Interstate 605 is the San Gabriel River Freeway, following the river between Interstate 405 and California 22 in Seal Beach and Interstate 210 and U.S. 66 in Duarte. These endpoint cities are not featured on the overhead signs as control or destination cities; instead, the pull-through signs point simply say "Thru Traffic."
History
Key Opening Dates of Interstate 605:
195th Street to 183rd Street – July 27th, 1966
183rd Street to Cecilia Street – June 15th, 1966
Cecilia Street to Former California 72 – July 29th, 1965
Former California 72 to Peck Road – May 29th, 1964
Peck Road to Interstate 10 – November 4th, 1964
Interstate 10 to Arrow Highway – May 4th, 1971
Arrow Highway to Interstate 210 – January 22nd, 1971
Many thanks to C.J. Moon for his assistance in providing this historical chronology.
Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north
After the transition from California 22/Seventh Street east, Interstate 605 begins its northbound journey toward Duarte. The freeway has two northbound lanes initially, but the freeway soon merges with traffic from Interstate 405 to allow for four northbound lanes. Originally, the short section of Interstate 605 between California 22 and Interstate 405 was known as California 240 (from 1963 until 1968), but the route description was changed to incorporate all of California 240 as part of Interstate 605. (Interstate 605 was also extended from Interstate 10 north to Interstate 210 at the same time in 1968.) Photo taken 11/13/05.
The right lane becomes exit only for Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway north to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Santa Monica. The left two lanes continue north on Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 1A, Junction Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway north to Long Beach, LAX, Santa Monica, and points north. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Cresting over Interstate 405's mainline, northbound Interstate 605 prepares to merge with incoming traffic from Interstate 405. The existing two lanes will become the two left lanes, and two new right lanes will merge onto the freeway ahead. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Shifting our focus for a moment, this view shows the transition ramp connecting Interstate 405/San Diego Freeway north from Exit 24 to Interstate 605 north. Interstate 605 begins in the city of Seal Beach at the California 22 interchange, but it immediately enters the city of Los Alamitos at the Interstate 405 interchange. The population of Los Alamitos was 11,536 people as of the 2000 Census. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Back on the mainline, this upcoming exits mileage sign provides the distance to the next two exits along Interstate 605 north: Exit 1B, Katella Avenue and Willow Street and Exit 3, Carson Street and Lincoln Avenue. Two new lanes merge in from the left; these two lanes come from California 22 in Seal Beach. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Interstate 605 is known as the San Gabriel River Freeway. Almost the entire length of the freeway closely parallels the San Gabriel River from Seal Beach north to Irwindale. Photo taken 01/14/07.
A new carpool (high occupancy vehicle) lane forms on the left side of the freeway; the right lane becomes exit only for Exit 1B, Katella Avenue and Willow Street. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Use Katella Avenue east to unincorporated Rossmoor and the city of Los Alamitos. Use Willow Street west to the city of Long Beach. Photo taken 01/14/07.
A hospital (via eastbound Katella Avenue) and race track are located at this interchange. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Use Willow Street west to El Dorado Regional Park. Operated by the city of Long Beach, the regional park provides a nature center, hiking, and golf course. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 1B, Katella Avenue and Willow Street. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This view shows the signage on the offramp to Exit 1B as seen from the main lanes of Interstate 605 north. The first ramp connects to Katella Avenue east, and the second ramp loops onto Willow Street west. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north is Exit 3, Carson Street and Lincoln Avenue in Los Angeles County. Carson Street leads west into Long Beach and Lakewood, while Lincoln Avenue heads east into Orange County and Anaheim. Photo taken 01/14/07.
After the Katella Avenue and Willow Street interchange, Interstate 605 leaves Orange County and the city of Los Alamitos and enters Los Angeles County and the city of Long Beach. The second largest city in Los Angeles County, Long Beach is the largest city in California that is not a county seat. It is also home to one of the nation's largest ports at the Port of Long Beach. Incorporated in 1888, Long Beach had a population 461,522 of as of the 2000 Census. Many large city amenities and attractions are available in Long Beach, including the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary (1936 ocean liner permanently docked at Long Beach), California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and Walter Pyramid (home to CSULB's basketball teams). Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign along northbound Interstate 605 provides the distance to the next two exits: Exit 3, Carson Street and Lincoln Avenue and Exit 5A, Del Amo Boulevard. The southern two-thirds of Interstate 605 serves the Gateway Cities of southeastern Los Angeles County, which includes all cities and unincorporated areas along its corridor from Long Beach north to the City of Industry near the California 60/Pomona Freeway interchange. Photo taken 01/14/07.
