Pacific Beach: Business Loop I-5/Mission Bay Drive north
This "albino" Business Loop I-5 shield was posted in front of a car dealership, but it was removed by the middle of 2005. Photo taken 02/21/05.
A close up of the same shield reveals its age. Rather than replace the shield, the city of San Diego decided to eliminate the business route designation. Photo taken 02/21/05.
A Business Loop I-5 trailblazer shield assembly was posted next to the 7-11 and Citgo at the intersection of Mission Bay Drive and Balboa Avenue, but shields for it were removed around the same time as nearby California 274 shields were removed from Balboa Avenue. Photo taken 02/21/05.
Northbound Business Loop I-5/Mission Bay Drive meets Damon Avenue at this signalized intersection. A ramp allows unfettered access onto Damon Avenue, but through traffic must stop when the light is red. Note the old-style white poles that support this sign, which used to be a lot older! Photo taken 02/21/05.
Business Loop I-5 (Mission Bay Drive, Old U.S. 101) crosses the Rose Creek on this 1938 bridge, which was rehabilitated in 1988. Photo taken 04/23/06.
Looking east from northbound Mission Bay Drive, across the Rose Creek channel, is an In-N-Out Burger restaurant. Photo taken 02/21/05.
Northbound Business Loop I-5/Mission Bay Drive meets Bluffside Drive at this traffic signal. A pair of Interstate 5 freeway entrance shields flank the continuation of the business route, which will reconnect to the northbound freeway. Photos taken 04/23/06 and 02/21/05.
Pacific Beach: Business Loop I-5/Mission Bay Drive south
Southbound Business Loop I-5 along Mission Bay Drive. Exit 23, which leads to Mission Bay Drive, is also signed for Grand Avenue, Garnet Avenue, and Balboa Avenue. This is because Mission Bay Drive/Business Loop I-5 has connections to each of these important east-west routes. Grand Avenue is the southernmost east-west route, and it is primarily used as a connection from northbound Interstate 5 and to southbound Interstate 5. Balboa Avenue (former California 274) and Garnet Avenue are actually at the same intersection with Mission Bay Drive, and westbound from that intersection provides direct access to the Pacific Beach community of San Diego. Eastbound from this intersection leads to the Clairemont and Kearny Mesa communities of San Diego. The Mission Bay Drive/Balboa Avenue/Garnet Avenue intersection is one of the busiest intersections in all of San Diego. Photo taken 05/02.
This tiny, non-standard Business Loop I-5 shield was posted on a power pole next to a former Mobil station along southbound Business Loop I-5/Mission Bay Drive at the Balboa Avenue/Garnet Avenue intersection. The sign was removed by mid-2005 and replaced with a traffic signal photo enforcement sign. As noted earlier, this is one of the busiest intersections in the city of San Diego. Photo taken 08/00.
A Business Loop I-5 shield is still posted (as of May 2009) along southbound Mission Bay Drive prior to the Grand Avenue intersection near a used car dealership (former Shell gas station). Photos taken 06/14/06.
Southbound Business Loop I-5/Mission Bay Drive transitions directly onto Interstate south after the traffic signal linking the business route to East Mission Bay Drive. Turn right here to follow East Mission Bay Drive south to the east shore of Mission Bay Park. Despite its proximity to the freeway, East Mission Bay Drive is not the old alignment of U.S. 101 ... sections of Morena Boulevard on the east side of the freeway is the old alignment. Photo taken 06/05/09.
The left lane of the three-lane onramp from Mission Bay Drive to Interstate 5 south is for carpools and HOV traffic only. The right two lanes are for all traffic. Upon joining the freeway, the three lanes merge together to form the exit only lane for Exit 22, Clairemont Drive. Photo taken 06/05/09.
Pacific Beach: Scenes Pertaining to Business Loop I-5/Mission Bay Drive
These signs are posted along northbound Mission Bay Drive as it intersects with Business Loop I-5 near the onramp to Interstate 5 south. There used to be a green business loop shield mounted above the Interstate 5 north shield in the last picture. Photos taken 04/20/09.
