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12/25/07 |
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As this page is quite lengthy like the last page including some background information as we go along, I have subdivided this page as well for easy navigating. You can either read this page all the way through or jump to a specific section of this page. On this page: Day Three, Monday, 3 September 2007 Interstate 405 south from LAX to CA 73, the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road Southbound on CA 73, the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road Interstate 5 southbound to Oceanside Interstate 5 northbound to Los Angeles and Interstate 10 Interstate 10 and a side trip on the Pacific Coast Highway Day Three, Monday, 3 September 2007 After breakfast (a late breakfast due to me getting up a little late in the morning while I was getting used to the time change) and an email check it's time to go out and do some more serious freeway exploration. This was the perfect day to do it as this was the Labor Day holiday and no commuter traffic, only your typical holiday weekend traffic to worry about. Besides, it sure beats staying in the hotel room and watching Jerry Lewis and the annual MDA Telethon (the constant begging you to donate your hard earned money, of course). So, I set out south on Interstate 405 towards Oceanside to get more pictures that I could not get the day before as it was getting too late in the evening headed back to Los Angeles from a tiring day in Tijuana. Instead of following Interstate 405 all the way to Interstate 5, I took a detour by way of CA 73, also known as the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road which looks like the Suncoast Parkway (FL Toll 589). It's worth the toll to avoid the congestion on Interstate 405 at Interstate 5 as well as a great scenic drive through the rolling hills of southern California. Once on Interstate 5 coming off of the toll road I headed south to Oceanside, this time for a second look. Things were practically the same as it used to look back in 1978 except for the signage upgrades that have taken place on Interstate 5 over the years. On the way south I made two stops, one at the scenic overlook (which California uses the term Vista Point) and another at the Aliso Creek Rest Area; both provided splendid views of the Pacific Ocean as up close and personal as you can get without getting sand in your shoes or getting wet! After some time in Oceanside it was time to turn around and head back towards Los Angeles. Headed north on Interstate 5 I passed Las Pulgas Road and the infamous Border Patrol checkpoint south of San Clemente. I was not operating at the time I passed through; however, as Interstate 5 is practically the only direct way between San Diego and Los Angeles from what I understand if the checkpoint is in operation traffic backups can occur. You could take an indirect route from San Diego to Los Angeles via another interstate highway, Interstate 15, but I understand that there is another Border Patrol checkpoint in Temecula just before the Interstate 15/Interstate 215 split and you never know when it's in operation as well. With the Camp Pendleton Marine Base inbetween Interstates 5 and 15, the only way to get to Los Angeles from San Diego is practically by way of these two interstates. I continued north on Interstate 5 through Santa Ana to the junction of Interstate 10 in Los Angeles. Once there I proceeded west on Interstate 10 to check out its national western terminus at the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as CA 1 in Santa Monica. The beaches were extremely crowded as I had to drive a little distance to make a legal turnaround to get back to Interstate 10. A tunnel marks the beginning of Interstate 10, the highway that runs from Santa Monica and Los Angeles to its Florida terminus at Interstate 95 in Jacksonville. In California, a sign not too far east from the tunnel dubs Interstate 10 as the "Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway" and I believe other states have designations for Interstate 10 as it passes through. As for me driving the entire length of Interstate 10 from California to Florida or vice versa - well, I would rather fly Southwest any day. After Interstate 10 I went back on Interstate 5 north towards CA 134 and Burbank, then south on Hollywood Way and Barham Blvd. passing by the Warner Bros. studios on the way to US 101. Finally, I rounded out the evening by taking US 101 south to Interstate 110 south and it was back to the Hilton. The next day I had to check in online for the return trip home. Pictures from Day Three This section is organized sequentially according to location as I went along. Some commentary in addition to or supplementing the trip report described above is provided. Interstate 405 south from LAX to CA 73, the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road At the junction of Interstate 710, which is another spur route of Interstate 10 running from Long Beach to Pasadena. California, that is. Remain in the right lane for Interstate 710 south to Long Beach. Final opportunity to exit Interstate 405 south onto Interstate 710 south. Notice the original signage in use with plenty of green out, especially on the Interstate 405 sign. It appears that the cardinal direction was above each shield but it was changed so that the word "south" is centered above the San Diego legend. By comparison Florida uses green out on its signage if something needs to be