A roadside sign for Exit 3, Carson Street and Lincoln Avenue is posted shortly thereafter. Photo taken 01/14/07.
To the east via Carson Street is the city of Hawaiian Gardens, which consists of one square mile and was home to 14,779 people as of the 2000 Census. Hawaiian Gardens incorporated on April 9, 1964. Photo taken 01/14/07.
A variable message sign (VMS) provides travel times to Interstate 5 and Interstate 10. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 3, Carson Street and Lincoln Avenue. Note the unusual font used for this reflective sign that was installed in 2003. Photo taken 01/14/07.
At Exit 3 (Carson Street and Lincoln Avenue), Interstate 605 leaves the city of Long Beach and enters the city of Lakewood. Home to 79,345 people as of the 2000 Census, Lakewood incorporated on April 16, 1954, during a period of heavy residential development between 1950 and 1960. Prior to this development, Lakewood was primarily agricultural. The first Denny's restaurant opened in Lakewood in 1959, and the restaurant chain has since established itself nationally. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next four exits along Interstate 605 north: Exit 5A, Del Amo Boulevard; Exit 5B, South Street; and Exits 7A-B, Junction California 91/Artesia Freeway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Use either Exit 5A, Del Amo Boulevard or Exit 5B, South Street to the city of Cerritos. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north is Exit 5A, Del Amo Boulevard to the city of Lakewood. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 5A, Del Amo Boulevard. At this interchange, Interstate 605 leaves the city of Lakewood and enters the city of Cerritos. Incorporated on April 24, 1956, the city of Cerritos was at one time known as Dairy Valley (from April 24, 1956, until January 10, 1967) and was home to 51,488 people as of the 2000 Census. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north: Exit 5B, South Street; Exit 7A, Junction California 91/Artesia Freeway; and Exit 7B, Alondra Boulevard. Photo taken 01/14/07.
A set of Southern California Edison 230kV power lines cross over Interstate 605. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 5B, South Street, one-quarter mile. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 5B, South Street, in Cerritos. The next exit is Exit 7A, Junction California 91/Artesia Freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along Interstate 605 north: Exit 7A, Junction California 91; Exit 7B, Alondra Boulevard; and Exit 9A, Rosecrans Avenue. Photo taken 11/13/05.
The next exit along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north is Exit 7A, Junction California 91/Artesia Freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 7A, Junction California 91/Artesia Freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
This view shows the signage for the transition ramp to Exit 7A, Junction California 91/Artesia Freeway and another entrance/exit to and from the HOV lanes as seen from the northbound Interstate 605 mainline. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign along northbound Interstate 605 provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 7B, Alondra Boulevard; Exit 9A, Rosecrans Avenue; and Exit 9B, Junction Interstate 105/Century (Anderson) Freeway west. Photo taken 01/14/07.
These three exits (Exit 7B, Alondra Boulevard; Exit 9A, Rosecrans Avenue; and Exit 9B, Junction Interstate 105/Century (Anderson) Freeway west) all serve the city of Norwalk. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 7B, Alondra Boulevard. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Another Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway sign is posted after the California 91 onramp and prior to Exit 7B, Alondra Boulevard. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The right lane of Interstate 605 north becomes exit only for Exit 7B, Alondra Boulevard. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 7B, Alondra Boulevard. At this interchange, Interstate 605 leaves the city of Cerritos and enters the city of Norwalk, which was home to 103,298 residents as of the 2000 Census. The city was incorporated in 1957, around the same time the Interstate 5 freeway was first built (as part of Bypass U.S. 101). Norwalk consists of 9.35 square miles. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along Interstate 605 north: Exit 9A, Rosecrans Avenue; Exit 9B, Interstate 105; and Exit 9C, Imperial Highway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 9A, Rosecrans Avenue to Norwalk. Photo taken 01/14/07.
