California 57

Routing

California 57 is the Orange Freeway. Starting at the Orange Crush interchange (Junction Interstate 5 and California 22) at the corner of Santa Ana, Orange, and Anaheim, the California 57 freeway travels almost due north past Fullerton on its way to Diamond Bar and Pomona, passing through the Kellogg Interchange (Junction Interstate 10 and California 71), ending at Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway in San Dimas and Glendora.

History

Originally, the path of California 57 was Pomona Avenue and Brea Canyon Road. The freeway was constructed in phases to connect Anaheim with Pomona. In the early 2000s, California 57 was extended north past the Kellogg Interchange to end at Interstate 210 due to the extension of that freeway east to Rancho Cucamonga.

Key Opening Dates of California 57 freeway sections:

  • Interstate 5 to Chapman Avenue - March 24, 1976
  • Chapman Avenue to Katella Avenue - March 24, 1976 (widened November 4, 1992)
  • Katella Avenue to California 91 - November 14, 1974 (widened November 4, 1992)
  • California 91 to Nutwood Avenue - June 2, 1969 (widened November 4, 1992)
  • Nutwood Avenue to California 90 - June 3, 1970 (widened November 4, 1992)
  • California 90 to Birch Street - September 20, 1971 (widened November 4, 1992)
  • Birch Street to Tonner Canyon - September 20, 1971 (widened December 24, 1997)
  • Tonner Canyon to North of Pathfinder Road - March 13, 1972 (widened December 24, 1997)
  • North of Pathfinder Road to California 60 West Separation - March 13, 1972
  • California 60 West Separation to California 60 East Separation - May 5, 1970 (widened March 9, 1998)
  • California 60 East Separation to Temple Avenue - December 9, 1970
  • Temple Avenue to Raging Waters Drive - May 1, 1972
  • Raging Waters Drive to Interstate 210 - June 21, 1971

Many thanks to C.J. Moon for his assistance in providing this historical chronology.

Future Aspirations

Legislatively, California 57 is proposed for extension south through Santa Ana to a terminus at Interstate 405 in Fountain Valley. Discussions in the considered constructing the freeway as a toll road, perhaps by traveling on top of or alongside the Santa Ana River. An Orange County Register article from April 2009 stated, "Two of the alternatives to be studied call for digging up the Santa Ana River and putting in freeway lanes beneath the channel, allowing for it to continue to be used for flood control. One alternative calls for a double-bore underground tunnel, though one not necessarily following the alignment of the river. A final alternative calls for an arterial road to be built above the river, at the level of the 14 existing bridges that carry surface streets along the waterway." 2

Four alternatives for a California 57 south extension were studied in mid 2009. All four were labeled "D" as part of a possible five-part strategy for reducing congestion within the central area of Orange County. The five strategies included several strategies, including intelligent transportation systems, improvements to the existing freeway network, interchange improvements, bus rapid transit, arterial improvements, and HOT lanes. One of the possible alternatives studied was the extension of California 57, which could have taken the following forms:3

  • D3: Freeway cut and cover tunnel
  • D4: Freeway in dual bore tunnel
  • D7: Freeway tunnel unconstrained alignment
  • D8: Bridge level arterial with intersections

A study from October 2009 determined that the tunnel and arterial options were not feasible given cost, rights of way, and environmental concerns. The tunnel option in particular would be a very expensive proposition. Given these concerns, the proposed extension of California 57 is not imminent although may be studied further in the future.3, 4

The proposed extension of California 57 is very controversial. Environmental impacts with the Santa Ana River are significant, as are cost impacts due to the elevated nature of the proposed freeway. The city of Fountain Valley is opposed to the extension for fear of impacts to already congested traffic during commuting hours on Interstate 405. Other improvements to existing roadways are planned to facilitate traffic management in central Orange County rather than focusing on this new highway proposal.2

Planned Improvements

Additional lanes and related improvements are slated for California 57 north. Between Fall 2010 and 2014, construction is slated along two segments to add lanes and improve interchanges. Segment 1 is from north of California 91 near Orangethorpe Avenue in Placentia to Lambert Road in Brea. Segment 2, which is slated to start in Summer 2011, will bring improvements to California 57 between Katella Avenue and Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim.5

Ongoing improvements are also underway in Diamond Bar at the California 57 and California 60 merge, including the direct connection ramp for High Occupancy Vehicle (Carpool) traffic. Specific improvements include development of collector/distributor lanes, traffic separation for the connections to Grand Avenue that eliminate weaving and merging across multiple lanes, and add the number of lanes. The project (planning, environmental review, design, and construction) is expected to continue from 2009 through 2016. For more information, visit the 57/60 Confluence Project web page.