Del Mar/Solana Beach Business Loop I-5 (Northbound)
After departing at Exit 36, this overhead sign is found along westbound Via de la Valle and is posted on the Interstate 5 overpass. It provides directions to the Del Mar Fairgrounds via the left two lanes. Photo taken 04/23/06.
Northbound Business Loop I-5 and westbound San Diego County Route S-6 (Via de la Valle) have a connection to southbound Interstate 5 at this ramp. Photo taken 04/23/06.
After the Interstate 5 interchange, this overhead sign advises traffic en route to the Del Mar Fairgrounds to turn left onto Jimmy Durante Boulevard. The right lanes continue west along San Diego County Route S-6 (Business Loop I-5). Photo taken 04/23/06.
Prior to Summer 2000, this Business Loop I-5 sign was in place along westbound San Diego County Route S-6, Via de la Valle, after the Jimmy Durante Boulevard intersection. With some roadwork in the area, this sign was removed, perhaps by the cities of Del Mar or Solana Beach. This sign was a remnant from the 1960s-era Business Loop I-5 that used to extend from Del Mar north to Oceanside along Coast Highway 101 via Solana Beach, Encinitas (including Cardiff and Leucadia), and Carlsbad. However, most of the business loop signs along the U.S. 101/County Route S-21 corridor were removed. Only a few signs remain. As noted at the top, this sign is now gone. However, there are still a few business loop shields in place at the Interstate 5 and Via de la Valle interchange, including an END Business Loop I-5 along eastbound County Route S-6 as it approaches Junction Interstate 5 and also a trailblazer Business Loop I-5 shield on the northbound offramp from Interstate 5 onto Via de la Valle. Prior to 2000 there was a "Business Route 5 Next Exit" sign on the approach to Via de la Valle, but no photos were taken of it before its removal. Photo taken 09/98.
Del Mar/Solana Beach Business Loop I-5 (Southbound)
An END Business Loop I-5 shield is posted on eastbound Via de la Valle as the highway passes under Interstate 5. San Diego County Route S-6 continues east into San Diego, passing by Flower Hill on its way to Rancho Santa Fe and Escondido via Del Dios Highway. It provides directions to the Del Mar Fairgrounds via the left two lanes. Photo taken 04/23/06.
A loop ramp connects southbound Business Loop I-5 and eastbound San Diego County Route S-6/Via de la Valle with southbound Interstate 5. Photo taken 04/23/06.
Woodland Business Loop I-5 (Southbound)
This is the first reassurance shield for California 16 west. Omitted are shields for Business Loop I-5 and Yolo County Route E-7 south, both of which are sharing the Road 98 alignment south. Photo taken 12/29/04.
These Business Loop I-5 and Yolo County Route E-7 shields are found along Road 98. For whatever reason, they are not on the same signpost as the California 16 reassurance shield shown above. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Southbound Business Loop I-5 and California 16 split when Road 98 meets Main Street. Turn right to continue west on California 16 to Esparto, or turn left to follow Business Loop I-5 east (south) into downtown Woodland. Yolo County Route E-7 continues south along Road 98 toward Woodland. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Leaving downtown Woodland, southbound (eastbound) Business Loop I-5/Main Street approaches the final interchange with California 113 and Interstate 5. Main Street will first connect with California 113 south to Davis, followed by California 113 north to Interstate 5 north, and finally connect to Interstate 5 south. After the Interstate 5 ramps, Main Street will eventually change into Road 22 and follow Old California 16-24 southeast toward West Sacramento. Photo taken 12/29/04.
The next major right turn is for Interstate 5 north to Redding. Omitted from this sign is the fact that it also connects to California 113 north to Yuba City. Photo taken 12/29/04.
A smaller roadside sign advises that to Interstate 5 south, continue straight ahead along Main Street. Photo taken 12/29/04.
