A note on the photography

Please excuse some of the inadequacies of the photographic exhibits featured. Many of these photographs, particularly of modern highways, were taken on the road and behind the wheel under adverse focus, lighting and positioning conditions. For this reason, some photo exhibits may have been redone at a different time of day or on a later occasion to improve quality, or additional shots taken later may be inserted into a previously completed sequence to aid in continuity. The quality of focus and colour are also affected by prevailing road conditions, the ability to stop safely (which was not always possible), and the characteristics of the particular camera in use. As alignments and roads change, some of these photographs may no longer represent the present road. For some routes, that's exactly the purpose in mind!

Please also note that except where noted, these photographs, map reconstructions and other multimedia shown here are my own work. I would appreciate it greatly if you would consult me first before copying them for your own purposes, and conserve my bandwidth by not using website copy agents to download them. Thank you for being understanding of the technical deficiencies, and I hope you enjoy my explorations as much as I did. -- Cameron Kaiser

We've saved Temporary CA 30! >>

[Photograph: The last remaining signed Temporary state route in California, ca. 12/2004.]

Welcome to the Roadgap!

Floodgap Roadgap is my personal collection of roadgeekery, with a special emphasis on dead or dying routes in an effort to preserve them photographically in a state as close to their last living alignment as possible. Who are roadgeeks? Well, we're those people who you find with their hazard lights on by the side of the road, photographing some call box, mile marker, sign or all three. Why do we care? I don't know about anyone else, but I find roads visually fascinating because of their structure and interconnections; their history is inexorably intertwined with local history in general; and their preservation ensures that a piece of our past lives on into the future.

Also, I've used Roadgap for some of my general on-the-road photography, not just dead routes. Besides including trips to other regions, states (Roadgap is generally concerned with Southern California since that's where I live, but other exhibits will appear as I get the camera going on my travels), and countries, I've also included travelogues of modern routes that I've found particularly fascinating. Plus, I'm also happy to find any excuse to toss in holiday snaps and scenes I've photographed that I find beautiful.

Also, a few treatises of potential use to you, the viewer:

What's new at the Roadgap? -- the very latest changes made to the site, what exhibits are new and have been updated, and where the goodies are at. Floodgap Roadgap was last updated on 24 January 2021.
A large photographic refresh is in progress for most of our exhibits. Please pardon our dust!

Roadgap conventions, glossary and guidelines. This defines many of the conventions I use on this site, a (very basic) glossary of common highway terms for novices, and my guidelines for fair use and layout.

Why vandalism stinks -- the community advocacy portion of this program. In addition to the community damage it causes and being a tremendous eyesore, vandalism is an extreme threat to roadgeekery, especially historical investigations. I make my case, and give some ways on how to contribute to reducing it.

I hope you have a great time vicariously enjoying the view behind my driver's seat, and that you'll also check out some of the other great stuff here at Floodgap. -- Cameron Kaiser

(multipart exhibits both new and old)
Grand Tours

Grand Tours

[US 395: The Three Flags Highway Exhibit]

US Highway 395: The Three Flags Highway
Old Highway 395 photographed December 2004 through May 2005
Additional photography October 2006 through September 2008
Full US 395 (California to Canada) photographed July 2005 through November 2005
Additional photography February and March 2006, October 2006 through September 2008, and April through September 2009
includes portions of or references to (only major junctions listed) Old US 395, Old US 101, Old US 80, CA 163, I-8, I-15, CA 76, CA 78, CA 79, I-215 ("I-15E", old CA 194), CA 60 (old US 60), CA 91 (old US 91), I-10 (old US 70/US 99), Old CA 30, Old US 66, CA 58 (old US 466), CA 14 (old US 6), US 6, CA 120, CA 108, US 50, TEMP US 395, I-80, "Stealth" I-580 (US 395), CA 70 (old US 40A), CA 36, OR 140, US 20, US 26 (old US 28), I-84 (old I-80N), US 30, OR 37 (old US 395), US 730 (old US 395), I-82, I-182, US 12, I-90 (old US 10), WA 904 (old US 10/US 395), US 2 (old US 10, old US 10A), US 195, WA 20, BC 395, BC 3
The mighty Eastern Sierra Three Flags Highway all the way from California to Canada -- all 1,305 miles of the present-day routing (in 30 parts), plus a large and detailed 18-part historical exhibit of Old Highway 395 in Southern California's San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Selected additional old alignments in California, Oregon and Washington states are also explored, along with map aids, archival photographs and full discussion of the history of the route and surrounding regions. Includes US 395's continuation into Canada. In forty-nine total parts.

