🛣 Headlines About California Highways – December 2020

[cahwyguy]

We've reached the end of the year. More importantly, we've reached the end of the month, which means it is time for highway headlines. So here's something to keep you occupied and safe, instead of going out partying. So folk know, I'm in the process of working on an update to California Highways. Phase 1 is done (the pass through Headlines and AARoads); next up is the state legislative actions and the California Transportation Commission minutes. There are headlines here from all over of the state, so have fun bringing in the new year by discussing them.

https://cahighways.org/wordpress/?p=15988

Here are the introductory paragraphs:

Ah, 2020. So nice to finally have you in the rearview mirror of history. You've left mayhem and distruction in your wake, and you've even sent debris ahead of you. We've had to send out significant crews to clean up the mess that you have left. Precious little good has come out of the 2020–a new president, some new vaccines, and the site redesign of California Highways. But the year has seen sickness and intense work to "flatten the curve" . This, in turn, curtailed vacations and roadtrips. We couldn't get out there and visit the roads, and explore the history. But the workers on our highway–they are essential workers working on the road so we can get where we need to go. It is their hard work that makes these headlines possible.

To everyone reading this, may you have a happy and healthy new year. The periodic update for the California Highways is in the works as I post this. As they say, "watch this space" . So let's look back at the headlines and post of interest for December 2020 ... and toast to a much better 2021.

Stay safe out there... and with that... ready, set, discuss.

[Max Rockatansky]

I never did get around to Echo Summit in November.  The weather started out good and got progressively worse as the week goes on.  I'm not sure when I'll be back now given I would have to day trip it or head to Nevada but I might make something out of seeing new bridge if I get motivated enough to head that way for the Mosquito Bridge. 

Regarding Richardson Grove that subject was very interesting to hit on this month on Gribblenation. Someone posted a study from 2002 showing three alternates for a bypass.  I would definitely would like to see how the concept would have originally bypassed Richardson Grove during the 1970s. 

[skluth]

I like the idea of widening CA 74 west of I-15 in Lake Elsinore. I drove through there a few months back from the coast to Lake Elsinore. It was busy but not bad. However, the climb eastbound looks a lot steeper and curvier; you'd think they'd try to include a couple passing lanes from that direction.

I was surprised to see anyone building in Kramer Junction after it was bypassed but I didn't realize the Astro Burger was north of the tracks (explaining why I'd never noticed it). It probably makes sense to build a gas station there; through CA 58 traffic can exit for gas without risking a train stopping drivers from quickly returning to CA 58, and SB US 395 traffic can quickly pull in for gas or a quick bite if delayed by a train. It may be the beginning of Kramer Junction businesses slowly moving almost completely north of the tracks next to the new bypass.