Woodland Business Loop I-5 (Northbound)
We begin our journey on westbound Business Loop I-5/Main Street at the interchange with Interstate 5 and California 113 south. The first left connects to Interstate 5 south at a half-diamond interchange; the second left connects to Interstate 5/California 113 north via a folded diamond interchange. A third left connects to California 113 south to Davis. Photo taken 12/29/04.
An overhead sign provides the control cities for Interstate 5 south to Sacramento, Interstate 5 north to Redding/California 113 north to Yuba City, and California 113 south to Davis. Photo taken 12/29/04.
This is the first business loop reassurance shield along westbound Main Street. Turn left at this traffic signal to Interstate 5 southeast to Sacramento. Photo taken 12/29/04.
Another overhead guide sign is posted for the connection to the second left for Interstate 5/California 113 north to Redding and Yuba City, followed by California 113 south. Photo taken 12/29/04.
Passing under the California 113 freeway, a final overhead sign advises of the third left that connects Main Street to southbound California 113 to Davis and to Interstate 80. Photo taken 12/29/04.
A California 113 south trailblazer is posted prior to the traffic signal for the third left. It would be nice to have a business loop reassurance shield posted alongside the trailblazer. Photo taken 12/29/04.
Main Street has four lanes with a median as it travels west into Woodland. A railroad closely parallels Main Street on the north side of the business route. Photo taken 12/29/04.
Traveling west on Business Loop I-5 at the California 16 and Yolo County Route E-8 intersection, turn right to continue north on the business loop back to Interstate 5. Continue straight ahead to follow California 16 west to Esparto, or turn left to follow the county route south toward Davis. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Now northbound Business Loop I-5/Yolo County Route E-7 and eastbound California 16 approach their junction with Interstate 5 after making this turn. Photo taken 12/29/04.
At Interstate 5, the first right connects to southbound en route to Sacramento and Los Angeles. For the continuation of California 16, follow Interstate 5 south to Business 80 and U.S. 50 east. The second right connects to Interstate 5 north. Photo taken 12/29/04.
A right turn loops from California 16/Business Loop I-5/Yolo County Route E-7 onto northbound Interstate 5 to Williams and Redding. Photo taken 12/29/04.
A pair of freeway entrance shield assemblies is posted at the ramp to Interstate 5 north. Road 98 continues north without any numerical designation after this point; there are no END shields for any of the signed routes. Photo taken 12/29/04.
Arbuckle Business Loop I-5 (Northbound)
Traveling north through downtown Arbuckle, a newer Interstate 5 north trailblazer is posted on northbound Old U.S. 99W. The Arbuckle community limits sign on mainline Interstate 5 shows a population of 837 and an elevation of 137 feet above sea level. However, the 2000 Census population figure for Arbuckle is much larger (2,332 people). Photo taken 03/31/05.
The only northbound reassurance shield for Business Loop I-5 in Arbuckle, complete with north banner, is posted here. This reassurance shield is posted on a painted white wooden post, which has started to chip and fade. It is possible that this post may have at one time carried a U.S. 99W shield given its age. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Coming to the north end of Arbuckle, another Interstate 5 north trailblazer is posted. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Williams-Maxwell Business Loop I-5 (Northbound)
Eastbound Husted Road intersects Old U.S. 99W southeast of downtown Williams. This intersection is located just east of Interstate 5's Exit 575, Junction Business Loop I-5. A "Business Loop Interstate 5" sign is posted for making a left turn (north) here, while Husted Road continues northeast toward Business California 20. The city of Williams is home to 3,670 people as of the 2000 census and features all motorist services and is a regional agricultural center. The downtown area is served by Business Loop I-5 (Old U.S. 99W), and a historic arch is located there. Granzella's restaurant is a popular attraction with its locally famous olives, although it burnt down in October 2007 (and is planned to reopen in Spring 2008). Photo taken 03/31/05.
North of the Business California 20 (E Street) intersection, travelers along northbound Business Loop I-5 (7th Street) are greeted by this historic U.S. 99W shield. Photos taken 03/31/05.