Highway Guide

California 57/Orange Freeway north
California 57 begins at the Orange Crush interchange, which is the confluence of Interstate 5/Santa Ana Freeway, California 22/Garden Grove Freeway, and California 57/Orange Freeway. Ramps from Interstate 5 and California 22 merge to form the nascent freeway, which begins its journey north through Orange, Fullerton, Brea, Diamond Bar, and San Dimas before ending at Interstate 210/California 210 at the southeastern corner of Glendora. California 57 enters the city of Orange, population 128,821 as of the 2000 Census. As an alternative to Interstate 5, motorists may use California 57 north to Interstate 210 west. Although longer, the route avoids most Los Angeles-area bottlenecks and is not as heavily traveled as Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway. Photo taken 07/03/04.
The first exit along northbound California 57/Orange Freeway is Exit 1A, Junction Orange County Route S-25/Chapman Avenue, followed by Exit 1B, Orangewood Avenue. On the ramp connecting northbound Interstate 5 to northbound California 57, there is no access afforded to Exit 1A. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Use either Exit 1B, Orangewood Avenue or Exit 2, Katella Avenue to Angel Stadium. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The next two exits serve Angel Stadium. Photo taken 07/04/07.
This roadside sign acts as a reassurance marker for California 57 north to Pomona. Photo taken 07/04/07.
A roadside sign identifies Exit 1B with an exit number. Signs such as this were added along northbound California 57 in 2004. Photo taken 03/25/05.

