NAFTA Corridor
The California 86 corridor between the Mexican border and Interstate 10 near Indio is described in the current Caltrans Surface Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) as a North American Free Trade Agreement or "NAFTA" routing; this specific route, as described in the document, follows this path:
- Starts at the border along new California 7 to California 98
- Extend north along proposed California 7 to Interstate 8
- Follow Interstate 8 west to California 111
- Continue north on California 111 to California 78
- Follow California 78 west for a mile or two to California 86
- Bypass Brawley along a new alignment for California 78-86
- Continue north along California 86
- Once in Riverside County, follow along the California 86S expressway/freeway alignment north to Interstate 10.
The parts of this route that have been upgraded are constructed to Interstate-type geometry, along with adequate shoulders -- but, of course, with at-grade crossings. At these crossings, there appears to be enough reserved land adjacent to the intersections to eventually accommodate interchange facilities. The parts of California 111 north of Interstate 8, the California 78/86 bypass of Brawley, and the long-anticipated California 78/86 bypass of Westmorland, northwest of Brawley are listed in the STIP as four-lane expressway, with a few interchanges. These interchanges are planned where California 86 diverges from the California 78/86 multiplex south of Brawley.
The gist of these improvements is that the "NAFTA" highway will be a continuous facility along the previously described routing and designed to upgradable expressway status. Also, the commercial truck traffic along this corridor has increased significantly since mid-1980s. The recent emergence of the Mexicali area as a principal location of assembly/production facilities on the south side of the border (largely to avoid the congested Tijuana/San Diego border area) has likely enhanced the traffic flow on California 86/111 and its tributaries.
California 7 was planned largely to relieve the Calexico crossing on 111 which, while not quite to the "backup" level of Interstate 5, is still subject to delay during most daytime hours. Being relatively free of adjacent commercial development, California 7 is planned as the primary commercial border crossing in the Imperial Valley, with 111 retaining most of the cross-border tourist and "civilian" traffic because of its proximity to central Mexicali -- at least for the immediate future. Besides, California 7 is intended to tie in to the Baja network of toll roads, particularly the one paralleling Mexico Federal Route 2, which means that it will likely see increased traffic levels as the new facility gains ridership and becomes familiar to commercial drivers.
The upshot of all this is that the "NAFTA" reference in the STIP, the development of the facility as an upgradable expressway, and the likelihood of increased traffic loads, particularly large trucks, points to an ultimate freeway corridor. Also significant is the fact that along California 86, those resort communities on the west side of the Salton Sea get frontage roads along the expressway -- and these frontage roads veer away from the expressway at major cross streets, where diamond interchanges could be constructed with no additional easement. In fact, given its status as a major connector to Mexico, it could be nominated for inclusion in the Interstate Highway System.
Many thanks to Scott Parker for writing much of this assessment of the NAFTA Corridor and lending insight on the state's STIP.
Highway Guide
| California 86 north |
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After the ramp to eastbound Interstate 8, northbound California 86 next approaches the left turn to westbound Interstate 8 to San Diego. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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Northbound California 86 and westbound Business Loop I-8 are cosigned along northbound 4th Street and a portion of Adams Avenue through El Centro. Photos taken 04/01/06 and 06/12/99. |
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With its designation as Business Loop I-8, motorist amenities abound along California 86, including fast food and motels. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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The next traffic signal along northbound California 86 and westbound Business Loop I-8 is for Aurora Drive. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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The Bureau of Land Management Office for El Centro is located on California 86 and Business Loop I-8. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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Ross Avenue is the next intersection along northbound California 86 and Business Loop I-8. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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The El Centro Chamber of Commerce and Stark Field Park are located at the intersection of California 86 (4th Street) and Lenrey Avenue. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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Billboards create a skyline above the commercial strip along northbound California 86 and Business Loop I-8. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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This reassurance shield for California 86 is posted prior to the Orange Avenue intersection. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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Orange Avenue is another east-west city street. Use Orange Avenue west to Central Union High School. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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Another reassurance shield for California 86 is posted after the Orange Avenue. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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Continuing north along 4th Street, northbound California 86 and westbound Business Loop I-8 meet Imperial County Route S-80 (Main Street) east to Holtville. Imperial County Route S-80 west merges with California 86 and Business Loop I-8 en route to downtown El Centro. Main Street is the original alignment of Historic U.S. 80. Follow Main Street west for an earlier alignment of U.S. 80; the realigned U.S. 80 follows California 86 and Imperial County Route S-80 on 4th Street and Adams Avenue joins California 86 and Business Loop I-8. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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After the Main Street traffic signal, a reassurance shield is posted for Business Loop I-8 and California 86, but not for Imperial County Route S-80. Photo taken 04/01/06. |
