California

[danthecatrafficlightfan]

^^^

I did a whole Fictional County Route Thread I think last year more or less on the same topic.  Essentially a good County Route program can be laid out simply by following the terrain to rural towns and areas of tourism interest in the boons.  The major secondary roads in urban areas tend to be fairly obvious and could be included in the such a system too.  The current County Route marker is fine but personally I'd like to see something with a little more flair like a white spade displaying "County"  in the crest somehow.  I always liked how Florida kept a good assortment of County Routes...granted most were State Roads at one point and still fit in the state grid. 

The best idea that I came up with for a shield would have been a rectangular sign with a standard green background containing a white spade (same shape as state signs), with the word "SECONDARY ROUTE" above the shield and "COUNTY MAINTAINED" below.  The numbers (black) would be adhesive and applied by the applicable signing crew.  Directional arrows and banners (END/JCT) would be applied as with state highways. 

It's probably hoping against hope, but possibly the counties could and would do a better job with a cohesive secondary network that with both the current and largely haphazard approach -- and even better than current Caltrans practice for those highways under their jurisdiction.

Something like this but reverse?

IMG_7686 by Max Rockatansky, on Flickr

nice sign the original 99 was the golden state boulevard now golden stae frontage road. it is full of historic places such as the abandoned california motel

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6839501,-119.74137,3a,50.7y,179.82h,88.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s59a2xQv93JhioJBAd7bPLw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

or the abandoned motor in theatre drive-in screen a block south

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6760032,-119.7324552,3a,49.1y,240.79h,96.74t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdK2-UXKaNB5ozqFT_uP1kg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

these vintage motels and cafe are still open!

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7143205,-119.7752718,3a,75y,314.84h,79.85t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1snDv0xsXZfjHMqeZpaHdenQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DnDv0xsXZfjHMqeZpaHdenQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D9.464439%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7158998,-119.7777165,3a,21.5y,336.32h,87.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1se2K51C4PfTHDy1FGBgkxvQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

or these vintage still operating motels in selma

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5698147,-119.6176653,3a,90y,230.17h,81.3t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sYmoKqvhmqBlbz7nfKChSpA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DYmoKqvhmqBlbz7nfKChSpA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D87.98666%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.571203,-119.618985,3a,75y,60.46h,89.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sixdC3HKPv42YMHY3uz9lPw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5745367,-119.6228742,3a,48.5y,192.28h,81.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swUAg2Rmx53bBDB6PmHImsA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

this one is open i think though i'm not sure.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5690506,-119.6166293,3a,70.7y,54.74h,85.77t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swGhV_rJvjPu_AV73sQi0RQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DwGhV_rJvjPu_AV73sQi0RQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D47.54219%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

i though i was missing a motel when i found this abandoned drive-in restraunt!

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5672812,-119.6146758,3a,73.6y,356.47h,84.2t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxASqiErsCYaKnIoRG_OfPw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

i listed these places for people to use as landmarks wen driving down the old highway because it can be easy to get lost.

[Max Rockatansky]

^^^

I did a whole Fictional County Route Thread I think last year more or less on the same topic.  Essentially a good County Route program can be laid out simply by following the terrain to rural towns and areas of tourism interest in the boons.  The major secondary roads in urban areas tend to be fairly obvious and could be included in the such a system too.  The current County Route marker is fine but personally I'd like to see something with a little more flair like a white spade displaying "County"  in the crest somehow.  I always liked how Florida kept a good assortment of County Routes...granted most were State Roads at one point and still fit in the state grid. 

The best idea that I came up with for a shield would have been a rectangular sign with a standard green background containing a white spade (same shape as state signs), with the word "SECONDARY ROUTE" above the shield and "COUNTY MAINTAINED" below.  The numbers (black) would be adhesive and applied by the applicable signing crew.  Directional arrows and banners (END/JCT) would be applied as with state highways. 