Angel Stadium, with its distinctive Red "A" visible from California 57, is visible to the left of the freeway in the distance. Photo taken 07/04/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits on California 57/Orange Freeway north: Exit 1B, Orangewood Avenue; Exit 2, Katella Avenue; and Exit 3, Ball Road. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 1B, Orangewood Avenue; the next exit is Exit 2, Katella Avenue. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The next exit along California 57 north is Exit 2, Katella Avenue, which provides access to both Angels Stadium (home of the Anaheim Angels Major League Baseball team) to the west and Arrowhead Pond (home of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks National Hockey League team) to the east. Photo taken 03/25/05.
The next three exits along northbound California 57/Orange Freeway are Exit 2, Katella Avenue; Exit 3, Ball Road; and Exit 4, Lincoln Avenue. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Looking west from the 57 freeway is this view of Angel Stadium. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 2, Katella Avenue. Photo taken 07/03/04.
Use Exit 3 (Ball Road) to Arrowhead Pond. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The next exit along California 57/Orange Freeway north is Exit 3, Ball Road. Use Ball Road to Arrowhead Pond. Photo taken 07/04/07.
Exit 3 is identified with a single roadside sign located next to a towering marquee with a list of events at the Pond. Photo taken 07/04/07.
The next three exits along northbound California 57/Orange Freeway are Exit 3, Ball Road; Exit 4, Lincoln Avenue; and Exit 5, Junction California 91/Riverside Freeway. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Northbound California 57 reaches Exit 3, Ball Road. To the east, Ball Road and Katella Avenue merge together, and they form Orange County Route S-18 at the California 55 interchange to the east near Villa Park. Photo taken 03/25/05.
The next exit along California 57/Orange Freeway north is Exit 4, Lincoln Avenue, 1.25 miles. Photo taken 03/25/05.
The next three exits along northbound California 57 are Exit 4, Lincoln Avenue; Exit 5, Junction California 91/Riverside Freeway; and Exit 6, Orangethorpe Avenue. A variable message sign was also installed on this overpass. Photo taken 03/25/05.
During the spring/summer of 2004, several roadside exit number signs were posted along northbound California 57 within Orange County. Photo taken 07/03/04.
The next exit along northbound California 57/Orange Freeway is Exits 5A-B, California 91/Riverside Freeway, one mile. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Northbound California 57 reaches Exit 4, Lincoln Avenue. Photo taken 07/03/04.
The next exit along northbound California 57/Orange Freeway is Exits 5A-B, Junction California 91/Riverside Freeway. The two right lanes exit onto California 91. Use California 91 east to Riverside and San Bernardino. The section of California 91 between California 55 and California 71 is one of the more congested freeways in Orange County, and high occupancy vehicle/toll lanes were installed privately to accommodate the additional traffic volume. Since that time, Orange County has taken over management of those toll lanes. Photo taken 03/25/05.
The next three exits along northbound California 57/Orange Freeway are Exits 5A-B, California 91/Riverside Freeway; Exit 6A, Orangethorpe Avenue; and Exit 6B, Chapman Avenue. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches the offramp for Exit 5A, California 91/Riverside Freeway east to Riverside and San Bernardino. The next ramp is for Exit 5B, California 91 west to Redondo Beach. Photo taken 03/25/05.
As part of the stack interchange, northbound California 57 reaches Exit 5B, the ramp to westbound California 91/Riverside Freeway. Note that the control city is Los Angeles, which can be considered true in the sense that California 91 enters Los Angeles when it crosses Interstate 110. In addition, California 91 enters Los Angeles County after departing La Palma and entering Cerritos west of Interstate 5. In the vicinity of the county line, the California 91 freeway name changes to the Artesia Freeway. Photo taken 03/25/05.
The next exit along northbound California 57/Orange Freeway is Exit 6A, Orangethorpe Avenue. Photo taken 03/25/05.
This mileage sign provides the distance along northbound California 57/Orange Avenue for the next three exits: Exit 6A, Orangethorpe Avenue; Exit 6B, Chapman Avenue; and Exit 7, Nutwood Avenue. Photo taken 07/04/07.
Orangethorpe Avenue parallels California 91 through Orange and Fullerton. Fullerton sits to the west of California 57, while California 57 passes through Orange. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 6A, Orangethorpe Avenue. Photo taken 03/25/05.
The next exit along northbound California 57 is Exit 6B, Chapman Avenue, which heads east to Placentia and west into Fullerton. Photo taken 03/25/05.
The next three exits along northbound California 57 are Exit 6B, Chapman Avenue; Exit 7, Nutwood Avenue; and Exit 8, Yorba Linda Boulevard. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Another relatively new exit number sign is posted along northbound California 57, this time for Exit 6B, Chapman Avenue. Photo taken 07/03/04.
California 57 departs the city of Orange and enters the city of Fullerton, "The Education Community." Fullerton is home to 126,003 people as of the 2000 Census and was incorporated on February 15, 1904. Photo taken 07/03/04.
Northbound California 57 reaches Exit 6B, Chapman Avenue in Fullerton. The next exit is Exit 7, Nutwood Avenue. The guide sign for Exit 7 was replaced between 2004 and 2005. Photos taken 07/04/07 and 07/03/04.
Use Exit 7/Nutwood Avenue west to reach California State University at Fullerton. Photo taken 07/04/07.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 7, Nutwood Avenue. Some of the highway signs along California 57 between Fullerton and Pomona date back to the original construction of the freeway, and these signs really show their age. This particular sign, which is found along northbound as it reaches Exit 7/Nutwood Avenue, is an example of that older generation of sign. The sign is fairly dirty and has not been cleaned in some time. Photo taken 07/03/04.
