 in the Lost Coast. More details and links are available on the foreever show page at https://caroutebyroute.org/2024/02/25/ca-rxr-2-09-route-1-the-redwood-forest/

Episode 2.08 of California Highways: Route by Route continues our exploration of Route 1. We've now crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, and are continuing north from the Marin Headlands, up along the coast through Sausalito and Marin, Muir Beach and Stinson Beach, Point Reyes, Bodega Bay, Jenner and Fort Ross until we reach the Marin Headlands. As always, we'll cover the history of the route, and some current projects along the route. Our next episode will complete present day Route 1 by exploring the portion in Mendocino County from Gualala to Leggett. For more information, see the show page at https://caroutebyroute.org/2024/02/10/ca-rxr-2-08-route-1-marin-and/

Episode 2.07 of California Highways: Route by Route continues our exploration of Route 1 by exploring an interesting gap in the route: The Golden Gate Bridge (GGB). The GGB is not part of the state highway system, and thus (from the point of view of the state) not part of either Route 1 or US 101. It is part of US 101 per AASHTO, and is run by its own district. We'll cover what was there before the bridge, the construction of the bridge, and current projects along the bridge (such as the singing bridge retrofit, the suicide barrier, and the earthquake retrofit. We'll also discuss how one pays tolls on the bridge. Looking forward, episode 2.08 will continue our exploration of Route 1 moving northward from the Marin Headlands to the Redwoods. For more details, see the show notes at https://caroutebyroute.org/2024/01/26/ca-rxr-2-07-rout…lden-gate-bridge/

Episode 2.06 of California Highways: Route by Route continues our exploration of Route 1 by exploring everything about Route 1 from Pacifica, just N of the Tom Lantos Tunnels near Montara (in San Mateo Couny) to and through San Francisco up to the Golden Gate Bridge. This includes communities such as Pacifica, Daly City, and of course, San Francisco. As always, we go over the history of this segment of the route, the history of the route through various communities , the freeway plans, discuss relinquishments, names, and some current plans (although there's not much in the relinquishment or plans area). As part of the freeway plans in the area, we include a discussion of the freeway revolt and some broader plans for San Francisco. Looking forward, episode 2.07 will continue our exploration of Route 1 with something Route 1-adjacent: The Golden Gate Bridge. For more details, see the show page at https://caroutebyroute.org/2024/01/12/ca-rxr-2-06-rout…nd-san-francisco/

In Episode 2.05 of California Highways: Route by Route, we continue our exploration of Route 1 by exploring everything about the segment of Route 1 from Carmel in Monterey County to just N of the Tom Lantos Tunnels near Monara (in San Mateo Couny). This includes communities such as Carmel, Monterey, Seaside, Watsonville, Castroville, Aptos, Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Coastline, Half Moon Bay, and Montara.  As always, we go over the history of this segment of the route, the history of the route through various communities , the freeway plans, discuss relinquishments, names, and some current plans. We also talk in detail about the Devil's Slide and the Tom Lantos Tunnels, as well as projects in Santa Cruz. Looking forward, episode 2.06 will continue our exploration of Route 1 with the portions between Pacifica to (and including) the city of San Francisco. For more information, see the show notes page at https://caroutebyroute.org/2023/12/31/ca-rxr-2-05-rout…a-cruz-coastline/

In Episode 2.04 of California Highways: Route by Route, we continue our exploration of Route 1 by exploring everything about the segment in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County and the portion in Monterey County up through Big Sur until just S of Carmel. This includes the Five Cities (Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach (actually part of Pismo Beach), Arroyo Grande, and Oceano (unincorporated county land serviced by the Oceano Community Services District)), San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, and San Simeon, as well as the (in)famous Big Sur. This episode also features an interview with Anneliese Ågren, a resident of Big Sur. As always, we go over the history of this segment of the route, the history of the route through various communities , the freeway plans, discuss relinquishments, names, and some current plans. We also talk about the history of slides on the Sur, and what people should know about the impacts of those slides. Looking forward, episode 2.05 will continue our exploration of Route 1 with the portions in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Mateo county from Carmel through Devil's Slide (Montara). For more details and additional links, see the show page at the show's forever home: https://caroutebyroute.org/2023/12/10/ca-rxr-2-04-rout…-slo-and-big-sur/