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Wrapping around 4th Street and shifting onto Adams Avenue, California 86, Business Loop I-8, and Imperial County Route S-80 turn from north to west. After seven blocks, the routes divide. The business loop turns left at the traffic signal shown in the photo, which serves Imperial Avenue. Imperial Avenue travels south back to Interstate 8. Unlike many other business routes, most trucks are not allowed to use Imperial Avenue. Photo taken 06/12/99. |
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Meanwhile, Imperial County Route S-80 continues west from here along Adams Avenue, which changes back into the Evan Hewes Highway west of the city limits of El Centro. The route continues to follow Historic U.S. 80. At this same intersection, California 86 turns north along Imperial Avenue toward the cities of Imperial and Brawley. Photo taken 06/12/99. |
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North of El Centro, California 86 meets Imperial County Route S-28, Barioni Boulevard, in the city of Imperial. Photo taken 06/12/99. |
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Northbound California 86 expressway just south of Brawley. Much of California 86 is an expressway between El Centro and Indio, with the exception of the route through Brawley. A bypass route has been proposed to carry California 78 and 86 through traffic around Brawley, but the route remains unconstructed as of November 2003. NOTE: The Brawley Bypass was originally proposed as California 228 to go around the southwestern corner of the city; now the bypass is proposed to carry California 78 and California 111 around the northern edge of Brawley. The current route through town will remain part of California 86. Photo taken 06/12/99. |
| California 86 north and California 78 west |
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In Westmorland, northbound California 86 and westbound California 78/Main Street approach Imperial County Route S-30/Center Street. Use Imperial County Route S-30 north to the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge or south to Seeley and Mt. Signal. Incorporated in 1934, Westmorland had a population of 2,131 people as of the 2000 Census and consists of 0.4 square miles, making this one of the smallest cities in Imperial County. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A pair of reassurance shields for California 86 north and California 78 west is posted prior to the stop sign intersection with Imperial County Route S-30 in Westmorland. Photos taken 03/14/09. |
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A street light is suspended by wires over the middle of California 86 and California 78/Main Street in Westmorland. Check gas and food, since services are inconsistent until reaching the Coachella Valley. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Leaving Westmorland, the first marked intersection along northbound California 86 and westbound California 78 is with Martin Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A mileage sign provides the distance to Salton City (28 miles), Indio (63 miles), and Los Angeles (191 miles). Note that all of these destinations are along the path of Historic U.S. 99, which California 86 replaced in 1964. No destinations along California 78 west to Escondido or Oceanside are listed. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another set of reassurance shields for northbound California 86 and westbound California 78 is posted after the Martin Road intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Along the western edge of the Salton Sea, northbound California 86 and westbound California 78 retain an expressway feel with limited at-grade intersections and usually a mile or more spacing between intersections. The next marked intersection is with Lack Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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These California 86 north and California 78 west shields are located after the Lack Road intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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When the California 86 corridor was widened through the 1990s and 2000s, concrete was used for the newly constructed main lanes. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next intersection along California 86 north and California 78 west is with Buck Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another set of California 86 north and California 78 west reassurance shields is posted after Buck Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next intersection along California 86 north and California 78 west is with Vendel Road. (This road, like most of the others, provides local ranch and farm access.) Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another set of California 86 north and California 78 west reassurance shields is posted after Vendel Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next intersection along California 86 north and California 78 west is with Bannister Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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More local access is available at the next intersection, which is not signed with a named road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another set of California 86 north and California 78 west reassurance shields is posted soon thereafter. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A mileage sign provides the distance to Salton City (20 miles), Indio (55 miles), and Los Angeles (182 miles). Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next intersection along California 86 north and California 78 west is with Poe Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another set of California 86 north and California 78 west reassurance shields is posted after Poe Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next intersection along California 86 north and California 78 west is with Barton Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next intersection along California 86 north and California 78 west is with Allen Road. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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It's fair to say that the next intersecting road doesn't go anywhere except provide local access. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another set of California 86 north and California 78 west shields is posted thereafter. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next intersection along California 86 north and California 78 west is with another local access roadway. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another set of California 86 north and California 78 west reassurance shields is posted thereafter. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This power transmission line had to be realigned onto tall metal poles in order to allow for the widening of this section of California 86 in the 1990s. