Former CA 4 through Vallecito-Murphys

[Max Rockatansky]

Murphys is one of the oldest communities in Calaveras County and historically tied to the history of the Big Trees Road to Ebbetts Pass.  When California State Route 4 was commissioned in 1934 it followed the existing Alpine State Highway corridor through the community via Main Street and Big Trees Road.  Murphys would be bypassed in 1961 when the current highway alignment east of downtown was constructed.  The same project corridor would also bypass nearby Douglas Flat and Vallecito. 

https://www.gribblenation.org/2025/12/former-california-state-route-4-in.html?m=1

Edit:  Here is the blog for Vallecito.  The town has a similar history to Murphys and realignment to 4 cane at the same time. 

https://www.gribblenation.org/2025/12/former-california-state-route-4-in_01480544529.html?m=1

[pderocco]

Murphys is one of the oldest communities in Calaveras County and historically tied to the history of the Big Trees Road to Ebbetts Pass.  When California State Route 4 was commissioned in 1934 it followed the existing Alpine State Highway corridor through the community via Main Street and Big Trees Road.  Murphys would be bypassed in 1961 when the current highway alignment east of downtown was constructed.  The same project corridor would also bypass nearby Douglas Flat and Vallecito. 

https://www.gribblenation.org/2025/12/former-california-state-route-4-in.html?m=1

I'm glad the bypassing didn't kill the town. I rather like it. I also really like the old alignment on Murphys Grade.

[Max Rockatansky]

Murphys is one of the oldest communities in Calaveras County and historically tied to the history of the Big Trees Road to Ebbetts Pass.  When California State Route 4 was commissioned in 1934 it followed the existing Alpine State Highway corridor through the community via Main Street and Big Trees Road.  Murphys would be bypassed in 1961 when the current highway alignment east of downtown was constructed.  The same project corridor would also bypass nearby Douglas Flat and Vallecito. 

https://www.gribblenation.org/2025/12/former-california-state-route-4-in.html?m=1

I'm glad the bypassing didn't kill the town. I rather like it. I also really like the old alignment on Murphys Grade.

Amusingly the median that Caltrans just put in on 4 has everyone complaining that it is killing businesses.  That wasn't part of Main Street nor Big Trees Road so I didn't incorporate into the story.