In Episode 2.03 of California Highways: Route by Route, we continue our exploration of Route 1 by exploring everything about the segment in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, from Solromar / Malibu at the edge of Ventura County to near Guadalupe in Santa Barbara County. We'll go over the history of this segment of the route, the history of the route through various communities including Malibu, Oxnard, Ventura, Lompoc/Vandenberg and Orcutt. We'll go over the freeway plans, discuss relinquishments, names, and some current plans. Looking forward, episode 2.04 will continue our exploration of Route 1 with the portions in San Luis Obispo from the 5 Cities through the northern edge of Big Sur in Monterey County. More information on the show page: https://caroutebyroute.org/2023/11/18/carxr-2-03-route…barbara-counties/

In Episode 2.02 of California Highways: Route by Route, we continue our exploration of Route 1 by exploring everything about the segment in Los Angeles County, from Long Beach to the northern edge of Malibu at the Ventura County line. We'll go over the history of this segment of the route, the history of the route through various communies including Long Beach, the Beach Cities, the LAX and Marina areas, Santa Monica, and of course the Battle of Malibu. We'll go over the incredible freeway plans, discuss relinquishments, names, and some current plans. Looking forward, episode 2.03 will continue our exploration of Route 1 with the portion in Ventura and Santa Barbara County. For more information and relevant links, visit the show's page at its forever home.

Welcome back to season 2 of California Highways: Route by Route. With Season 2 we return to the original premise of the podcast: Going route by route through every state highway. We start with Route 1 and its segment in Orange County. In this episode, we'll go over what was the first national highway, the first state highway, the first legislative route, and then explore the history of today's route 1, looking specifically at the segment from Dana Point to Seal Beach. We hope to pick up the pace a little (after all, we have 34 planned seasons to get through), and the next episode will cover Route 1 in Los Angeles County. For more information, including links and references, see the show notes.

We close season 1 of the podcast with an episode that focuses on the organizations involved with the State Highway System. In this episode, we discuss organizations you might have heard about, but don't know about: The California Transportation Commission, the California Coastal Commission, Caltrans, the Regional Transportation Planning Agencies, and AASHTO. After this episode we're taking a short break, but should be back in the fall when we'll start exploring the California state highway system, route by route. For more details and show links, see https://caroutebyroute.org/2023/07/04/carxr-1-12-the-organizations-of-the-state-highway-system/

In our penultimate episode of the season, we explore highways and their names. Tom and Daniel discuss how highways got their names in the past, as well as how highways are named today through the legislature. You'll see a discussion of historical names, destination-based names, and memorial names. We'll also explore auto trail names, as well as some of the more notorious names that highways have been given. Lastly, listen until after the end credits for a discussion about an aspect of naming that people often forget. Our last episode in the season will explore the organizations related to the state highways. We'll then have a short hiatus while we write season two, and then we'll start exploring the California state highway system, route by route. More information at https://caroutebyroute.org/2023/05/28/carxr-1-11-highway-naming/

In this episode, we complete our exploration of numbering of state highways by turning our attention to the County Signed Route system. This system, started in 1959, uses a blue pentagon with yellow numbers, and applies to significant routes at the county level. It is the last episode in a four part miniseries on highway numbers in California. In this episode we talk about the history of the County Signed Route system, how the routes are numbered, some significant county signed routes, and what is happening with the system today. There is no interview. We're going to move the interview segments into separate bonus episodes, owing to the difficulty of obtaining and scheduling the interviews. There are two episodes left in the season: one exploring highway naming, and one exploring the organizations related to the state highways.