It's probably hoping against hope, but possibly the counties could and would do a better job with a cohesive secondary network that with both the current and largely haphazard approach -- and even better than current Caltrans practice for those highways under their jurisdiction.

Something like this but reverse?

IMG_7686 by Max Rockatansky, on Flickr

nice sign the original 99 was the golden state boulevard now golden stae frontage road. it is full of historic places such as the abandoned california motel

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6839501,-119.74137,3a,50.7y,179.82h,88.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s59a2xQv93JhioJBAd7bPLw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

or the abandoned motor in theatre drive-in screen a block south

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6760032,-119.7324552,3a,49.1y,240.79h,96.74t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdK2-UXKaNB5ozqFT_uP1kg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

these vintage motels and cafe are still open!

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7143205,-119.7752718,3a,75y,314.84h,79.85t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1snDv0xsXZfjHMqeZpaHdenQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DnDv0xsXZfjHMqeZpaHdenQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D9.464439%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7158998,-119.7777165,3a,21.5y,336.32h,87.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1se2K51C4PfTHDy1FGBgkxvQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

or these vintage still operating motels in selma

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5698147,-119.6176653,3a,90y,230.17h,81.3t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sYmoKqvhmqBlbz7nfKChSpA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DYmoKqvhmqBlbz7nfKChSpA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D87.98666%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.571203,-119.618985,3a,75y,60.46h,89.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sixdC3HKPv42YMHY3uz9lPw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5745367,-119.6228742,3a,48.5y,192.28h,81.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swUAg2Rmx53bBDB6PmHImsA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

this one is open i think though i'm not sure.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5690506,-119.6166293,3a,70.7y,54.74h,85.77t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swGhV_rJvjPu_AV73sQi0RQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DwGhV_rJvjPu_AV73sQi0RQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D47.54219%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

i though i was missing a motel when i found this abandoned drive-in restraunt!

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5672812,-119.6146758,3a,73.6y,356.47h,84.2t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxASqiErsCYaKnIoRG_OfPw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

i listed these places for people to use as landmarks wen driving down the old highway because it can be easy to get lost.

The alignments of US 99 are even stranger than you might realize starting with Railroad Avenue in Fresno.  Front Street in Selma for sure was part of LRN 4 during the 1920s but I haven't fully confirmed if it is early vintage US 99.  Given the High Speed Rail is obliterating the former surface path of US 99 in Fresno I went out last year and took a bunch of pictures and made custom maps before it was too late.  Below is my blog post regarding US 99 in Fresno County:

https://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2017/09/hunting-for-forgotten-history-old-us-99.html

Interestingly after I wrote the above blog I confirmed 8th Street in Fowler was the original alignment of US 99 before Golden State Boulevard was built.  There was a major rail switch located where Golden State Boulevard is now in Fowler.

BTW welcome to the forum.

[danthecatrafficlightfan]

^^^

I did a whole Fictional County Route Thread I think last year more or less on the same topic.  Essentially a good County Route program can be laid out simply by following the terrain to rural towns and areas of tourism interest in the boons.  The major secondary roads in urban areas tend to be fairly obvious and could be included in the such a system too.  The current County Route marker is fine but personally I'd like to see something with a little more flair like a white spade displaying "County"  in the crest somehow.  I always liked how Florida kept a good assortment of County Routes...granted most were State Roads at one point and still fit in the state grid. 

The best idea that I came up with for a shield would have been a rectangular sign with a standard green background containing a white spade (same shape as state signs), with the word "SECONDARY ROUTE" above the shield and "COUNTY MAINTAINED" below.  The numbers (black) would be adhesive and applied by the applicable signing crew.  Directional arrows and banners (END/JCT) would be applied as with state highways. 

It's probably hoping against hope, but possibly the counties could and would do a better job with a cohesive secondary network that with both the current and largely haphazard approach -- and even better than current Caltrans practice for those highways under their jurisdiction.

Something like this but reverse?