The next exit along northbound California 57 is Exit 8, Yorba Linda Boulevard. Use Yorba Linda Boulevard east to the city of Yorba Linda, home to the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library. Photo taken 07/04/07.
An older overhead sign is posted after the newer exit number sign as northbound California 57 approaches Exit 8, Yorba Linda Boulevard. Photo taken 03/25/05.
The next three exits along northbound California 57 are Exit 8, Yorba Linda Boulevard; Exit 9, Junction California 90/Imperial Highway; and Exit 10, Lambert Road. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Northbound California 57 reaches Exit 8, Yorba Linda Boulevard. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The next exit along northbound California 57 is Exit 9, California 90/Imperial Highway. California 90 leads southeast from here, partially as a freeway through Yorba Linda (the Richard M. Nixon Freeway), to culminate its journey at California 91. California 90 also heads west as far as California 39 in La Habra. Photo taken 03/25/05.
The next three exits along California 57/Orange Freeway north are Exit 9, California 90/Imperial Highway; Exit 10, Lambert Road; and Exit 11, Tonner Canyon Road. This is another sign along California 57 that dates back to the original freeway construction, and it also looks that old. Photo taken 03/25/05.
A carpool lane entrance/exit is located prior to the Imperial Highway interchange. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Northbound California 57 approaches Exit 9, California 90/Imperial Highway, next right. Photo taken 07/04/07.
California 57 connects to the eastern branch of California 90; another segment exists along the Marina Freeway in Los Angeles near Interstate 405 and Los Angeles International Airport. A freeway was once planned to connect the two segments, but such a road will likely never be constructed. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Since trucks are restricted on Lambert Road, those vehicles should instead use Imperial Highway. Photo taken 07/04/07.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 9, California 90/Imperial Highway. Photo taken 07/04/07.
Upon passing under California 90, northbound California 57/Orange Freeway departs the city of Fullerton and enters the city of Brea. The next exit along northbound is Exit 10, Lambert Road. The city of Brea was incorporated on February 23, 1917. Photo taken 07/04/07.
The next three exits along northbound are Exit 10, Lambert Road; Exit 11, Tonner Canyon Road; and Exit 14, Diamond Bar Boulevard in Los Angeles County. Note that this sign bridge is of a different design than those south of Exit 10; this is because the section of California 57 north through Puente Hills was constructed at a different time than the freeway south of California 90/Imperial Highway. Photo taken 03/25/05.
Another new, roadside exit number sign is found in advance of Lambert Road. Use Lambert Road east to reach Carbon Canyon Road/Junction California 142. California 142 passes through Carbon Canyon en route to Sleepy Hollow before reaching Chino Hills in San Bernardino County (Junction California 71/Chino Valley Freeway). Photo taken 07/03/04.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 10, Lambert Road. Westbound Lambert Road leads into Brea, where it meets Brea Boulevard. Photo taken 07/03/04.
The next exit along northbound California 57 is Exit 11, Tonner Canyon Road, one mile. California 57 passes through the undeveloped Puente Hills and Brea Canyon, reemerging in civilization at Diamond Bar in Los Angeles County. Photo taken 07/03/04.
California 57 enters the Puente Hills and Brea Canyon. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Northbound California 57 approaches Exit 11, Tonner Canyon Road. Note how open this area is compared to the rest of the California 57 freeway south of here. Photo taken 07/04/07.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 11, Tonner Canyon Road. Photo taken 07/03/04.
In the midst of Puente Hills/Brea Canyon, California 57 departs Orange County and enters Los Angeles County. The county line cuts east-west through the Puente Hills. To the west, the county line separates La Habra (south) from La Habra Heights (north). Photo taken 07/04/07.
The first exit within Los Angeles County along northbound California 57 is Exit 14, Diamond Bar Boulevard, three-quarters of a mile. California 57 enters the city of Diamond Bar. A former cattle ranch (Diamond Bar Ranch), much of the city was master planned and developed through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. Population increased as the Pomona Freeway opened, and Diamond Bar incorporated as a city on April 18, 1989. The population of Diamond Bar was 56,287 as of the 2000 Census. Photo taken 11/19/05.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along California 57/Orange Freeway north: Exit 14, Diamond Bar Boulevard; Exit 15, Pathfinder Road, and Exit 16, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway west to Los Angeles. (To California 60 east to Pomona and Riverside, continue along California 57 north as the two routes share alignment for a couple miles through Diamond Bar.) Exit 14 is the first exit upon exiting Brea Canyon. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The next five exits along California 57/Orange Freeway north all serve the city of Diamond Bar: Exit 14, Diamond Bar Boulevard; Exit 15, Pathfinder Road, Exit 16, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway west (to Brea Canyon Road); Exit 24B, Grand Avenue; and Exit 24A, which is where California 57 and California 60 split (take California 60 east to Diamond Bar Boulevard). Photo taken 11/19/05.
Northbound California 57 reaches Exit 14, Diamond Bar Boulevard. Use Diamond Bar Boulevard northeast into Diamond Bar. Diamond Bar Road reconnects with California 57 and California 60 (at California 60's Exit 25), so this can be an alternate route during times of congestion on the freeways. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The next exit along northbound California 57 is Exit 15, Pathfinder Road (one mile). Photo taken 11/19/05.