In this episode, we continue our exploration of numbering of state highways by turning our attention to the Interstate Highway system. This system, started in 1956, uses the red, white, and blue shields. It is the third episode in a four part miniseries on highway numbers in California. In this episode we talk about the history of the Interstate Highway system, how the Interstate Highways are numbered, the history of California’s chargable interstates (i.e., highways that counted towards the federal 42,500 mile limit), the history of California’s non-chargeable interstates, some interstate submissions that were never approved, and we opine about some of the most common questions about California interstates. There is no interview. We’re going to move the interview segments into separate bonus episodes, owing to the difficulty of obtaining and scheduling the interviews. The remaining episode in this miniseries will explore the numbering of and the history of California’s signed county route system. See the full episode notes, including links, at https://caroutebyroute.org/2023/03/25/carxr-1-09-highway-numbering-interstate-highways/

In this episode, we continue our exploration of numbering of state highways by turning our attention to the U.S. highway system. These are the white shields with black numbers. It is the second episode in a four part miniseries on highway numbers in California. In this episode we talk about the history of the US highway system, how the US highways are numbered, how things have changed in the post-Interstate era, and we wax rhapsodic on the nostalgia of US highways. The remaining episodes in the miniseries will explore the numbering of and the history of California's Interstates, and the signed county route system. Our interview for this episode was to be with Jim McDonnell of AASHTO on AASHTO's role in assigning US and Interstate numbers. But we've run into scheduling difficulties and haven't been able to coordinate a recording time by our scheduled drop date. So consider this Part I of the episode. When we can get things coordinated with Jim we'll record and release Part II.

In this episode, we explore numbering systems in state highways. It is the start of a four part miniseries on highway numbers in California. Specifically, this episode explores the rhymes and reason for the assigning of signed route numbers to highways with the state shield. This includes looking at the patterns in those numbers, and how the numbering system stands today after the Great Nenumbering. The subsequent episodes in the miniseries will explore the numbering system of US Highways, the numbering of and the history of California’s Interstates, and the signed county route system. The episode also explores another numbering system on state highways: Post Miles. As opposed to sequential mileage numbers as is found in other states, California uses a system called post miles that identifies points along a highway using a combination of a county and a mile point from the southern/western county line, possibly with clarifying prefixes or suffixes. We discuss this system is good detail. Our interview is with Andy Richardson, who retired from Caltrans as a Subject Matter Expert in Geographical Information Systems, Linear Referencing Systems, and Postmiles. Andy worked as a GIS specialist for the State of California since 1988, including Caltrans between 2001 and his retirement in 2021. In his last years at Caltrans, he implemented the Department’s current Linear Referencing System. For more information and links for further explortion, visit the show page on CARoutebyRoute.

In this episode, we conclude our exploration the history of the State Highway System with the last episode in this 6-part miniseries. This episode focused on the post-1969 era in the stat highway system: the changes in the highway system after 1969; the impact of the environmental quality acts, and the growing involvement of the regional transportation agencies. We also explore the changes in governance of state highways. Our interview is with Gary Ruggerone, who was the Caltrans District 5 Environmental Branch Chief from June 1980 until December 2010 when he retired from Caltrans. He started as as an Environmental Planner in D7 in March 1979, one of 5 environmental planners hired off the very first Environmental Planner Civil Service Exam. He was directly involved with Caltrans during the early days of CEQA and NEPA and is joining us to provide valuable insight on the impact of the CEQA. Gary is currently the Owner/Principal Environmental Planner of Piedra Environmental Consultants, a local environmental planning firm specializing in CEQA and NEPA analysis and regulatory permit compliance for transportation-related projects. A life-long resident of California, Gary earned a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from California Polytechnic State University, Pomona, and a Master of Arts in Population Aquatic Biology from the University of California at Santa Barbara. For additional information and links, visit https://caroutebyroute.org/2022/12/24/carxr-1-06-chronology-ceqa-and-reality/

In this episode, we’re continuing to explore the history of the State Highway System, focusing on the construction boom in the 1960s under the administration of Pat Brown. This period saw the great renumbering, as highways were unified under a combined legislative / sign route system (as opposed to the separate systems that existing previously). It also saw a tremendous expansion of the freeways as construction worked hard to meet the construction deadlines. The period ended with the passage of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the election of Ronald Reagan, and the Freeway Revolts. Our interview is with Arturo Salazar, a retired Distrct 7 Caltrans engineer and moderator of the Freeways of Los Angeles Facebook group.