While the next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 9A, Rosecrans Avenue, this sign advises of the third exit in sequence, which is Exit 9C, Imperial Highway. This sign indicates what would be Exit 9C, but we have passed neither Exit 9A (Rosecrans Avenue) nor Exit 9B (Junction Interstate 105/Century Freeway). Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 9A, Rosecrans Avenue. The next exit is Exit 9B, Junction Interstate 105/Century (Glenn Anderson) Freeway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Immediately thereafter, Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north reaches Exit 9B, Junction Interstate 105/Century (Glenn Anderson) Freeway. Interstate 105 is the last major freeway completed within Los Angeles County (it opened in 1994). It leads west from this exit to end at California 1 near Los Angeles International Airport. Originally, plans called for Interstate 105 to continue east to Interstate 5, but that connection was denied by the city of Norwalk. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 9C, Imperial Highway. Imperial Highway closely parallels Interstate 105/Century Freeway between Los Angeles International Airport and Norwalk. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The right lane of Interstate 605 north becomes exit only for Exit 9C, Imperial Highway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 9C, Imperial Highway approaching Exit 10, Firestone Boulevard (former California 42). The sign is artificially tall and is not vertically centered because the California 42 shield was removed from it. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 10, Firestone Boulevard (former California 42). The old California 42 shield was scraped off both this sign and the sign in the previous photo. California 42 was legislatively decommissioned upon the completion of Interstate 105, but portions of it are still signed today. After this interchange, Interstate 605 north leaves the city of Norwalk and briefly enters the city of Downey. As of the 2000 census, the city of Downey had a total population of 107,323, incorporated on December 17, 1956, and consisted of 12.6 square miles. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next two exits along Interstate 605 north: Exit 11, Junction Interstate 5/Santa Ana Freeway and Exit 12, Telegraph Road. Photo taken 01/14/07.
One of the new "angular" reassurance shields for Interstate 605 is posted after the onramp from Firestone Boulevard. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north is Exit 11, Junction Interstate 5/Santa Ana Freeway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Another upcoming exits mileage sign is posted along Interstate 605 north: Exit 11, Junction Interstate 5/Santa Ana Freeway; Exit 12, Telegraph Road; and Exit 13, Slauson Avenue. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The right two lanes of Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north become exit only for Exit 11, Junction Interstate 5/Santa Ana Freeway. Note the use of "Thru Traffic" as a control city on the pull-through sign. These are some old signs, and they might date back to the original construction of this freeway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 11, Junction Interstate 5/Santa Ana Freeway. Interstate 5 travels northwest toward downtown Los Angeles and southeast into Norwalk and toward Orange County, Santa Ana, and San Diego. At this interchange, Interstate 605 leaves the city of Downey and enters the city of Santa Fe Springs. The population of Santa Fe Springs was 17,438 as of the 2000 Census, incorporated on May 15, 1957, and consisted of 8.9 square miles. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This view shows the signage for the transition ramp to Interstate 5/Santa Ana Freeway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north: Exit 12, Telegraph Road; Exit 13, Slauson Avenue; and Exit 14, Washington Boulevard. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 12, Telegraph Road. This interchange serves the city of Santa Fe Springs. Photo taken 11/13/05.
An Interstate 605 north reassurance shield is posted after the Interstate 5 onramp and prior to Exit 12, Telegraph Road. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 12, Telegraph Road to Santa Fe Springs. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Looking at the offramp for Exit 12, the ramp splits to serve Telegraph Road east and then Telegraph Road west (via a loop ramp). Photo taken 11/13/05.
This mileage sign along Interstate 605 north provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 13, Slauson Avenue; Exit 14, Washington Boulevard; and Exit 15, Junction California 72/Whittier Boulevard. Photo taken 11/13/05.
This reassurance shield for Interstate 605 north is posted after the onramp from Telegraph Road (Exit 12). Photo taken 11/13/05.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 13, Slauson Avenue (one-half mile). Photo taken 09/29/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 13, Slauson Avenue. The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 14, Washington Boulevard. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Washington Boulevard travels west to the city of Pico Rivera and east to the city of Santa Fe Springs. Photo taken 09/29/07.