The two exits along northbound California 57/Orange Freeway are Exit 15, Pathfinder Road and Exit 16, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway west to Los Angeles. After that exit, California 57 north and California 60 east merge, and they have a shared exit at Grand Avenue. California 60 is the superior route, so Grand Avenue is Exit 24B based on that route's mileage. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 15, Pathfinder Road. Pathfinder Road heads west along the bottom of the Puente Hills, connecting to Fullerton Road near Rowland Heights. Looking east, Pathfinder Road connects with Diamond Bar Boulevard. Photo taken 07/04/07.
The next exit along northbound California 57 is Exit 16, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway west to Los Angeles, one mile. Northbound California 57 and eastbound California 60 merge for a couple miles after this interchange. Through traffic should remain in the left lanes; the right lanes connect to California 60 west. Photo taken 07/04/07.
This mileage sign along California 57/Orange Freeway north provides the distance to Exit 16, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway west and Exit 24B, Grand Avenue. This sign still shows California 60 as the "Pomona Freeway." Even though several signs that include the freeway name been removed, replaced, or covered, many still remain in use, especially in Los Angeles County. Photo taken 07/04/07.
A temporary orange construction sign advises that traffic for Exit 16 (California 60 west) should use the right two lanes. With the extension of carpool lanes and new direct connectors, signage through the Diamond Bar area has changed. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Shortly thereafter, northbound California 57 meets Exit 16, Junction California 60 west. The pull through sign advises that the left lanes continue as California 57 north and California 60 east. The original porcelain enamel sign was replaced between 2005 and 2007; it was altered to include the direct connection for carpool traffic (left lane). Through traffic on California 57 is advised to take the main lanes rather than the carpool lanes, since the carpool lanes only connect to California 60 east (as of 2007). Photos taken 07/04/07 and 11/19/05.
This series of pictures follows California 57 north as it merges with California 60 east. The first picture shows the link to California 60 west (Exit 16), while the second picture shows the carpool lane separation from California 57 north. In the third picture, traffic from California 60 east merges from the left with California 57 north. Photos taken 07/04/07 and 11/19/05.
California 57/Orange Freeway north and California 60/Pomona Freeway east
A roadside sign advising of using Exit 24B (Grand Avenue) for Chino Hills is posted. Back in 2005, the elevated carpool lanes were still under construction (including the direct connection from California 57 north to California 60 east); they were done by 2007. Photos taken 02/26/11 and 11/19/05.
Traffic from California 57/Orange Freeway merges onto California 60/Pomona Freeway east from the right. The two routes briefly share alignment, with one mutual interchange at Exit 24B, Grand Avenue. Photo taken 02/26/11.
Eastbound California 60 and northbound California 57 meet Exit 24B, Grand Avenue in Diamond Bar. With the addition of a carpool lane and direct HOV connector between California 57 and California 60, this interchange underwent construction between 2002 and 2007. New signs were in place by summer 2007. Photos taken 07/04/07 and 09/28/02.
Now on the offramp to Grand Avenue, turn right for the connection to Diamond Bar and Chino Hills. Photo taken 02/26/11.
A roadside sign (posted after the Grand Avenue offramp) advises that California 60 east and California 57 north will split at Exit 25. California 57 proceeds north to San Dimas and Interstate 210, while California 60 leads east into Pomona and Ontario. Photo taken 11/19/05.
This view shows California 57 north and California 60 east as seen from the Grand Avenue onramp. A golf course is located on the southeast side of the freeway, hence the tall wooden poles and fence. Photo taken 02/26/11.
This mileage sign provides the distance for the next three exits on California 60 east only: Exit 25, Junction California 57/Orange Freeway north; Exit 26, Diamond Bar Boulevard; and Exit 28, Phillips Ranch Road. Photo taken 07/15/06.
Eastbound California 60 and northbound California 57 split at Exit 25. Use the right three lanes to exit onto California 57/Orange Freeway north (Exit 25); the left four lanes continue east along California 60/Pomona Freeway. The next exit along California 60 east is Exit 26, Diamond Bar Boulevard. Photos taken 02/26/11 and 11/19/05.
California 57/Orange Freeway north
California 57 resumes its northerly course as the Orange Freeway after splitting from California 60/Pomona Freeway. The freeway continues from here past northern Diamond Bar and Spadra before meeting Interstate 10 and entering San Dimas. Photo taken 11/19/05.
As California 60 passes overhead, northbound California 57 enters a brief tunnel to pass under the Pomona Freeway. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The first exit along California 57 after it splits from California 60 is Exit 20, Temple Avenue, one mile. Note that the sign bridges revert to the same model used south of California 90/Imperial Highway. Photo taken 07/03/04.