IMG_7686 by Max Rockatansky, on Flickr

nice sign the original 99 was the golden state boulevard now golden stae frontage road. it is full of historic places such as the abandoned california motel

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6839501,-119.74137,3a,50.7y,179.82h,88.69t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s59a2xQv93JhioJBAd7bPLw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

or the abandoned motor in theatre drive-in screen a block south

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.6760032,-119.7324552,3a,49.1y,240.79h,96.74t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sdK2-UXKaNB5ozqFT_uP1kg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

these vintage motels and cafe are still open!

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7143205,-119.7752718,3a,75y,314.84h,79.85t/data=!3m5!1e1!3m3!1snDv0xsXZfjHMqeZpaHdenQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo1.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DnDv0xsXZfjHMqeZpaHdenQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D9.464439%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7158998,-119.7777165,3a,21.5y,336.32h,87.94t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1se2K51C4PfTHDy1FGBgkxvQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

or these vintage still operating motels in selma

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5698147,-119.6176653,3a,90y,230.17h,81.3t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sYmoKqvhmqBlbz7nfKChSpA!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DYmoKqvhmqBlbz7nfKChSpA%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D87.98666%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.571203,-119.618985,3a,75y,60.46h,89.95t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sixdC3HKPv42YMHY3uz9lPw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5745367,-119.6228742,3a,48.5y,192.28h,81.18t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swUAg2Rmx53bBDB6PmHImsA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

this one is open i think though i'm not sure.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5690506,-119.6166293,3a,70.7y,54.74h,85.77t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1swGhV_rJvjPu_AV73sQi0RQ!2e0!6s%2F%2Fgeo2.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fpanoid%3DwGhV_rJvjPu_AV73sQi0RQ%26output%3Dthumbnail%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D47.54219%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

i though i was missing a motel when i found this abandoned drive-in restraunt!

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.5672812,-119.6146758,3a,73.6y,356.47h,84.2t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxASqiErsCYaKnIoRG_OfPw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

i listed these places for people to use as landmarks wen driving down the old highway because it can be easy to get lost.

The alignments of US 99 are even stranger than you might realize starting with Railroad Avenue in Fresno.  Front Street in Selma for sure was part of LRN 4 during the 1920s but I haven't fully confirmed if it is early vintage US 99.  Given the High Speed Rail is obliterating the former surface path of US 99 in Fresno I went out last year and took a bunch of pictures and made custom maps before it was too late.  Below is my blog post regarding US 99 in Fresno County:

https://surewhynotnow.blogspot.com/2017/09/hunting-for-forgotten-history-old-us-99.html

Interestingly after I wrote the above blog I confirmed 8th Street in Fowler was the original alignment of US 99 before Golden State Boulevard was built.  There was a major rail switch located where Golden State Boulevard is now in Fowler.

BTW welcome to the forum.

also many people think the ca 99 goes from bakersfield to sacramento. it doesn't it goes from wheeler ridge to los minos. also caltrans supposedly has plans to turn this into an interstate. it would be either i-7 or i-9. but but it lost a lot of it's traffic when i-5 was built. i hope it doesn't get turned into an interstate highway as i just don't see the need for it.

https://www.interstate-guide.com/i-009.html

apparently for a breif time from los minos to stockton was a temorary i-5. i did not know that and i will look for other sites that also list this.

[danthecatrafficlightfan]

here's a sign of the past.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7931588,-119.7543949,3a,17.2y,142h,82.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfQ-SG-2kRY-P6rBoMeO18g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

[danthecatrafficlightfan]

any body know anything esle about dead mans curve in lebec ca other than people have crashed and died here, was built in 1915, and that the founder of MGM  stduios was on of the people who died here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Man%27s_Curve#/media/File:Dead-Man%27s_Curve_in_Lebec,_California,_2010.jpg

also i found it!

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8866313,-118.9046627,396m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8865517,-118.9043962,3a,34.7y,246.24h,89.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sblya_hJjloRKEvltt_armA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8871335,-118.9055547,3a,41.3y,248.67h,85.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8QG1Ze8JBb0wGIkZcIYskA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

also if there other remains of the orignal route i would love to know!

i know almoast nothing about the old routes of southern ca. well except for us 66.

i find other remains which i am certain of the old route i will post them here.