Maxwell-Williams Business Loop I-5 (Southbound)
Southbound Interstate 5 approaches the Maxwell Business Loop I-5 exit (Exit 588). This is an example of the once-commonplace, now rare freeway/business split signage unique to California. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
This picture shows the signage at the bottom of Maxwell Exit on Southbound Interstate 5. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady (03/99).
This albino, bullet-ridden Business Loop I-5 shield is found on southbound U.S. 99W between Maxwell and Williams. Is the combination of two business routes between Williams/Maxwell and Orland/Willows a contender for the longest continuous business loop in the country? Jerry Mullady noticed that the business loop is signed continuously (although sporadically) between Williams and Orland. However, the official California State Signing Log indicates that there is a subtle gap between the Williams/Maxwell and Willows/Orland loops, so they are not officially continuous. However, signage may well be continuous between these towns, and possibly further south and north of those assumed endpoints. Joe Rouse writes, "You indicate that the loop from Williams to Orland (possibly Corning) may be the longest business route in the nation. You're probably right about that, and it may be longer than you think. I've traveled Interstate 5 several times between Sacramento and Williams on my to Clear Lake, and I've seen some of the signs you have photographed. I have also noticed similar signs in Arbuckle, the next town south of Williams. Old US-99W runs uninterrupted between Arbuckle and Williams and there's a good chance this may be also part of Business Loop I-5." I don't think the business route designation connects with Arbuckle because there used to be an End Business Loop I-5 shield at southbound 99W and Husted Road just south of Williams, and the signing log indicates a break north of Maxwell. So that probably means the longest business loop is Business Loop I-76 between Fort Morgan and Sterling, Colorado. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Prior to the Business California 20 (E Street) intersection in downtown Williams, travelers along southbound Business Loop I-5 (7th Street) are greeted by this historic U.S. 99W shield. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Use Business California 20 east to Colusa (10 miles) or west to Clear Lake (41 miles). This mileage sign is on a pole, but the pole is so close to the building that it appears as if the sign is mounted onto the building. Photo taken 03/31/05.
This trailblazer shield assembly for Business Loop I-5 and Business California 20 is located in downtown Williams along southbound Business Loop I-5/Old U.S. 99W (7th Street). This is a rare junction between two business routes. Photos taken 03/31/05 and by Jerry Mullady (03/99).
Southbound Business Loop I-5 and Old U.S. 99W (Seventh Street) approach Husted Road. Turn right to merge back onto Interstate 5; continue straight ahead to follow U.S. 99W's old alignment to Arbuckle. An END Business Loop 5 shield is posted at this intersection. Photo taken 03/31/05.
After turning off Old U.S. 99W/Seventh Street, the business route briefly follows Husted Road west before interchanging with Interstate 5. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Orland Business Loop I-5
This photo shows the first trailblazer along Business Loop I-5 in Orland, headed northbound. Both the Willows and Orland business loop exits have the "5 Business" panel with an Interstate 5 shield. The northbound exit for Business Loop I-5 south of Williams (Husted Road) uses a green business shield; the Orland exit uses a red-white-blue shield. This presents a question of consistency about how Caltrans signs business routes from the state route system. Joe Rouse writes, "I would really like to see consistency in Caltrans business loop signage on this segment of Interstate 5 and elsewhere. The panel "Route ## Business" is good, but it needs to be used consistently if that's what Caltrans is going to use. If they're going to use the "(Shield) Business" sign, they should make up their minds what shield to use - the red, white, and blue I-Shield or the green and white I-Business shield. I'm not sure which one would work best, although I think the business shield is a bit redundant when combined with the word "Business" on the panel. Better yet, why not just use a trailblazer assembly? Have the green and white Interstate Business Loop shield on top, with a white on green panel with the words "Next Right" below it, similar to what they use to sign county routes off of a freeway (again, a rarity). I'd almost bet it's cheaper than the whole "Route ## Business" panel or the panel with the shield on it." Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Northbound Business Loop I-5/Historic U.S. 99W at the Orland Arch. Note the small U.S. 99W shield affixed to the base of the arch. Like many Central Valley communities, Orland has an arch to symbolize the entrance into this farming town. Note the presence of the railroad track to the left of the old highway. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Red Bluff Business Loop I-5
This view shows Interstate 5 south at the business loop exit into Red Bluff. Note the Historic U.S. 99 signage prominently displayed along the roadside. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Exit from southbound Interstate 5 onto Business Loop I-5 southbound leading into Red Bluff. Note the Historic U.S. 99 marker, which also points north along Road 99W. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Eastbound California 36 and Southbound Business Loop I-5 are dually signed along this stretch to the northwest of Red Bluff. Photo taken by Joel Windmiller, 08/99.