The next three exits along northbound are Exit 20, Temple Avenue; Exit 21, Junction Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway; and Exit 22, Via Verde/Raging Waters. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The San Gabriel Mountains loom in the distance ahead. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Use Exit 20 (Temple Avenue) to California Polytechnic University at Pomona. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway meets Exit 20, Temple Avenue. Use Temple Avenue east to Diamond Bar and west to Spadra, with connections to Holt Avenue/Valley Boulevard. There is no interchange between California 57 and Holt Avenue. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Due to limited sight distance between the last sign and the offramp, a roadside sign for Exit 20 is also posted. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The next interchange along northbound California 57 is the Kellogg Interchange, where California 57 meets Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway and California 71/Chino Hills Freeway. Until 2002, California 57 ended at this interchange, and Interstate 210 took over the Orange Freeway between here and former California 30. With the extension of California 210 (Future Interstate 210) east to San Bernardino, California 57 was extended for approximately four miles to terminate at Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway (California 210). Pull through signs, such as this one, were replaced to reflect this renumbering. As a result of this, Interstate 210 was orphaned from its parent Interstate 10 until 2007, when the final gap of California 210 was completed as a freeway. California 210 is expected to be submitted for inclusion in the Interstate Highway System after the redesign of the Interstate 215 and California 210 interchange is completed in San Bernardino. As for California 57, this change of numerical designation means that California 57 follows a four-mile stretch of former Interstate highway that is no longer signed as Interstate 210 but is technically still considered part of the Interstate Highway System until the approval process for the new section of California 210 is complete. Photos taken 11/19/05 and 07/04/07.
The Kellogg Interchange, built in 1972, is the point where California 57/Orange Freeway, Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway, and California 71/Chino Valley Freeway come together. This interchange is named for the old Kellogg Ranch, which predates the construction of the freeway interchange and the nearby residential and commercial development. After passing under Temple Avenue, California 57 curves north to pass on the top level of this symmetrical stack interchange. Direct access, high-speed ramps connect California 57 with both directions of Interstate 10, but no access is provided to California 71 south as it is considered to be an illogical connection. Photos taken 11/19/05.
Use Interstate 10 east to LA/Ontario International Airport in Rancho Cucamonga. This airport sees dozens of flights daily from several major airlines. To Raging Waters Drive, use Exit 22 (the second exit after the Interstate 10 offramp). Photo taken 11/19/05.
The left three lanes of California 57 are for through traffic north to San Dimas, while the right two lanes prepare for exit onto Interstate 10 (Exit 21). Interstate 10 east leads to the city of San Bernardino, passing into San Bernardino County after Exit 47 (Indian Hill Boulevard) and Exit 48 (Monte Vista Avenue). A transcontinental route, Interstate 10 continues east to serve desert communities such as Palm Springs, Indio, and Blythe before entering Arizona en route to the desert metropolis of Phoenix. The freeway spans California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Heading west, Interstate 10 aims directly toward downtown Los Angeles, swings to the southwest around downtown, then resumes west to Santa Monica and the Pacific Ocean. Photos taken 11/19/05 and 07/04/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along northbound California 57: Exit 21, Junction Interstate 10; Exit 22, Via Verde/Raging Waters; and Exit 24A, Covina Boulevard. The latter two exits are along what used to be Interstate 210. Photos taken 11/19/05 and 07/04/07.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway meets Exit 21, Junction Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway. The maze of ramps associated with the massive Kellogg Interchange is not as noticeable on northbound California 57, since the Orange Freeway serves as the top deck in the symmetrical stack interchange. However, the view of this interchange from the lowest level (Interstate 10) betrays the severe height difference between these two intersecting freeways. In addition, California 71 (which is not mentioned along northbound California 57) enters the Kellogg Interchange from the southwest, adding more ramps to the stack. Photos taken 11/19/05 and 07/04/07.
Back in 2002, Exit 21 was signed with a pull-through destination of Interstate 210 freeway west to Pasadena. The new sign in the previous photobox does not mention Interstate 210 or its control city of Pasadena. Photo taken 05/03/02.
The offramp to Exit 21 splits, with the left lane connecting to Interstate 10 west to downtown Los Angeles and the right two lanes connecting to Interstate 10 east to San Bernardino. This porcelain enamel sign dates back to the original construction of the Kellogg Interchange. Photo taken 11/19/05.
A white bridge identification sign still refers to this interchange as the joining of Routes 10, 57, and 210. This sign could be changed to reflects only Routes 10 and 57, since 210 does not terminate here (since 2002). Photo taken 07/04/07.
This view looks from the California 57 overpass east toward Pomona on Interstate 10, which rides the floor of the valley and is well below the grade of California 57. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Before leaving the Kellogg Interchange, this sign identifies the next exit from California 57/Orange Freeway north as Exit 22, Via Verde and Raging Waters, 0.75 mile. This is the first exit to serve the city of San Dimas. Ahead, traffic from Interstate 10 west merges onto California 57 north. This ramp was closed for a time on April 25, 2010, after a landslide brought rocks and mud onto the transition ramp. This ramp used to bring traffic from Interstate 10 west to Interstate 210 west before 210 was rerouted.1 Photo taken 11/19/05.
California 57 leaves the city of Pomona and enters the city of San Dimas, its northern terminus. San Dimas had a population of 34,980 as of the 2000 Census and was incorporated on August 4, 1960. Photo taken 07/04/07.
California 57/Orange Freeway north and Former Interstate 210 west