[danthecatrafficlightfan]

any body know anything esle about dead mans curve in lebec ca other than people have crashed and died here, was built in 1915, and that the founder of MGM  stduios was on of the people who died here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Man%27s_Curve#/media/File:Dead-Man%27s_Curve_in_Lebec,_California,_2010.jpg

also i found it!

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8866313,-118.9046627,396m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8865517,-118.9043962,3a,34.7y,246.24h,89.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sblya_hJjloRKEvltt_armA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8871335,-118.9055547,3a,41.3y,248.67h,85.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8QG1Ze8JBb0wGIkZcIYskA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

also if there other remains of the orignal route i would love to know!

i know almoast nothing about the old routes of southern ca. well except for us 66.

i find other remains which i am certain of the old route i will post them here.

could this be it to?

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8497039,-118.8713005,1182m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en&authuser=0

although the other slab of pavement is one lane this is two lane google says it's old ridge route so i want some answers!

is this part of the old route!

[Max Rockatansky]

any body know anything esle about dead mans curve in lebec ca other than people have crashed and died here, was built in 1915, and that the founder of MGM  stduios was on of the people who died here.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Man%27s_Curve#/media/File:Dead-Man%27s_Curve_in_Lebec,_California,_2010.jpg

also i found it!

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8866313,-118.9046627,396m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8865517,-118.9043962,3a,34.7y,246.24h,89.92t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sblya_hJjloRKEvltt_armA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8871335,-118.9055547,3a,41.3y,248.67h,85.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s8QG1Ze8JBb0wGIkZcIYskA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en&authuser=0

also if there other remains of the orignal route i would love to know!

i know almoast nothing about the old routes of southern ca. well except for us 66.

i find other remains which i am certain of the old route i will post them here.

could this be it to?

https://www.google.com/maps/@34.8497039,-118.8713005,1182m/data=!3m1!1e3?hl=en&authuser=0

although the other slab of pavement is one lane this is two lane google says it's old ridge route so i want some answers!

is this part of the old route!

Deadmans Curve is part of the original Ridge Route alignment.  Check out the Ridge Route, El Camino Viejo or CA 138/Old CA 138 threads since the blog link has the information you are looking for. 

[Max Rockatansky]

One of the old CA 69 shields popped up on Ebay.  I'd love to have given my affinity for CA 245 but I'm not paying anywhere near what the asking price is:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Highway-Sign-69-California-Road-Street-hot-rat-rod/153342192974?hash=item23b3e82d4e:g:KPMAAOSwVAtcPwYt:rk:10:pf:0

[sparker]

^^^^^^^^
Hmmmm....straight vertical edges near the bottom of the side arc, a bit darker green than found on current issue signs.....this looks like one of the 1964 originals.  I wonder if it came from the "collection" of that friend of a friend from the University of Redlands who had his wall plastered with them ca. 1969.  If so, there might be a couple dozen more coming along.  I'd buy one if it were $75-100, but no more than that (it would end up in the garage anyway; I have no interest in enduring my GF's "death by a thousand glares" if I attempted to put it anywhere in the house!). 

[emory]

Google Maps now shows Western Avenue in Los Angeles as CA 258, which is defined in the code, but as far as I can tell has never been adopted or made official. Either way, it's shown as running from the US 101 exit ramp near Hollywood to the I-405 exit where Western becomes CA 213.

[Max Rockatansky]

Google Maps now shows Western Avenue in Los Angeles as CA 258, which is defined in the code, but as far as I can tell has never been adopted or made official. Either way, it's shown as running from the US 101 exit ramp near Hollywood to the I-405 exit where Western becomes CA 213.

Google also displays CA 122 near Palmdale which was never built either. 