In this episode, we’re continuing to explore the history of the State Highway System, focusing on the period as WWII was ending, the Interstate system was emerging, and the construction boom was starting. This is part of our first season of California Highways: Route by Route, where we are exploring the background needed for our route by route journey. In this episode, we see the birth of the Freeway System in California, starting with the Collier-Burns act increasing state funding for highways, and State and Federal recommendations for higher-capacity systems. We see the growth in cities and urban areas pushing demand for the same, leading to the definition of the Freeway and Expressway System. We cover the passage of the 1956 Interstate Highway Act, and the subsequent freeway conversion and construction boom. Our guest interview is with Dr. Jonathan L. Gifford of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He is also the director of the Center for Transportation Public-Private Partnership Policy. His doctoral dissertation examined the history and development of the interstate highway system from its origins in the 1930s through its design and deployment in the 1960s and beyond.

In this episode, we're continuing to explore the history of the State Highway System, focusing on the 1930s and the early 1940s. This is part of our first season of California Highways: Route by Route, where we are exploring the background needed for our route by route journal. In this episode, we'll see the establishment of the legislative route system, the creation of state sign routes and the signage by the auto club, a major expansion of the state highway system, and continuing growth on the Federal side, laying the groundwork for the eventual interstates. This episode also features an interview with Morgan Yates, Archivist of the Auto Club of Southern California. During his interview, Morgan shared a picture of alternative state routing signs proposed by the ACSC (included here thanks to the auto club). For more details on the episode, including links, see https://caroutebyroute.org/2022/09/15/carxr-ep-1-03-building-a-state-highway-system-the-1930s/ 

This first season of California Highways: Route by Route establishes the background listeners will need for our subsequent route by route podcasts. We’re starting with a history of the state highway system. In Episode 1.01, we discussed how the highway system started and got through the first three bond acts that created a large number of today’s routes. This second episode explores the 1920s: the start of the gas tax, the Melville Act that allowed the state to take over traversable highways through small cities that cannot afford them, as opposed to just rural highways between cities, the impact of the Breed Bill, and the establishment of the Division of Highways (today’s Caltrans). We’ll go over some of the major highways added during this time period, and most importantly, we’ll discuss the start of the Federal Highway system, better known today as the US Highways. We’ve got a special interview related to that subject: Joel Windmiller, President of the California Chapter of the Lincoln Highway Association. Additional inofrmation on the episode, including links, may be found at https://caroutebyroute.org/?p=130 

Welcome to the first season of California Highways: Route by Route. This first season will be establishing the background listeners will need for our subsequent route by route podcasts. We'll start with a history of the state highway system. We'll then explore how highways are numbered in the state. Lastly, we'll look at how highways are named, and some of the organizations involved with state highways. This first episode explores the start of the state highway system. We'll start with the humble beginnings with the first routes defined by the legislature, and then go into the routes defined by the first three bond acts. We'll also explore the Good Roads movement, and we'll have a special interview with Adam Prince of Gribblenation. Here are some relevant links: California Highways - Chronology: Phase I: A Highway System is Established (1897-1914) California Highways - Chronology: Phase II: Early Growth (1915-1932) Good Roads: Origins of the California Highway System, 1890s-1910 (SCVHistory)

This is a sample episode to show what the Route by Route format will be, as we don't expect to start exploring routes until the second season. The first season will be mostly background: The history of the California State Highway system, explorations of how highways are numbers, exploring how highways are named, and the entities you'll be hearing about in the episodes, such as the CTC. But we know you want the routes, so we decided to do a sample one for you. This episode focuses on Route 105. The episode covers the following topics: Legislative Route 105 1965-1968 Interstate 105 Post 1968 Interstate 105 - The Century Freeway Why I-105 doesn't end at I-5 The construction and the consent decree Names on the Highway Significant Problems Major Current Projects For more information: California Highways: Route 105 | Route 42 | Route 10 Gribblenation Blog: Former California State Route 42 and Former California State Route 10 | Interstate 105 In Our Path. This is a site dedicated to showing the effect of the construction of I-105 in Los Angeles. There is a photo essay and other features. Interstate 105: The Fight for a Changing Los Angeles Access Magazine: The Century Freeway: Design by Court Decree California @ AARoads: I-105

California Highways: Route by Route is a podcast exploring California's state (and county) highway system, starting with the history and proceeding route by route through all highways in the state. This episode introduces you to the podcast, giving you a taste of things to come.