[The Summer of 6: US 6 from CA to MA, July 2006]

US Highway 6: The Grand Army of the Republic Highway
photographed July 2006
includes portions of or references to (only major junctions listed) US 395, US 95, US 50/93, Interstate 15, US 191, Interstate 70, US 40, Interstate 25, US 85, Interstate 76, US 34, Interstate 80, Interstate 480, Interstate 74 ... more to come
Come across America on the United States' longest continuous designation highway (and once the longest highway in the country from Long Beach, CA to Provincetown, MA -- now from Bishop, CA) 3,205 miles to the very tip of Cape Cod and the Atlantic Ocean! Enjoy the history and sites of a road that gives a cross-section of America like no other. Sections posted as they are completed: new Parts up 25 January 2021! Currently in twenty-five parts, with more to come.
Also, be sure to read my "road blog" written from the field along the way, and preview future sections as I release them! Includes background information, full frame photography, and maps, plus special side trips and photography of major destinations and locations on the East Coast and along the American South and Southwest on the return route.

[US Highway 399: Ventura to Bakersfield]

US Highway 399: Ventura to Bakersfield and the Maricopa Highway
photographed April 2005, May 2006, February 2007, June, July and August 2007 and November 2009
includes portions of or references to (only major junctions listed) US 101 (and Old US 101), CA 33, CA 150, CA 166, CA 119, CA 43, I-5, CA 99 (Old US 99), BR 99 (Old US 99), CA 58, CA 204
An obscure yet vital highway, long forgotten, from California's coast literally through the wild mountain ranges into the fertile and oil-rich San Joaquin Valley. Long decommissioned but just as important as when it existed, take a look at a part of California you may have only seen on a map as we pass through Ventura, Ojai, Maricopa, Taft and Bakersfield. Take a gander at historical maps, photographs and two bonus stages! In eight parts.

[US 95: Vegas to Blythe]

Vegas To Blythe: US Highway 95
photographed July 2005 and July 2007
includes portions of or references to US 95 (old NV 5), NV 157, ClarkCo 215, BR 95, NV 582 (old NV 5 and old US 95/US 93), I-15, US 93, I-215, NV 564, NV 599 (old NV 5 and old US 95/US 93), NV 579 (old NV 5 and old US 95/US 93), NV 601, NV 604 (old US 91/US 466), NV 589, NV 593, NV 165, NV 164, NV 163, Old US 66, I-40, BR 40 (old US 66/US 95), AZ 95, MohCo 227 (old AZ 95), Old US 60/US 70, I-10
From the glittering lights of Vegas to the glittering waters of the Colorado River, we travel US 95 between Las Vegas, Nevada and its southern terminus in California in Blythe. Multiple pre- and post-freeway alignments are also explored, along with its relationship to US 66 and other US highways. Also includes the modern Interstate co-routings in Las Vegas, Needles and Blythe, and a special look at the Hoover Dam and the 2010 Hoover Dam Bypass. In six parts.

The Bangor Loop: COASTAL US 1 and US 1 ALT
photographed May and October 2005
A beautiful loop from and into scenic Bangor, Maine down along the former alignment of US 1, today's US 1A, now bypassed by the former alternate alignment that is today's COASTAL US 1. Special focus on the doomed Waldo-Hancock Bridge nee the Penobscot Narrows, slated for demolition. In two parts.

[Photograph: Overlooking Seattle, WA near old US 99.]