[danthecatrafficlightfan]

here's a sign of the past.

https://www.google.com/maps/@36.7931588,-119.7543949,3a,17.2y,142h,82.13t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfQ-SG-2kRY-P6rBoMeO18g!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

sadly within the past month it was removed.

[sparker]

Google Maps now shows Western Avenue in Los Angeles as CA 258, which is defined in the code, but as far as I can tell has never been adopted or made official. Either way, it's shown as running from the US 101 exit ramp near Hollywood to the I-405 exit where Western becomes CA 213.

Google also displays CA 122 near Palmdale which was never built either. 

Simple "mistaken identity" in the case of CA 258 -- that was one freeway proposed back in '59 that was never going to be built (the property acquisition costs along would have been more than prohibitive); and with Caltrans' zeal in offloading urban surface streets, the notion that they'd assume maintenance of Western Avenue is just plain silly!  As far as CA 122 is concerned, Google Maps shows the section of Pearblossom Highway between CA 14 and CA 138 as its signed/adopted location; AFAIK D7 has no intent of taking over ownership of that section of highway -- although that's something I personally suggested to them back in the '90's, since it is a major area connector and functionally traces the more recent trajectory of the never-actually-adopted 122.  Someone is engaging in wishful thinking!

[Max Rockatansky]

Picked up a Lassen County Route A25 shield on the cheap off eBay the other day.  I haven't driven this one but I've driven by it several times on US 395 near Honey Lake on the way to Reno and/or Susanville.  I'd prefer a J1 or J16 but its rare enough these become available:

Untitled by Max Rockatansky, on Flickr

[gonealookin]

We're trying "e-closures" to make Waze tell people to stay on US 50 as they exit the Tahoe Basin westbound, rather than using the side roads to avoid 50 until the last point before it starts ascending Echo Summit.

https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/news/local-officials-make-plea-to-navigation-app-company/

As a short-term solution, California Highway Patrol has proposed using the agriculture inspection station in Meyers and a state law that prohibits vehicles from circumventing such inspection stations as a tool to enact electronic closures.

The closures would work much the same way as when a car crash closes a road. The notice is uploaded and then detected by the navigation companies, which direct traffic to a different route.

The electronic closure would be applied to side streets that could be used to circumnavigate the inspection station.

Apparently the first test of this strategy, this past weekend, was not too successful.

http://southtahoenow.com/story/02/17/2019/chp-continue-testing-electronic-closure-roads-meyers

According to CHP Lt. Terry Lowther they were able to upload closures into the system and found them to work on State Routes to divert travel with using directional apps.

"The current issue is that when closures are uploaded to County roads, the directional APPS are not diverting the routes," said Lt. Lowther.

He said residents should expect heavy traffic on the side streets Sunday and Monday because of this glitch. There is still a lot of snow on all roads, especially those in the side neighborhoods, which could cause issues for unprepared drivers.

[Max Rockatansky]

Are people heading up Johnson Pass because Waze told them to?  Some of those roads next to US 50 are pretty dicey even in favorable weather. 

[gonealookin]

Are people heading up Johnson Pass because Waze told them to?  Some of those roads next to US 50 are pretty dicey even in favorable weather. 

No, the problem isn't Johnson Pass Road, it's the residential streets down near Meyers.  On Sunday (or Monday of three-day weekends), 50 gets backed up solid past the airport all the way to the "Y" (north junction of US 50 and CA 89).  So drivers leave 50 and use Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Sawmill Road to get over to North Upper Truckee Road, which runs along the west side of Washoe Meadows State Park and reconnects to 50 just before the ascent to Echo Summit begins.



North Upper Truckee Road is just a residential street which ends at a stop sign at that US 50 junction.  So people have to merge back into the westbound 50 traffic at the stop sign.  Traffic gets backed up horribly through the residential neighborhood, and it's worse when it's snowing because the county can't plow the residential streets up to Caltrans standards on US 50.  Residents can't get in and out of their homes, emergency vehicle access is blocked, and when traffic isn't moving people in the stopped cars who gotta go, gotta go, so that happens in the residents' front yards.