Business Loop I-5 near Via del Roble near Red Bluff. Photos taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Historic U.S. 99 is well-signed as it follows Business Loop I-5 in Red Bluff. Photos taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Intersection of Business Loop I-5 and California 36/Antelope Boulevard intersection in Red Bluff. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Northbound Business Loop I-5 in Red Bluff at Junction California 36 and California 99. This marks the northern terminus of California 99, which starts as a surface street in Red Bluff before turning south to serve the eastern side of the Central Valley. Much of California 99 south of Sacramento is a freeway. California 36 is a significant east-west highway that links the North Coast (U.S. 101) with the Northern Sierra region (U.S. 395). California 36 and California 99 are cosigned from this intersection east for about three miles; they separate just east of the Sacramento River bridge. Photo taken by Joel Windmiller, 08/99.
Cottonwood Business Loop I-5
Northbound Interstate 5 approaching Bowman Road in Cottonwood. This route is no longer designated as a business route, and the auxiliary signage shown here is no longer posted (with the conversion of all signage from button copy to reflective in the early to mid-2000s). Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Dunsmuir Business Loop I-5
Signage for Dunsmuir Avenue from the offramp from Interstate 5. Note the Historic U.S. 99 shield as well as the Business Loop I-5 shield along Dunsmuir Avenue. Photos taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Southbound Business Loop I-5 signage for the Dunsmuir Historical District as well as Interstate 5 South, Redding. Note the use of the "Business Loop I-5" shield. Photos taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
This business loop signage is unusual because it has "I-5" written inside the shield. Also, the cardinal direction indicator ("North") looks more like a street sign rather than a normal cardinal direction sign. It is likely that this sign assembly was not crafted to state specifications. Photos taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Along Business Loop I-5 in Dunsmuir, Historical U.S. 99 sign assemblies were fairly common in 1999, but most of these signs were gone by 2005. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Ramp signage from Dunsmuir Avenue/Business Loop I-5 to Interstate 5 north (Portland) and Interstate 5 south (Redding). Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
This picture of the Business Loop I-5 and Interstate 5 junction is remarkable for several reasons: the Interstate shields in the freeway entrance assembly do not have "INTERSTATE" written in them; Redding and Portland are the control cities; and Business Loop I-5 is also a bike route. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Weed Business Loop I-5 (north)
This sign is found along Business Loop I-5/Weed Boulevard north as it approaches the Interstate 5 interchange southwest of downtown Weed. Note how the sign has changed between 1999 and 2005: the business loop was deemphasized in favor of the Interstate 5 interchange. U.S. 97 is not mentioned at all, even though this is the official starting point for this major U.S. highway. In the 1999 sign, notice the seemingly simplified choice: College or Weed? Photos taken 03/31/05 and by Jerry Mullady (03/99).