As California 71 merges onto northbound California 57 to the right, this mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 22, Via Verde/Raging Waters; Exit 24A, Covina Boulevard; and Exit 24B, Arrow Highway. The latest Interstate Highway Route Log and Finder List from the Federal Highway Administration (from 2002) still acknowledges the segment of California 57 between Interstate 10 and California 210 as being part of Interstate 210. Since this short segment was built with Interstate Highway funds, it is not clear if the updated route log will reassign those miles to the proposed new Interstate 210 that is currently designated as California 210. Photo taken 07/04/07.
Two new lanes from California 71 north join the mainline of California 57 north. Photo taken 04/26/08.
Use Exit 22 to Frank G. Bonelli Regional County Park. Photo taken 04/26/08.
California 57 heads uphill to meet Via Verde and Raging Waters at Exit 22; afterward, the freeway begins to descend toward Exit 24A, Covina Boulevard and Exit 24B, Arrow Highway. As the name implies, Via Verde and Raging Waters provides access to the theme park Raging Waters as well as Bonelli Regional Park and Puddingstone Reservoir. Photo taken 04/26/08.
The next four exits along California 57/Orange Freeway north (former Interstate 210 west) serve the city of San Dimas: Exit 22, Raging Waters Drive and Via Verde; Exit 24A, Covina Boulevard; Exit 24B, Arrow Highway; and Exit 25A, Allen Avenue/Auto Centre Drive. Photo taken 04/26/08.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway (former westbound Interstate 210) reaches Exit 22, Raging Waters Drive and Via Verde. The next exit along northbound is Exit 24A, Covina Boulevard. Photo taken 04/26/08.
This porcelain enamel sign is the first to advise travelers on California 57 north (former Interstate 210 west) for the next interchange: Exit 24A, Covina Boulevard. Photo taken 04/26/08.
The next three exits along northbound California 57 (former Interstate 210) are Exit 24A, Covina Boulevard; Exit 24B, Arrow Highway; and Exit 25A, Allen Avenue/Auto Centre Drive. Photo taken 07/04/07.
The San Gabriel Mountains come into view as California 57 begins to descend downhill. Photo taken 04/26/08.
These mountains are an effective barrier to keep any further development north of San Dimas. Inversion layers keep fog and smog from reaching the top of the mountains, leaving somewhat obscured visibility on days with high pollution. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Use Exit 24A, Covina Boulevard east to reach the Los Angeles County Fairplex. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 24A, Covina Boulevard; the following exit is Exit 24B, Arrow Highway. Photo taken 11/19/05.
The next four exits along northbound California 57/Orange Freeway are Exit 24B, Arrow Highway; Exit 25A, Auto Centre Drive/Allen Avenue; Exit 25B, Junction California 210 east; and Exit 25C, Junction Interstate 210 west. The Interstate shield is omitted from this mileage sign because the exit to the state route freeway occurs prior to the transition ramp onto westbound Interstate 210. However, astute observers will notice that the state route 210 shield covers up another shield ... likely to be an Interstate 210 shield. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 24B, Arrow Highway into downtown San Dimas. The next two exits are for the Foothill Freeway east (California 210) and west (Interstate 210). Photo taken 11/19/05.
The next exit along northbound is Exit 25A, Auto Centre Drive/Allen Avenue, three-quarters of a mile. Photo taken 11/19/05.
California 57 approaches its northern terminus as it contemplates its final two exits: Exit 25A to eastbound California 210 and westbound Interstate 210 to Pasadena and Sylmar. The interchange between California 57 and Interstate 210 is sometimes called the Glendora Curve, a name that harkens back to when Interstate 210 curved south to meet Interstate 10 in San Dimas. Interstate 210 takes over as the eastern bypass route for Interstate 5 between the Orange Crush Interchange (Junction California 22/California 57) and the Sylmar Interchange (Junction Interstate 210/California 14). Photo taken 11/19/05.
A final California 57 north reassurance shield is posted just after the mileage sign in the prior photobox. Photo taken 07/15/07.
This view looks north at the pending interchange with Interstate 210. Photo taken 11/19/05.
Northbound California 57/Orange Freeway reaches Exit 25A, Auto Centre Drive. As for through traffic, the left lanes default onto westbound Interstate 210, while the right lanes head east along California 210. Wires can partially obscure the legibility of the sign. Photos taken 11/19/05 and 07/15/07.
California 57 departs San Dimas and enters the city of Glendora just as the freeway approaches its northern terminus with California 210. Photo taken 07/15/07.
California 57 splits into westbound Interstate 210/eastbound California 210. Stay left for Interstate 210 west or right for California 210 (former California 30) east. California 30 was eliminated here in 2002, the same year Interstate 210 was realigned to end at this interchange. The Glendora Curve Interchange (Junction California 57 and California 210) marks the northern terminus of California 57/Orange Freeway. No END shield is posted here. Photo taken 11/19/05.
This view shows the ramp from California 57 north to California 210 east. A tall Los Angeles Department of Water and Power transmission line tower is visible as the ramp curves east. Photo taken 07/15/07.
Now on the transition ramp from California 57 north to Interstate 210 west, this view looks west on the main lanes of Interstate 210. Photo taken 04/26/08.
Once on the transition ramp from northbound California 57 onto westbound Interstate 210, this sign indicates that the next two exits from Interstate 210 serve the city of Glendora. Photo taken 07/03/04.
California 57/Orange Freeway south
California 57 Scenes
A California 57 trailblazer shield is posted on northbound Pomona Boulevard after the split from Valley Boulevard and prior to the intersection with Temple Avenue. Turn right on Temple Avenue to California 57 Exit 20. This shield is nearly illegible, but the digits were made visible by using the flash in the first photo. Photo taken 07/15/07.