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another set of California 86 north and California 78 west reassurance shields is posted thereafter. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The desert rolls on, as much of this land is not arable and not as fertile as lands seen south of the Salton Sea in the Imperial Valley. More farmland is located north of here in the Coachella Valley at the north end of the Salton Sea. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Yet another set of California 86 north and California 78 west reassurance shields is posted thereafter. This must be one of the best-signed overlaps in the state. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A break in the monotony comes as California 86 north and California 78 west prepare to split and we approach the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint (one mile). Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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During hours of operation, the left lane of California 86 closes and motorists queue for inspection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Now that the left lane is closed, another stop ahead sign (0.50 mile) appears. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A final reassurance shield assembly for California 86 north and California 78 west is posted prior to the checkpoint. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Turn left on California 78 west to the continuation of the Juan Bautista de Anza Historic Trail. Soon, the two state routes will part ways, with California 78 turning west toward Anza Borrego Desert State Park, Julian, Ramona, and Escondido. California 86 continues north along the expressway toward Salton City and Indio. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another yellow "Prepare to Stop" sign is posted. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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California 86 crosses San Felipe Creek on this newer bridge. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to Julian (50 miles) and Oceanside (111 miles) via California 78 west. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A California 78 west trailblazer shield is posted next. The routes divide after the U.S. Border Patrol Inspection Station. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The U.S. Border Patrol Inspection Station is operated on a wide section of roadway prior to the California 86 and California 78 split. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
| California 86 north |
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After the U.S. Border Patrol Inspection Station, California 78 splits west toward Julian, and California 86 continues north. This mileage sign provides the distance to Salton City (12 miles), Indio (48 miles), and Los Angeles (via Interstate 10, 174 miles). Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This section of California 86 is designated as the David E. Pierson and Bill Freeman Highway. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A California 86 north reassurance shield is posted shortly thereafter as the expressway continues north toward Salton City. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The northbound lanes of California 86 are older than the southbound lanes. This conclusion can be reached because the northbound lanes are made of asphalt and the lanes have more undulations than the southbound lanes, which were more smoothly graded. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A single tree sits in the median of California 86; it is notable since there are no other trees anywhere else around here. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A grove of palm trees and other trees lies ahead on the right (east) side of California 86. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86 north reassurance shield is posted shortly after the driveway to the ranch with the palm tree grove. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The Santa Rosa Mountains rise in the distance; the area around California 86 is mostly flat, with washes created by seasonal flooding. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86 north reassurance shield is posted after another ranch access roadway intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Spring wildflowers were in bloom along this stretch of California 86 south of Salton City. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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To the east, the Salton Sea comes into view as California 86 is at a higher elevation than the saltwater lake. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This mileage sign provides the distance to Salton City (six miles), Indio (41 miles), and Los Angeles (via Interstate 10, 168 miles). Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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California 86 turns a bit more north and thus no longer travels northwest toward the Santa Rosa Mountains. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Again turning northwest, California 86 will pass between the mountains and the sea. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86 north reassurance shield is posted as the expressway continues toward Salton City. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86 approaches Air Park Drive and the connection to a nearby airport. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86 north reassurance shield is posted after Air Park Drive. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next marked intersection along California 86 north is with Harvard Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86 north reassurance shield is posted after Harvard Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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California 86 enters Salton City, an unincorporated community in northwestern Imperial County. Although a substantial road network exists from the 1950s-master planned community, most streets are deserted with few buildings or homes along them. As of the 2000 Census, 978 people lived in this unincorporated Imperial County community. Along with Desert Shores, Salton City is part of the Salton Community Services District (SCSD), which provides some governmental services, while others are provided by Imperial County. As for travelers along California 86, motorist services (gas, food) are available here. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next marked intersection along California 86 north is with Imperial County Route S-22/Borrego-Salton Seaway. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Imperial County Route S-22/Borrego-Salton Seaway travels west from this intersection into San Diego County, where it connects to Borrego Springs and Ranchita before ending at San Diego County Route S-2/San Felipe Road south of Warner Springs. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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An Imperial County Route S-22 trailblazer shield is placed prior to the Seaway intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A mileage sign provides the distance to destinations via Imperial County Route S-22 west: Borrego Springs (28 miles) and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Headquarters (30 miles). Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86 north reassurance shield is posted after the Imperial County Route S-22/Borrego-Salton Seaway intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next marked intersection along California 86 north is with Sunrise Drive in Salton City. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This California 86 north reassurance shield is posted after the Sunrise Drive intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next marked intersection along California 86 north is with North Marina Drive in Salton City. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This mileage sign along California 86 north provides the distance to Coachella (30 miles), Indio (33 miles), and Los Angeles (160 miles). Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Leaving Salton City, the next marked intersection along California 86 north is with Coombs Drive. Ahead is a truck carrying citrus. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86 approaches Treadwell Boulevard. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This view looks east toward the Salton Sea. Located within the Salton Sink, a low elevation area that straddles Imperial County and Riverside County, the Salton Sea sits at an elevation of 226 feet below sea level. It was formed in 1905 when floodwaters from the Colorado River valley flowed west through an irrigation dike into the sink. Floodwaters flowed into the sink for two years before it could be altered back to its regular course along the Colorado River. Due to polluted flows from the New River and Alamo River, the lack of an outfall, agricultural runoff, and increasing salinity, the saltwater lake has seen damaging fish kills and worsening water quality. Attempts are currently underway to fix the problems that plaque the Salton Sea. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This California 86 north reassurance shield is posted after the Treadwell Boulevard intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86 north reassurance shield is posted, but this one has the Salton Sea as a backdrop. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86 next approaches Brawley Avenue; turn right to the unincorporated community of Salton Sea Beach. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A second sign advises that the next intersection is with Brawley Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Look for the point where the tall wooden power lines move away from California 86; an unmarked intersection with Coolidge Springs Road (left turn) leads to an extant section of Historic U.S. 99. Much of the route between Calexico and here are largely under today's California 86, but some single-slab concrete is found along a loop near Desert Shores. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86 next enters unincorporated Desert Shores, the last community along California 86 north in Imperial County. It shares some governmental services with Salton City through the Salton Community Services District (SCSD); other services are rendered by Imperial County. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next marked intersection along California 86 north is with Monterey Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86 north reassurance shield is posted soon thereafter. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86 next approaches Desert Shores Road to Desert Shores. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This mileage sign along California 86 north provides the distance to Coachella (22 miles), Indio (25 miles), and Los Angeles (152 miles). Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The north end of the historic segment of U.S. 99 (Collidge Springs Road) intersects California 86 after the Desert Shores Road intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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California 86 passes by Travertine Rock (elevation 89 feet above sea level) near Desert Shores. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next marked intersection along California 86 north is with Avenue 86, which serves as the county line between Imperial County and Riverside County. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86 meets Avenue 86. At this point, California 86 leaves Desert Shores in Imperial County and enters the unincorporated community of Oasis in Riverside County. This is also where California 86 enters the Coachella Valley. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A California 86 reassurance shield is posted after Avenue 86. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This section of California 86 is a designated safety corridor. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86 approaches Avenue 84. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next marked intersection along California 86 north is with Lincoln Street. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A set of power lines cross over California 86. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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As the pavement shifts to concrete and the lanes turn away from the parallel power lines, California 86 turns onto its newest expressway segment and moves away from the old U.S. 99 alignment it has used through Oasis, Valerie Jean, Coachella, and Indio for years prior. The expressway becomes known as California 86S, and California 86 follows the old alignment of U.S. 99 through those communities. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86 and California 86S will split at 81st Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Turn left here to follow California 86 north to Oasis or continue straight ahead to follow the California 86S expressway north to Coachella, Indio, and Interstate 10. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Based on the tire skid marks, it seems a lot of people have made last minutes decisions to stop or turn here. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
| California 86S north |