The notion is to force people through the bug station on US 50; the bug station is between the intersection of 50 and Pioneer Trail and that south junction of 50 and 89.

[Max Rockatansky]

Are people heading up Johnson Pass because Waze told them to?  Some of those roads next to US 50 are pretty dicey even in favorable weather. 

No, the problem isn't Johnson Pass Road, it's the residential streets down near Meyers.  On Sunday (or Monday of three-day weekends), 50 gets backed up solid past the airport all the way to the "Y" (north junction of US 50 and CA 89).  So drivers leave 50 and use Lake Tahoe Boulevard and Sawmill Road to get over to North Upper Truckee Road, which runs along the west side of Washoe Meadows State Park and reconnects to 50 just before the ascent to Echo Summit begins.



North Upper Truckee Road is just a residential street which ends at a stop sign at that US 50 junction.  So people have to merge back into the westbound 50 traffic at the stop sign.  Traffic gets backed up horribly through the residential neighborhood, and it's worse when it's snowing because the county can't plow the residential streets up to Caltrans standards on US 50.  Residents can't get in and out of their homes, emergency vehicle access is blocked, and when traffic isn't moving people in the stopped cars who gotta go, gotta go, so that happens in the residents' front yards.

The notion is to force people through the bug station on US 50; the bug station is between the intersection of 50 and Pioneer Trail and that south junction of 50 and 89.

I see, I would imagine Pioneer Trail probably gets some use too.  I've diverted onto it plenty of times on weekends heading to State Line. 

[Max Rockatansky]

But to your point that agriculture station doesn't do anyone any favors where it is located near South Lake Tahoe.  Really it's one of the prime examples why the agriculture inspection ought to be commercial vehicle only with a turn off like most states do.  There is such minimal truck traffic headed up CA 88 or E16 that the station could be moved closer to Placerville where US 50 can handle more of a traffic load.  It might be worthwhile to restrict Lake Tahoe Boulevard West of the US 50/CA 89 junction to resident/business access only...or just simply bisect the road so it can't be used for direct trough access anymore. 

[gonealookin]

I see, I would imagine Pioneer Trail probably gets some use too.  I've diverted onto it plenty of times on weekends heading to State Line.

Pioneer Trail isn't the problem North Upper Truckee Road is.  Pioneer Trail is built pretty much to state highway standards, there's a signal at that intersection of 50 and Pioneer Trail so drivers entering 50 at that point don't have to force their way into jammed traffic the way they do at the North Upper Truckee Road stop sign, and you can see from the map there are a few more alternate routes over in that neighborhood so the residents' and emergency vehicle access isn't as problematic on that side.

...It might be worthwhile to restrict Lake Tahoe Boulevard West of the US 50/CA 89 junction to resident/business access only...or just simply bisect the road so it can't be used for direct through access anymore. 

The locals would love that solution, but California state law states you can't say only certain people can use a public road.  If residents can use it, anyone can use it.

Personally I would put a gate at the intersection of North Upper Truckee Road and US 50, close it for these weekend hours when this is a problem and give the key code only to police/fire/ambulance.  I'm not sure what state law says about that idea.

[Max Rockatansky]

Either way I'm not sure why anyone would want to take Echo Summit in anything but good weather instead of Donner Summit.  At minimum with Donner you'll have access to multiple lanes getting over the crest of the Sierras which is by far the most difficult part of the trip more often than not this time of year I've found.  Personally I've found it easier to even swing out crazy wide on CA 70 along the Feather River to US 395 and take that down to US 50 in Carson City in the winter.  It might be longer but there is far less chance of extremely foul weather and more so people, usually that travel time ends up leveling out in the end. 

[nexus73]

Either way I’m not sure why anyone would want to take Echo Summit in anything but good weather instead of Donner Summit.  At minimum with Donner you’ll have access to multiple lanes getting over the crest of the Sierras which is by far the most difficult part of the trip more often than not this time of year I’ve found.  Personally I’ve found it easier to even swing out crazy wide on CA 70 along the Feather River to US 395 and take that down to US 50 in Carson City in the winter.  It might be longer but there is far less chance of extremely foul weather and more so people, usually that travel time ends up leveling out in the end. 