This mileage sign along Interstate 605 north provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 14, Washington Boulevard; Exit 15, Junction California 72/Whittier Boulevard; and Exit 16, Beverly Boulevard. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 14, Washington Boulevard. At this interchange, Interstate 605 skirts along the eastern edge of the city of Pico Rivera. As of the 2000 Census, the city of Pico Rivera had a total population of 63,428 and was incorporated on January 29, 1958. The city was formed by a merger of the previously unincorporated communities of Pico (named for Pio Pico, the last Mexican-rule governor of California) and Rivera. Interstate 605 will again enter the city of Pico Rivera at Beverly Boulevard. Photo taken 09/29/07.
A collector-distributor lane serves the offramp to Exit 14, Washington Boulevard. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Another upcoming exits mileage sign along Interstate 605 north provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 15, Junction California 72/Whittier Boulevard; Exit 16, Beverly Boulevard; and Exit 17, Rose Hills Road. Photo taken 09/29/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 15, Junction California 72/Whittier Boulevard to the city of Whittier. California 72 follows the historic route of El Camino Real and U.S. 101 through Whittier and La Habra. The state route currently begins at Interstate 605 and travels southeast through Whittier to its end at California 39 (Beach Boulevard) in La Habra. To the west, California 72 used to continue west along Whittier Boulevard into Pico Rivera, Montbello, and unincorporated East Los Angeles. However, both cities and Los Angeles County acted to decommission the state highway within their jurisdictions. Originally part of north-south U.S. 101, California 72 was created in 1964 with the elimination of U.S. 101 south of downtown Los Angeles. At its maximum extent, California 72 traveled southeast from Downey Road in East Los Angeles to Beach Boulevard (California 39) in La Habra. Downey Road was the selected northwestern terminus for California 72 because it was intended to connect to an unbuilt freeway (California 245) that was later supplanted by today's Interstate 710/Long Beach Freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
At this point is an access to the high occupancy vehicle (HOV or carpool) lane. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Use Whittier Boulevard west to Pio Pico Mansion. Pio Pico State Historic Park is the site of "El Ranchito," the final home of Pio Pico, who was the last Governor of California under Mexican rule. The mansion is located west of Interstate 605 on the eastern bank of the San Gabriel River, which Interstate 605 has followed since its inception in Seal Beach. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 15, Junction California 72/Whittier Boulevard. At this interchange, Interstate 605 enters the city of Whittier. The city had a population of 83,680 people as of the 2000 Census, incorporated in 1898, and sits at an elevation of 367 feet above sea level. Interstate 605 separates the city from the San Gabriel River and the historic Pio Pico Mansion. Photo taken 11/13/05.
The next exit along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north is Exit 16, Beverly Boulevard. Photo taken 11/13/05.
An upcoming exits mileage sign along Interstate 605 north provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 16, Beverly Boulevard; Exit 17, Rose Hills Boulevard; and Exit 18, Peck Road to the City of Industry. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Use either Exit 16, Beverly Boulevard west or Exit 17, Rose Hills Road to the city of Pico Rivera. After the Beverly Boulevard interchange, Interstate 605 will briefly reenter the city of Pico Rivera. Photo taken 09/29/07.
A roadside sign for Exit 16, Beverly Boulevard is posted shortly thereafter. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Continuing north, Interstate 605 reenters the city of Pico Rivera. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 16, Beverly Boulevard. The next interchange along northbound is Exit 17, Rose Hills Road. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north: Exit 17, Rose Hills Road; Exit 18, Peck Road; and Exit 19, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Use Exit 17, Rose Hills Road east to Workman Mill Road north to Rio Hondo College. Use Rose Hills Road west to the Pico Rivera Sports Arena, which is located near the Whittier Narrows Dam. Photo taken 09/29/07.