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A California 86S north reassurance shield is posted after the 81st Avenue intersection (86-86S Split). The state highway continues as a four-lane expressway through the Coachella Valley all the way to Interstate 10. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A set of power lines cross over the freeway; these lines were placed on metal poles when the expressway was completed in the early 2000s. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This mileage sign along California 86S north provides the distance to Junction California 195 east to California 111 and Mecca (six miles), Coachella (15 miles), and Indio (18 miles). Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86S north reassurance shield is posted prior to the 76th Avenue intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next intersection along California 86S north is with 76th Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This suite of photos shows the next California 86S reassurance shield after the 76th Avenue intersection. Photos taken 03/14/09. |
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Another high-voltage power line crosses the California 86S expressway shortly thereafter. These photos show the transition from wooden to metal poles. Photos taken 03/14/09. |
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A flock of birds glides above California 86S north prior to the 72nd Avenue intersection. The Salton Sea is located along a major migratory bird flyway, so it is quite common to see birds. We are nearly at the northern tip of the Salton Sea now; by the time we get to Mecca, California 86S will meet California 111, which follows the eastern shore of the Salton Sea. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another California 86S north reassurance shield is posted after the 72nd Avenue intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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And still another California 86S north reassurance shield is posted after the 70th Avenue intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86S crosses the Whitewater River on this concrete bridge (another bridge accommodates southbound traffic). The Whitewater River flows southeast into the Salton Sea from here. Photos taken 03/14/09. |
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The next intersection along California 86S north is with California 195/66th Avenue, a short state highway that connects California 86S with California 111 near Mecca. The former route of California 195 used to extend west and then south from this intersection along Pierce Street to the old alignment of California 86. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Aside from a couple of trailblazers and one reassurance shield, California 195 is mostly unsigned and about a mile long. Its primary purpose is to link California 86S and California 111. (There is no interchange where California 86 crosses over California 111.) California 195 used to be longer, with a segment continuing east from California 111 at Mecca to Interstate 10 at Chiriaco Summit (via an old alignment of U.S. 60-70) and a segment continuing east and then south to the old alignment of California 86 via Pierce Street. Eventually, California 195 will be fully replaced by California 111; the old route of California 111 through Coachella will be decommissioned and returned to local control. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Follow 66th Avenue west to the unincorporated community of Valerie Jean. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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As for California 111, this major state highway originates in the border city of Calexico, travels north through the Imperial Valley to Brawley, then continues north along the eastern shore of the Salton Sea through Calipatria and Bombay Beach before entering the Coachella Valley. At the city of Indio, California 111 turns northwest to serve the various cities of the Coachella Valley all the way to Palm Springs, then ends when it is absorbed into Interstate 10 east of San Gorgonio Pass. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The intersection with 66th Avenue is the first signalized intersection along California 86 since leaving Brawley. Traffic turning left at 66th Avenue are given a long exit ramp to the traffic signal to allow for separation from fast moving through traffic when the light is green. This design is common for the next several signalized intersections along California 86S. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86S meets 66th Avenue and California 195 at this traffic signal. Turn left to follow 66th Avenue west to Valerie Jean; turn right to follow California 195/66th Avenue east to California 111 and Mecca. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
| California 86S and California 111 north |
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From here north to Interstate 10, California 86S and California 111 share alignment (although currently only one reassurance shield assembly indicates this). This mileage sign along California 86S north provides the distance to Coachella (nine miles), Indio (12 miles), and Palm Desert (20 miles). Note that the control city of Los Angeles (seen along California 86 through the Imperial Valley) is omitted on this sign. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next signalized intersection along California 86S north is with 62nd Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The expressway crosses over California 111 and the railroad at this point; there is no direct connection between California 86S and California 111. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A pair of traffic signal warning signs is posted prior to the 62nd Avenue intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Another safe left turn pocket is available for the turn onto 62nd Avenue west. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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An intersection ahead sign is posted for 62nd Avenue. Watch for stopped or slow traffic. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This California 86S north reassurance shield is posted after the 62nd Avenue intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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An overpass ahead carries 58th Avenue over California 86S. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next signalized intersection along California 86S north is with Airport Boulevard (56th Avenue). Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86S meets Airport Boulevard (56th Avenue) and enters the city of Coachella. Turn left on Airport Boulevard to the unincorporated community of Thermal, which is located at 120 feet below sea level and frequently sees temperatures in excess of 100 degrees in the summer. Thermal occasionally appears in the news as the hottest spot in the country during the summer. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next signalized intersection along California 86S north is with 52nd Avenue, complete with safe left turn ramp. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Fifty-second Avenue travels west into downtown Coachella after crossing the Whitewater River, railroad, and California 111/Grapefruit Boulevard. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A third guide sign for 52nd Avenue is posted along California 86S north in Coachella. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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After the 52nd Avenue intersection, a neutered (no state name) California 86S reassurance shield is posted along northbound. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next signalized intersection along California 86S north is with 50th Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A dedicated left turn pocket is available for traffic turning from California 86S north to 50th Avenue west. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86S meets 50th Avenue; this is the final traffic signal along California 86S north. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A California 86S north reassurance shield is posted after the 50th Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The California 86S-111 expressway changes into a freeway configuration after the 50th Avenue intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The only standalone interchange along California 86S is the junction with Business Loop I-10/Dillon Road east to Interstate 10 and west to Indio. The business route follows Dillon Road, Grapefruit Boulevard, and Indio Boulevard along old U.S. 60-70-99 through Indio. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Dillon Road travels north and then northwest through Indio Hills, Sky Valley, and North Palm Springs before ending at California 62 southwest of Desert Hot Springs. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86S meets Business Loop I-10/Dillon Road at this interchange. Use Dillon Road northeast to Interstate 10 east and use Dillon Road southwest to Indio and to Historic U.S. 60-70-99/Indio Boulevard. An Indian Casino is located northeast of California 86S via the Dillon Road exit. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A trailblazer shield for Interstate 10 west is posted after the gore point for the Dillon Road interchange. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A final California 86S reassurance shield is posted after the Dillon Road interchange. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The northbound lanes of California 86S and California 111 cross over the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Northbound California 86S merges onto westbound Interstate 10 from the left. To continue along California 111 northwest through the Coachella Valley toward Palm Springs, use the next offramp to Golf Center Parkway. No END shield is posted for California 86S. Photos taken 03/14/09. |
| Former California 86 north in Coachella and Indio |
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An END shield for California 86 north used to be posted along northbound California 111 at the intersection with Business Loop I-10/Historic U.S. 99 northwest split in Indio; this sign assembly was gone by 2007. California 86 used to continue north all the way to Interstate 10 via Business Loop I-10, but the section of the business route north of this point was decommissioned by the state. This is an unusual ending point for California 86 since California rarely signs cosigned routes for routes that do not split apart (in other words, California 86 merges with California 111, but it does not become a solo route again). These signs were gone by 2007; now California 86 ends prior to entering the city of Indio. Photo taken 06/12/99. |
| California 86S-111 south |
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After the Dillon Road interchange, the next signalized intersection along southbound California 86S is with 50th Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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END FREEWAY is posted along southbound California 86S at the 50th Avenue intersection. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next signalized intersection along southbound California 86S is with 52nd Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Continuing south, the next signalized intersection along southbound California 86S is with 62nd Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Southbound California 86S crosses over California 111 and the railroad via this bridge. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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High voltage power lines cross California 86S after the California 111 bridge. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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The next signalized intersection along southbound California 86S is with Junction California 195/66th Avenue. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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A California 195 trailblazer shield is posted along with California 111 south at the 66th Avenue signalized intersection. At this intersection, California 111 turns off California 86S and proceeds southeast toward Mecca, Niland, Bombay Beach, and Calipatria. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Southbound California 86S approaches Junction California 195/66th Avenue to California 111 south. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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Going back ten years ... California 86S was designated separately from mainline California 86 because the new expressway initially did not connect with California 86. We think the intent was to create a temporary routing until the two discontinuous segments were joined, but now that they are joined, California 86S has not yet been changed in favor of California 86. This photo was taken on California 86S south at the California 195/66th Avenue intersection. At the time this picture was taken, the California 195 intersection was the end of the expressway, but it has since been extended south to rejoin with California 86 at 81st Avenue. Photo taken 09/99. |
| California 86S south |
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| California 86 south |
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| Scenes Pertaining to California 86S |
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Near Desert Shores in Imperial County, some roads lose their pavement just before reaching the shores of the Salton Sea. A large "pavement ends" sign is posted prior to the ever-changing shoreline of the Salton Sea. Photo taken 03/14/09. |
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This a sample of California 86S expressway signage that is found along the highway south of Indio. Photo taken 09/99. |
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California 86S is a designated safety corridor. Photo taken 09/99. |
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This expressway entrance sign is found along southbound California 86S near Indio. Photo taken 09/99. |
Page Updated July 7, 2009.
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