(interesting stops, modern routes and scenery studies)
Travelogues

Travelogues

America's First Freeway: Route 110
photographed March 2005, May 2005, June 2009 and February 2018
includes portions of or references to I-110 (old CA 11, old US 6), I-105, I-10 (Santa Monica Fwy), CA 110 (old CA 11, old US 66), I-5 (old US 6, old US 99), US 101, Old US 66, Old US 66 ALT, Old CA 42, I-405, CA 91, I-210
Drive the Arroyo Seco Parkway, the United States' first freeway built in 1940, and experience the beginning of our love-hate relationship with freeway travel. Includes the I-110 Harbor Fwy and the award-winning I-110/I-105 interchange, plus an analysis of the old exit configurations, bridges and architecture, historical photographs, and Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles scenery and landmarks. In three parts.
The Loneliest Highway in California: CA 266
photographed May 2006 and August 2010
includes portions of or references to CA 266, CA 168, NV 264 (old NV 3A), NV 266 (old NV 3), US 95
California's most isolated state highway with a lot of miles from nowhere to no place and no one to see you on them. Includes similarly desolate highways in Nevada, a state just full of lonely highways too.
The Owens Lake Link: CA 136
photographed August 2010
It's not to look at and it's not very long, but there sure is a lot of history. Visit the region that shriveled so that Los Angeles might bloom and see what survived.
The Road to Bodie: CA 270
photographed July 2009
The road to the great boomtown Bodie, the town too wicked to die that eventually did. Now a state park, we explore this oddball one-way route and the remainder of the town in its state of "permanent decay." In two parts.
The Walt Disney World Freeway System
photographed July 2019
When Disney wants full control of the guest resort experience, they mean it ... right down to the asphalt. Special focus on its unique signage and a few touristy snaps as well.
CA 371: Cahuilla Rd
photographed November 2013 and October 2015
A historic mountain road from smallwhere to littleplace through the isolated mountain communities of southwestern California.
California's Shortest State Highway: CA 153
photographed March 2006
Well, shortest signed highway, anyway. Celebrates the only time California was actually making money, even if it was the yellow precious metal variety, and the famous Marshall's Monument to the 1848 gold rush.
Australian Highways: New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory
photographed April 2003 and September 2008
A selection of highways and signage types from my trip to New South Wales, Australia, in April 2003. Passes through (NSW except where noted) Sydney, Merriwa, Dubbo, Wellington, Parkes, Canberra (ACT) and Goulburn. Also includes images passing over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as countryside and environs scenery.
Italian Highways: Environs and Cities of Roma, Amalfi, Napoli, Siena, Ravenna, and Venezia
photographed October 2003
A selection of highways and signage types from my trip to Italy in October 2003, along with that most original of city street systems, Venice. Passes through the cities listed. Also includes local images and scenery, as well as a selection of artwork and monuments.
Bypass US 1: Portsmouth, NH to Kittery, ME
photographed July 2006
An anachronistic "link from the past" between two states with distinctive shields, signage and vintage style. Special focus on the venerable Sarah Mildred Long Bridge.
The Bridges of Terminal Island: CA 47, CA 103
photographed January through March 2005
includes portions of or references to CA 47, CA 103, Old CA 103 (unreliquished), CA 1 (old BYP US 101), I-710 (old CA 7), and I-110 (old US 6/CA 11)
The bridges of Terminal Island and the Port of Long Beach, including drive throughs over and around the fascinating Gerald Desmond, Schuyler Heim and Vincent Thomas bridges.

[Photograph: Old-style black sign on Morena Blvd (old US 101) in San Diego.]

(decommissioned routes and old alignments of modern routes)
The Highway Graveyard

The Highway Graveyard

Old CA 195 and the Mojave Box Canyon (and CA 86 Supplemental)
photographed November 2012
includes portions of or references to I-10 (old US 60/70), CA 86 (old US 99), CA 86S, CA 111
Drive the beautiful Box Canyon and heaps of highway history in central Riverside County, California as we explore the old US 60 alignment and the remaining stub of CA 195. Presented in 16:9.
The Crosstown Freeway: Old CA 30
photographed December 2004, May 2005, January 2007, August 2007 and November 2008
includes portions of or references to I-10 (old US 70/US 99), future I-210 (CA 210, old CA 30 and old CA 106), CA 330 (old CA 30), I-215 (old US 66/US 91/US 395/CA 18), Old CA 106, CA 259, Old BR 30, CA 18, BR 18
The remnants of CA 30, replaced by CA (soon Interstate) 210, the San Bernardino Crosstown Freeway. Includes a look at the long-forgotten Business Routes 18 and 30 (and modern CA 18) and long-dead CA 106, as well as the mysterious CA 259, an old relic from CA 18's proposed days as freeway, and the cities of Glendora, San Dimas, LaVerne, Claremont, Upland, San Bernardino, Redlands and Highland, Calif. In three parts.
The Mass Grave: CA 7, CA 14U, CA 31 (and TEMP I-15), US 60, CA 65, US 91, US 99, CA 163 (Old), CA 195
see individual entries for dates of photography
includes portions of or references to I-710 (old CA 7), I-405, CA 1 (old BYP US 101), I-210, CA 134, CA 14, CA 14U "Unrelinquished" (old US 6), Old CA 31 (old TEMP I-15), CA 60 (old US 60), CA 65 (old US 99E/US 40), CA 91 (old US 91), CA 99 (Old US 99), Old CA 118, CA 163 (former), CA 164 "CA 19", CA 11 (former), CA 110, Old CA 195, CA "86S" and CA 86, I-10 (old US 60/US 70)
A collection of mini-entries -- scattered proof these routes really did and do exist, but (mostly) not enough for full entries themselves. Includes contrast enhancements and historical maps where appropriate.
The Road to Cabrillo: Old CA 209
photographed February 2005, April 2005, July 2006 and September 2007
includes portions of or references to I-5 (old US 101), I-8 (old US 80), Old US 101, Old US 80, Old CA 209
The road to the beautiful Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego. Includes its most recent routing before its decommissioning, and scenery from the national monument, San Diego Harbour, and the Point Loma Lighthouse.
Balboa Avenue: Old CA 274
photographed December 2004, April 2005, August 2007, December 2008
includes portions of or references to Old CA 274, I-5 (old US 101), Old US 101, I-805, CA 163 (old US 395), I-15 (old CA 103)
Decommissioned CA 274, once company of US 101, now a simple city street once again. Includes a small portion of old US 101, as well as local scenes and interchanges.
El Toyon Freeway: Dead CA 252
photographed January 2005 and January 2007
includes portions of or references to Dead CA 252, I-5, CA 15 (old CA 103), I-805
Ramps to nowhere probably went somewhere. Consider the case of Dead CA 252, and the somewhere in San Diego they might have went.
Not Quite South Bay Freeway: CA 54 and BR 54
photographed December 2004, April 2005, February 2006, November 2007
includes portions of or references to CA 54, CA 94, "BR 54" (old CA 54), I-8 (old US 80)
The orphaned eastern segment of CA 54, including the decommissioned El Cajon "BR 54" portion and its bizarre interstate shield.