A Southern California Edison (SCE) high voltage power line crosses over Interstate 605 prior to the Rose Hills Road interchange. This line will turn north along the freeway corridor toward the San Gabriel Valley. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 17, Rose Hills Road. This is the second and final Pico Rivera interchange. Photo taken 09/29/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 18, Peck Road (1.25 miles). In the distance, a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) power line approaches and parallels Interstate 605. Photo taken 09/29/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north: Exit 18, Peck Road; Exit 19, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway; and Exit 21, Valley Boulevard. This is a really old porcelain enamel sign that has lost most of its reflectivity and is in need of replacement. A California 60 shield was pasted onto the old sign, and the state highway shield is far more visible than the rest of the sign. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Upon passing through the Whittier Narrows (a gap in the Puente Hills where the Rio Hondo and the San Gabriel River converge), Interstate 605 now enters the San Gabriel Valley, which includes the remainder of the freeway route to Duarte. West of here is the Whittier Narrows Dam (visible from California 19), which was built in 1957 to contain floodwaters along the San Gabriel River. Two sets of power lines (LADWP on the left and SCE on the right, presumably 230kV) follow Interstate 605 on either side of the freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Reassurance shield posted for Interstate 605 at the Whittier Narrows. Photo taken 09/29/07.
The LADWP power line turns toward the northwest, and the Southern California Edison power line intercepts an east-west line. Power lines will continue to follow Interstate 605 north. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 18, Peck Road. At this point, Interstate 605 enters a section of the City of Industry. Incorporated on June 18, 1957, the population of the City of Industry was 777 as of the 2000 Census. The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 19, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the next three exits along Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north: Exit 19, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway; Exit 21, Valley Boulevard; and Exit 22, Junction Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
The right three lanes of Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north will transition onto Exit 19, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway. Use California 60 west to downtown Los Angeles and east to Riverside. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 19, Junction California 60/Pomona Freeway. These old signs are very difficult to read. It seems like almost every sign associated with California 60 is dirty and difficult to read. Photo taken 11/13/05.
This view shows the transition ramp from Interstate 605 north to California 60/Pomona Freeway. At the end of the ramp, the right lane splits to California 60 east, and the left lane connects to California 60 west. Photo taken 11/13/05.
After the California 60/Pomona Freeway interchange, northbound Interstate 605 approaches Exit 21, Valley Boulevard; Exit 22, Junction Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway; and Exit 23, Ramona Boulevard. Photo taken 11/13/05.
An Interstate 605 San Gabriel River Freeway reassurance sign is posted shortly thereafter. Photo taken 11/13/05.
The next exit along northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway is Exit 21, Valley Boulevard to the City of Industry and El Monte. Photo taken 11/13/05.
To El Monte, use Exit 21. Photo taken 11/13/05.
The LADWP power line crosses over the Interstate 605 freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Another entrance/exit to the HOV lanes is allowed after the California 60 interchange. All traffic in the HOV lanes for Interstate 10 should merge onto the main lanes. Photo taken 09/29/07.
The LADWP power line again skirts the edge of Interstate 605. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 21, Valley Boulevard. Use Valley Boulevard southeast to the unincorporated communities of Bassett and Avocado Heights as well as the City of Industry. Photo taken 09/29/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 22, Junction Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway. Photo taken 11/13/05.
This mileage sign along Interstate 605 north provides the distance to the next three exits: Exit 22, Junction Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway; Exit 23, Ramona Boulevard; and Exit 24, Lower Azusa Road. Photo taken 01/14/07.
An Interstate 605 north reassurance shield is posted after the onramp from Valley Boulevard. Photo taken 11/13/05.
The right two lanes of Interstate 605 north will connect to Exit 22, Junction Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway. Interstate 10 travels west to downtown Los Angeles and east to San Bernardino, Indio, Blythe, and Phoenix. The control city for eastbound is San Bernardino, which is the seat of San Bernardino County. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 22, Junction Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway west to Los Angeles and east to San Bernardino and Phoenix. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Now on the transition ramp, this view shows the collector-distributor exit ramp from Interstate 605 north to Interstate 10/San Bernardino Freeway east (first ramp) and west (second ramp). The right two lanes connect to Interstate 10 east; the next exit connects to Interstate 10 west. Photo taken 11/13/05.
Soon thereafter, the collector-distributor lanes split between Interstate 10 west to Los Angeles (loop ramp) and Interstate 605 north to Duarte. This old sign includes the name "San Bernardino Freeway" for Interstate 10, which is increasingly uncommon as newer reflective signs are installed around Greater Los Angeles. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Passing through the Interstate 10 interchange, Interstate 605 enters the city of Baldwin Park. Baldwin Park had a population of 75,837 as of the 2000 Census. The city was incorporated on January 25, 1956, and consists of 6.8 square miles. This mileage sign along Interstate 605 north provides the distance to the next two exits: Exit 23, Ramona Boulevard and Exit 24, Lower Azusa Road, Los Angeles Street, and Rivergrade Road. Photo taken 09/29/07.