For southern Oregon/NorCal travel, it can help to check the webcams.  Obviously the direct route is I-5.  Need a bypass?  Weed CA is where US 97's southern terminus is.  Gojng from there to Klamath Falls OR is surprisingly easy terrain.  Once in the Klamath Basin, there are three routes to get back to I-5.  Avoid SR 62 as it goes to Crater Lake.  Lots of snow there!  The two to look at are SR 140 to Medford and SR 66 to Ashland.  Having been on 140, it is not that onerous in terms of the lay of the land.  66 is not a route I have used but the map shows no major mountain passes between Klamath Falls and Ashland. 

Getting from here to there in the winter over here does require some route adjustments at times.  Am I ever glad we have some possibilities to use!

Rick

[Max Rockatansky]

Either way I'm not sure why anyone would want to take Echo Summit in anything but good weather instead of Donner Summit.  At minimum with Donner you'll have access to multiple lanes getting over the crest of the Sierras which is by far the most difficult part of the trip more often than not this time of year I've found.  Personally I've found it easier to even swing out crazy wide on CA 70 along the Feather River to US 395 and take that down to US 50 in Carson City in the winter.  It might be longer but there is far less chance of extremely foul weather and more so people, usually that travel time ends up leveling out in the end. 

For southern Oregon/NorCal travel, it can help to check the webcams.  Obviously the direct route is I-5.  Need a bypass?  Weed CA is where US 97's southern terminus is.  Gojng from there to Klamath Falls OR is surprisingly easy terrain.  Once in the Klamath Basin, there are three routes to get back to I-5.  Avoid SR 62 as it goes to Crater Lake.  Lots of snow there!  The two to look at are SR 140 to Medford and SR 66 to Ashland.  Having been on 140, it is not that onerous in terms of the lay of the land.  66 is not a route I have used but the map shows no major mountain passes between Klamath Falls and Ashland. 

Getting from here to there in the winter over here does require some route adjustments at times.  Am I ever glad we have some possibilities to use!

Rick

Getting across Oregon on the whole is easier in the Cascades I've found opposed to the Sierras.  I've done Crater Lake and OR 62 a couple times in the winter and didn't have much trouble.  The 20 something feet of snow on the south rim of Crater Lake in particular was quite the sight to behold and just to hang out for the day back in 2016. 

[gonealookin]

Either way I’m not sure why anyone would want to take Echo Summit in anything but good weather instead of Donner Summit.  At minimum with Donner you’ll have access to multiple lanes getting over the crest of the Sierras which is by far the most difficult part of the trip more often than not this time of year I’ve found.  Personally I’ve found it easier to even swing out crazy wide on CA 70 along the Feather River to US 395 and take that down to US 50 in Carson City in the winter.  It might be longer but there is far less chance of extremely foul weather and more so people, usually that travel time ends up leveling out in the end. 

For southern Oregon/NorCal travel, it can help to check the webcams.  Obviously the direct route is I-5.  Need a bypass?  Weed CA is where US 97's southern terminus is.  Gojng from there to Klamath Falls OR is surprisingly easy terrain.  Once in the Klamath Basin, there are three routes to get back to I-5.  Avoid SR 62 as it goes to Crater Lake.  Lots of snow there!  The two to look at are SR 140 to Medford and SR 66 to Ashland.  Having been on 140, it is not that onerous in terms of the lay of the land.  66 is not a route I have used but the map shows no major mountain passes between Klamath Falls and Ashland. 

Getting from here to there in the winter over here does require some route adjustments at times.  Am I ever glad we have some possibilities to use!