[Photograph: Onramp to I-10 (old US 70/old US 99) at County Line Road in Yucaipa, after a freak snowstorm 2004-11-21.]

"You took pictures of a frickin' road?"
-- Kevin M.

(exhibits under construction)
Future Detours

Future Detours

Summer of 6: US 6
US 6 is fully photographed and watch for portions to come out part by part at the Summer of 6.
Desert to Shore: Interstate 8 in AZ/CA
A highway I've enjoyed in my hometown of San Diego. The freeway pictures are all done, but I still have some business route to photograph. You can see a little bit of I-8 in the Summer of 6 roadblog.
El Camino Real: US 101
The Pacific Coast Highway: CA 1
A future project. This will primarily be restricted to the present-day alignment, end to end, for both. Both of these will be Grand Tours. Rather than just the same old stale travelogues (which have been done endlessly for both these classic routes), both the US 101 and CA 1 sections will additionally home in on interesting historical, architectural and just plain fun aspects of these famous highways. Why so far in the future? Well, that's when I'm going to take a long enough vacation to do this. :) US 101 has higher priority than CA 1, so if I do these separately, US 101 will be done first.
Interstate 19 in Tucson, AZ
This is completely done and is awaiting a writeup.
US 199 in OR/CA
US 199 is done in part and needs a few sections to be revised.
Markleeville Run and Monitor Pass: CA 88, CA 89
Mostly done. This was very harrowing to do at night, especially with the imposing 24% grade signs at the CA 4 junction. A few more pictures to take when I'm next in the region.
A few others on my list: CA 168, CA 66 (especially since Route 66 has been done so endlessly -- let's look at the corpse instead, eh?), CA 152 (especially through the Pacheco Pass), CA 173, ...

[Photograph: Please be careful of roadgeeks running across the freeway. (Interstate 5 in north San Diego county)]

Links

Daniel Faigin's CAHighways.org displays history and comprehensive information on any sort of California route number, including Legislative Route Numbers, dead and deallocated numbers, and numbers that may have changed over time. It also has a fine links section. Dan's data was integral for assisting me with some of the more obscure routings.
Andy Field's AARoads and his affiliated sites are great starting points and portals for highways going to lots of destinations on the West Coast and throughout the United States.
Steve Alpert's Roads site contains road pictures from all over the stinking place, including a huge set of Michael Summa's outstandingly tasty 1970s historical images.
Fellow UCSD graduate Casey Cooper's Roads and Highways Page has some nice general information on the state of the US highway system in California, as well as general roadgeek resources and some lovely historical photographs.
The misc.transport.road FAQ will answer a great many questions about general roadgeekery.

The Fine Print!

All photographs, design, artwork and writeups, except where noted, are copyright © 2004-2021 Cameron Kaiser. All rights reserved. Your use of this site is for your own personal entertainment, and the use of this site, including but not limited to its component multimedia, its writeups and its schemata, is not permitted for any commercial or profit purpose without the express consent of the site author. Unauthorized duplication or copying for any purpose is strictly prohibited. Please contact the site maintainer for permission.

Maps should not be used for navigational purposes; may potentially represent routes that are presently non-existent, or treacherous and/or prohibited for current travel; and are presented as historical aids only.

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