The right lane of Interstate 605 north becomes exit only for Exit 23, Ramona Boulevard. The left four lanes continue north on Interstate 605 toward Duarte. The section of Interstate 605 between Interstate 10 and Interstate 210 was part of unconstructed California 243 from 1963 until 1968, when the segment was added to the Interstate Highway System and funding allocated from Interstate Highway funds. At that time, California 243 was decommissioned. During construction, the freeway carrying Interstate 605 was known as the Rivergrade Freeway, but that name is not typically used today. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Use Exit 23 to Ramona Boulevard east to Baldwin Park and west to El Monte. While Interstate 605 does not enter El Monte, it provides direct access from the east. El Monte had a population of 115,965 as of the 2000 Census, sits at an elevation of 299 feet above sea level, consists of 9.7 square miles, and was incorporated on November 18, 1912. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Massive Southern California Edison 230kV power lines parallel the 605 freeway on the west side between the freeway and the San Gabriel River. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway reaches Exit 23, Ramona Boulevard east to Baldwin Park and west to El Monte. Photo taken 09/29/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 24, Lower Azusa Road and Los Angeles Street. Lower Azusa Road travels west into El Monte and east changes into Los Angeles Street to serve Baldwin Park. Additionally, Interstate 605 leaves the city of Baldwin Park and now enters the city of Irwindale. Incorporated on August 6, 1957, the city of Irwindale consists primarily of rock quarries and has a small population of 1,446 as the 2000 Census. Use Exit 25 to the Irwindale Speedway and the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area. Photo taken 09/29/07.
This northbound reassurance shield is posted after the onramp from Ramona Boulevard. Photo taken 09/29/07.
The next two exits along Interstate 605 north are Exit 24, Lower Azusa Road and Los Angeles Street and Exit 25, Live Oak Avenue. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Around this point, Interstate 605 crosses over the San Gabriel River and is for the first time situated west of the river. Use Exit 24 to Rivergrade Road, which travels north to Live Oak Avenue (which is a suitable alternative to using Exit 25). Photo taken 09/29/07.
Northbound Interstate 605/San Gabriel River (Rivergrade) Freeway reaches Exit 24, Lower Azusa Road and Los Angeles Street. Photo taken 09/29/07.
The next exit along Interstate 605 north is Exit 25, Live Oak Avenue (one mile). Photo taken 01/14/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to the final four exits along Interstate 605 north: Exit 25, Live Oak Avenue; Exit 27A, Junction Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway east to San Bernardino; Exit 27B, Junction Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway west to Pasadena; and Exit 27C, Junction U.S. 66/Huntington Drive in Duarte. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Steep mountains too insurmountable for a freeway dominate the view on Interstate 605 as we approach the north end of this freeway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Since there is no direct access from Interstate 605 north to Arrow Highway, motorists must depart at Exit 25 (Live Oak Avenue east) to Arrow Highway. Arrow Highway continues east toward San Bernardino. There is access to Arrow Highway from Interstate 605 south. A massive Southern California Edison substation is located east of Interstate 605. Photo taken 01/14/07.
To the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, use the Live Oak Avenue exit. This park, which is located in a flood control basin and operated by the County of Los Angeles, features a lake suitable for fishing and boating. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Northbound Interstate 605 reaches Exit 25, Live Oak Avenue. Separate ramps connect to eastbound and westbound Live Oak Avenue. This is the final interchange to serve the city of Irwindale. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Upon exiting the freeway, this sign advises of the route to the Santa Fe Dam via Rivergrade Road at the Live Oak Avenue interchange. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The next interchange along Interstate 605 north is Exits 27A-B, Junction Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Southern California Edison's power transmission system continues to parallel Interstate 605 through Irwindale. Watch for slowing or stopped traffic in advance of the Interstate 210 interchange. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Interstate 605 north passes under Arrow Highway, which is not accessible from this direction. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Northbound Interstate 605 passes under the SCE power lines and turns slightly toward the northeast. Photo taken 09/29/07.