Rick

I have lived at Tahoe for 10 years now.  Here's an evaluation of the alternate routes over the Sierra in severe weather:

CA 88:  Carson Pass itself usually isn't a problem, but the stretch of highway immediately west of the Kirkwood ski resort, known as "Carson Spur", is subject to severe avalanche risk as it traverses a steep north-facing slope.  Carson Spur can be closed for 48 hours at a time during severe storms.

US 50:  The traffic problems as mentioned above because it's a winding two-lane road.  It can be closed completely from Meyers up to Echo Summit for avalanche control but those closures usually don't last more than a few hours.  This is definitely my shortest and preferred route over to Sacramento.

I-80:  Subject to a lot of wind which results in whiteout closures lasting up to 24 hours.  When it's open...because it's a freeway, drivers try to go too fast, crash bang boom, and it's closed for a few hours at a time while the Highway Patrol lets tow trucks up there to clean up the mess.

CA-70:  As Max mentioned above this can be a reasonable alternate if you're willing to put in a few extra hours.  This last week, I noticed that during one of the I-80 closures, CA 70 was closed as well for some time due to several 18-wheeler wrecks.

CA-49:  Not a road intended for any significant amount of traffic.  If all these other roads are closed they'll shut down 49 as well.

Bottom line is, there are times when trans-Sierra traffic just isn't possible for up to 24 hours at a time.

[nexus73]

Either way I’m not sure why anyone would want to take Echo Summit in anything but good weather instead of Donner Summit.  At minimum with Donner you’ll have access to multiple lanes getting over the crest of the Sierras which is by far the most difficult part of the trip more often than not this time of year I’ve found.  Personally I’ve found it easier to even swing out crazy wide on CA 70 along the Feather River to US 395 and take that down to US 50 in Carson City in the winter.  It might be longer but there is far less chance of extremely foul weather and more so people, usually that travel time ends up leveling out in the end. 

For southern Oregon/NorCal travel, it can help to check the webcams.  Obviously the direct route is I-5.  Need a bypass?  Weed CA is where US 97's southern terminus is.  Gojng from there to Klamath Falls OR is surprisingly easy terrain.  Once in the Klamath Basin, there are three routes to get back to I-5.  Avoid SR 62 as it goes to Crater Lake.  Lots of snow there!  The two to look at are SR 140 to Medford and SR 66 to Ashland.  Having been on 140, it is not that onerous in terms of the lay of the land.  66 is not a route I have used but the map shows no major mountain passes between Klamath Falls and Ashland. 

Getting from here to there in the winter over here does require some route adjustments at times.  Am I ever glad we have some possibilities to use!

Rick

I have lived at Tahoe for 10 years now.  Here's an evaluation of the alternate routes over the Sierra in severe weather:

CA 88:  Carson Pass itself usually isn't a problem, but the stretch of highway immediately west of the Kirkwood ski resort, known as "Carson Spur", is subject to severe avalanche risk as it traverses a steep north-facing slope.  Carson Spur can be closed for 48 hours at a time during severe storms.

US 50:  The traffic problems as mentioned above because it's a winding two-lane road.  It can be closed completely from Meyers up to Echo Summit for avalanche control but those closures usually don't last more than a few hours.  This is definitely my shortest and preferred route over to Sacramento.

I-80:  Subject to a lot of wind which results in whiteout closures lasting up to 24 hours.  When it's open...because it's a freeway, drivers try to go too fast, crash bang boom, and it's closed for a few hours at a time while the Highway Patrol lets tow trucks up there to clean up the mess.

CA-70:  As Max mentioned above this can be a reasonable alternate if you're willing to put in a few extra hours.  This last week, I noticed that during one of the I-80 closures, CA 70 was closed as well for some time due to several 18-wheeler wrecks.

CA-49:  Not a road intended for any significant amount of traffic.  If all these other roads are closed they'll shut down 49 as well.

Bottom line is, there are times when trans-Sierra traffic just isn't possible for up to 24 hours at a time.

So when there is no snow, what is the best route to go from the Sacramento area to Washoe Valley?  Is it I-80 or US 50?

Rick