The first Business Loop I-5 shield assembly after the Interstate 5 Exit 747 interchange omits any mention of U.S. 97 north, even though the two routes share this alignment north into at this intersection. Continue north on Business Loop I-5 and U.S. 97 into downtown Weed. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Northbound Business Loop I-5 meets U.S. 97 at this intersection. From here, U.S. 97 turns right toward Klamath Falls, while the business route continues north along California 265 through downtown Weed (returning to Interstate 5 at Exit 748). California 265 is conspicuously unsigned here, and there are no California 265 mileposts along its concurrent stretch with Business Loop I-5 either. Photo taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
This signs on northbound Business Loop I-5 shows the split for U.S. 97 north to Klamath Falls. This marks the southern terminus of California 265, which continues north from here to rejoin Interstate 5. It is such a short route that there are no California 265 shields. Photos taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Weed Business Loop I-5 (south)
Leaving downtown Weed, this sign assembly advises of the interchange between South Weed Boulevard (Business Loop I-5 and U.S. 97) and Interstate 5 at Exit 747. It is a matter of semantics as to whether U.S. 97 actually ends at California 265/Business Loop I-5 in downtown Weed or if it ends at Interstate 5 itself. Legislative Route 97 meets Interstate 5, so that is the southern endpoint for U.S. 97, so Business Loop I-5 and U.S. 97 merge for the southern half of the Weed Business Loop; however, the signage does not always show this shared alignment (especially on southbound U.S. 97). This picture shows the intersection of Weed Boulevard and U.S. 97. Photo taken 03/31/05.
This view shows southbound Business Loop I-5/Weed Boulevard passing under Interstate 5 en route to the College of the Siskiyous. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Southbound Business Loop I-5/Weed Boulevard approaches the ramp to Interstate 5 south to Redding. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Turn left from Business Loop I-5/Weed Boulevard south onto Interstate 5 south to Redding. Continue straight ahead to the College of the Siskiyous and southern Weed. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Weed Business Loop I-5 (scenes pertaining to)
These signs are found at the offramp from Interstate 5 south at Exit 747, Junction Business Loop I-5/U.S. 99 (Weed Boulevard) and U.S. 97 north to Klamath Falls. Photos taken by Jerry Mullady, 03/99.
Yreka Business Loop I-5 (north)
We begin our journey on Business Loop I-5 north after the Fairlane Road intersection and prior to the California 3/Fort Jones Road intersection. In between these points is the Interstate 5 interchange at Exit 773; these signs point to Interstate 5 north to Portland and Interstate 5 south to Redding. Photos taken 03/31/05.
After the Interstate 5 interchange at Exit 773, these trailblazers point the way to California 3 southwest to Fort Jones and Business Loop I-5/U.S. 99 (Main Street) north into the city of Yreka. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Business Loop I-5 and California 3 merge together on Main Street, but the first reassurance shield is for Historic U.S. 99. Photo taken 03/31/05.
A Business Loop I-5 reassurance shield is posted shortly thereafter. The business route is a four-lane roadway with center turn lane south of downtown Yreka. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Yreka Business Loop I-5 (south)
Now traveling southbound, Business Loop I-5 and U.S. 99 approach the California 3 junction. Continue straight ahead to follow California 3 south to Fort Jones, Etna, and Weaverville; turn left to follow Business Loop I-5 back to Interstate 5. Photo taken 03/31/05.
A pair of trailblazer shields, for California 3 south and to Interstate 5, is posted prior to the Fort Jones turnoff. Photo taken 03/31/05.
After making the turn from Main Street to the Interstate 5 connector, Business Loop I-5 seems to end at this diamond interchange with Interstate 5. The first turn connects to Interstate 5 south, and the second connects to Interstate 5 north. Photo taken 03/31/05.
Southbound Business Loop I-5 connects with Interstate 5 north to Portland at this onramp. Photo taken 03/31/05.
At the "end" of Business Loop I-5 is this befuddling sign: now the business route seems to split at the intersection with Fairlane Road. Fairlane Road is the Interstate 5 frontage road along the east side of Interstate 5 south of Yreka, and it is signed as a business route just like Main Street is signed. While the main business route follows Historical U.S. 99/Main Street on the west side of Interstate 5, this other business route follows the Fairlane Road frontage road. Photo taken 03/31/05.