A final mileage sign provides the distance to the final three exits along Interstate 605 north: Exit 27A, Junction Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway east to San Bernardino; Exit 27B, Junction Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway west to Pasadena; and Exit 27C, Junction U.S. 66/Huntington Drive in Duarte. On the east side of the freeway is Santa Fe Dam. Photo taken 01/14/07.
An END Interstate 605 shield assembly is posted on the right post of this overhead sign assembly. To Interstate 210 west (Exit 27B), use the left lanes; to Interstate 210 east, use the right lanes. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Remain in the center lanes to connect to U.S. 66 and Huntington Drive to Duarte. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Once again, Southern California Edison power lines cross over Interstate 605. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The right two lanes depart to Exit 27A, Junction Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway east to San Bernardino. The next exits are Exit 27B, Junction Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway west to Pasadena and Exit 27C, Junction U.S. 66/Huntington Drive in Duarte. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The interchange between Interstate 605 and Interstate 210 is known as the Deputy Sheriff David W. March Memorial Interchange. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Shortly thereafter, the left two lanes transition onto Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway west and the right lane departs toward Huntington Drive (Historic U.S. 66) in Duarte. This interchange is physically located within Irwindale; the ramp to Huntington Drive will enter the city of Duarte shortly after leaving the interchange. Photo taken 01/14/07.
This view shows the transition ramp from Interstate 605 north to Interstate 210 west. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Exit 27C is signed with an exit number at the gore point split. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The ramp to Huntington Drive starts with one lane, but a second lane merges in from Interstate 210. Photo taken 01/14/07.
A flyover ramp from Interstate 210 west to Interstate 605 south passes over the ramp to Huntington Drive (Historic U.S. 66) in the city of Duarte. As of the 2000 Census, the population of the city of Duarte was 21,486 people. The city sits at an elevation of 512 feet above sea level and consists of 6.7 square miles. Duarte incorporated on August 22, 1957. Photo taken 01/14/07.
A second ramp from Interstate 210 to Huntington Drive merges onto the Exit 27C ramp. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The final distance to Huntington Drive has two lanes in each direction; arguably, Interstate 605 continues all the way to Huntington Drive. Photo taken 01/14/07.
A traffic signal governs the flow of traffic between the north end of Interstate 605 and U.S. 66/Huntington Drive. Historic U.S. 66, which was decommissioned in stages through the late 1960s, is still signed as a historic route through Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties. Between Pasadena and San Bernardino, U.S. 66 parallels the modern Interstate 210 corridor. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The right lane turns east on U.S. 66/Huntington Drive, and the left lane turns west on U.S. 66/Huntington Drive. Photo taken 01/14/07.
The freeway ends as we meet U.S. 66 at this traffic signal with Huntington Drive. Continue straight ahead to follow Mount Olive Drive into residential Duarte. The commercial (downtown) strip of Duarte is located west of this intersection. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway south
Begin Southbound Interstate 605 in Duarte as seen from Historic U.S. 66 just north of the Interstate 210 junction. Note that the freeway entrance is not only for both Interstates 210 and 605. Photos taken 12/12/01.
South of the Huntington Drive intersection, Mount Olive Drive splits, with the left lane connecting to Interstate 605 south and the right lane connecting to Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway east to San Bernardino and west to Pasadena. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Scenes Pertaining to Interstate 605
In the city of Santa Fe Springs, westbound Telegraph Road approaches Interstate 605, the San Gabriel River Freeway. The interchange consists of two right turns from Telegraph Road to Interstate 605 north and Interstate 605 south. Photo taken 09/29/07.
After the Orr and Day Road intersection, westbound Telegraph Road meets Interstate 605/San Gabriel River Freeway north to Duarte. Photo taken 09/29/07.
A freeway entrance shield assembly for Interstate 605 is posted along with the trailblazer guide sign from Telegraph Road west. Photo taken 09/29/07.
Eastbound Huntington Drive (Historic U.S. 66) approaches the junction with Interstate 605 south along the San Gabriel River corridor to Seal Beach. Photo taken 01/14/07.
Decorative street lights (with hoods shaped like mission bells) adorn the traffic signal between eastbound Huntington Drive (Historic U.S. 66) and Interstate 605 south. Turn left to follow Mount Olive Drive north into more residential neighborhoods of Duarte. Turn right to connect to Interstate 210/Foothill Freeway. Photo taken 01/14/07.
