What is US Highway 99?

US Highway 99 was one of major highways in the US highway system. It was originally certified in 1926 and formed the “Backbone of the Pacific States”, much as I-5 does today. In California, it was known as the “Main Street of California”. Created in December 1926, the highway ran from Canada at Blaine, Washington to El Centro, California, in the Imperial Valley. In 1932, US 99 was extended from El Centro to Calexico at the Mexican Border. At its height, it stretched 1499 miles from Canada to Mexico. US 99 was a heavily traveled corridor and connected the major cities in California. It brought with it the agricultural wealth of the Great Central Valley , tourists, and travelers alike.

In 1963, the first segment of US 99 was decommissioned between Calexico and Los Angeles at the I-5 / I-10 interchange. Sign changes didn’t take place until July 1964. This would be followed only two years later in 1965, when the remainder of US 99 was decommissioned in California. US 99 itself would remain until 1971, when the final section in Oregon was decommissioned. It would be replaced, in California, by portions of Interstate Routes 5, 10, and 80, and portions of State Routes 36, 65, 70, 86, 99, 111, 204, 263, 265, and 273.

In September 1993, California designated US 99 as a Historic Route, under Assembly Concurrent Resolution 19, drafted by Doug Pruitt of Cottonwood, CA and sponsored by Assemblyman Stan Statham (1st Assembly District). This legislation made signage along the remaining portions of the roadway possible. No state monies are allowed for this signage, but donations, grants, and other sources are welcome.

Today, the road lives on as local streets such as Golden State Boulevard, San Fernando Road, Valley Blvd, Imperial Ave, or even Wonderland Blvd. These were the roads that connected California. Many treasures still lie along them, such as the original A&W Root Beer stand in Lodi. Giant Oranges once lined the highway, allowing travelers to taste the local fruits in the Central Valley. Many of the towns along the way have their own stories to tell, with some owing their existence to the road, such as Castaic near Los Angeles. Why not check out what they have to offer next time you see a “Business Route” or “Historic Route 99” sign at the exit?