Footnotes:

  1. Landslide forces closure of Interstate 10 road: The connection from the westbound 10 Freeway to northbound California 57 is shut after a 100-foot section of a hillside slides in San Dimas -- The morning commute will be affected, the CHP says, April 25, 2010, by Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times.
  2. 57 freeway may get long-awaited extension, Orange County Register, April 01, 2009, by Michael Mello.
  3. Central County Corridor - Major Investment Study - Reduced Set of Alternative Strategies from the Orange Country Transportation Authority (OCTA) Board of Directors Meeting on October 9, 2009.
  4. Weekly Update of Orange County Transportation by Will Kempton of OCTA on June 21, 2010. The article "Staff Shares Progress of Central County Study to Fountain Valley" states that the "City Council, which had adopted a resolution in opposition to extending the SR-57 down the Santa Ana River Channel, also reconfirmed with staff that the freeway extension concept was no longer under consideration and would not be part of a locally preferred strategy." That statement was confirmed by OCTA staff and reported in the weekly update.
  5. SR-57 Northbound Widening Project Orangethorpe Avenue to Lambert Road Fast Facts: Improving Travel on the Orange (SR-57) Freeway - This project is divided into two sections: Segment 1 - from north of California 91 near Orangethorpe Avenue in Placentia to Lambert Road in Brea and Segment 2 - Katella Avenue to Lincoln Avenue in Anaheim between 2010 and 2014. "Improvements to this five-mile stretch include the addition of one general purpose lane along with merging lanes and reconfiguration of certain on-ramps and off-ramps. Relocation of some existing soundwalls and construction of new soundwalls also will occur within the project corridor."
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Page Updated February 27, 2011.

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