changed right away, at least until the next sign replacement project as part of a resurfacing project. Final opportunity to exit at Harbor Blvd. to reach Costa Mesa. From here you have two options to reach Interstate 5 and San Diego: Either continue on the free Interstate 405 south or take the CA 73 toll road which is coming up in 1-1/4 miles. Electronic message sign for the upcoming CA 73 toll road. Exit 11A, Fairview Road and CA 73 is just around the corner. CA 55 can be reached by using CA 73. The exit onto the CA 73 toll road from Interstate 405 south. As you can see, CA 55 south is reached from CA 73 while the next exit for Interstate 405 south, Bristol Street, is coming up in 3/4 mile. Also notice the carpool entry lane on Interstate 405 to your far left. Southbound on CA 73, the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road Sign reminding motorists to use CA 73 south to the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road. We are now on the free section of CA 73 and the toll road section begins in 3-1/2 miles. Use Exit 17B for Bear Street or Exit 17A for CA 55 south. As you can see, the lane marking is the best of both worlds: California botts dotts and Florida white and black striping. Doesn't this give you a good taste of home on FL Toll 589 (Veterans Expressway/Suncoast Parkway)? Exit 17A, CA 55 south is just around the corner. You are reminded that the toll section of CA 73 begins in 3-1/4 miles. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at Exit 17A, CA 55 south. You got another three miles to the toll road transition. Campus Drive and Irvine Avenue is coming up in 3/4 mile. Next two exits on CA 73: Campus Drive/Irvine Avenue is 1/2 mile ahead while Jamboree Road is 1-1/4 miles away. Bridge mounted signage for Exit 16, Irvine Avenue/Campus Drive as well as Jamboree Road coming up in 1/2 mile. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at Exit 16, Irvine Avenue/Campus Drive. Exit 15, Jamboree Road, is just around the corner. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at Exit 15, Jamboree Road. You are warned: Bison Avenue is the last free exit on CA 73 before the toll road. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at University Drive and advance signage for Exit 14A, MacArthur Blvd. Next three exits for CA 73 south: MacArthur Blvd. in 1/2 mile, Bison Avenue in 3/4 mile and Bonita Canyon (abbreviated Cyn) Drive in 1-3/4 mile. Exiting at Bonita Canyon Drive will result in your paying a ramp toll. The last exit before paying toll on CA 73 south is just around the corner. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at Exit 14A, MacArthur Blvd. and advance signage for the last exit before toll, Exit 13 Bison Avenue. MacArthur Blvd. takes motorists to Newport Beach. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 toll free at Exit 13, Bison Avenue. Continue on CA 73 south and you will be obligated to pay the toll. Bonita Canyon Drive is one mile ahead but you will have to pay a toll if you exit there. We have now transitioned from the free portion of CA 73 to the toll portion of CA 73. The next two exits shown are Bonita Canyon Drive in 1/4 mile and Newport Coast Drive in 1-1/4 mile, while the mainline toll plaza for CA 73 is coming up in 3-1/2 miles. Also notice the pavement transition from concrete to asphalt and the tolled section of CA 73 sure reminds me of the Suncoast Parkway (FL Toll 589), only CA 73 is six lanes compared to the four lanes of the Suncoast Parkway. Bonita Canyon Drive is just around the corner. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at Exit 12, Bonita Canyon Drive. Notice the $0.75 ramp toll that must be paid if you exit here. A typical example of a ramp toll plaza on CA 73, much like the ramp toll plazas seen on the Veterans Expressway section of FL Toll 589 at Wilsky Blvd. in Tampa. Interstate 5 is 13 miles ahead and San Juan Capistrano is just 14 miles away. Exit 11, Newport Coast Drive is coming up in 1/2 mile. Another 1/4 mile to Exit 11, Newport Coast Drive and the mainline CA 73 toll plaza is coming up in 2-1/2 miles. The rolling countryside as we make our way south on CA 73. The mainline toll plaza for CA 73 is just around the corner in one mile while Laguna Canyon Road/CA 133 and El Toro Road is three miles away after the toll plaza. Unlike the Suncoast Parkway, traffic with a prepaid toll transponder will use the left lanes while those who have to pay cash tolls will be shunted off the toll road to the right to pay. California's version of SunPass is called FasTrak and it works similar to SunPass in Florida or EZ-Pass in Maryland and the northeast United States: You prepay a certain amount of money in a prepaid toll account and the toll is deducted as you pass through. Sound easy? As we have a rental car and (unfortunately) California doesn't take Florida SunPass we have to remain in the right lanes. Go into the FasTrak lanes without a FasTrak transponder and an unpleasant surprise will await you in the mail in the form of a traffic ticket. I am not sure what the penalty in California is for toll evasion but in Florida it's a $100.00 fine and three points on your drivers license (see Florida Statute 316.1001). Probably steep in California, maybe steeper. Approaching the toll plaza where we pay our toll for the privilege of using CA 73, the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road. Toll pricing is variable depending on distance traveled and time of day: To drive CA 73 on the weekend is $4.00, on a weekday is $4.25 and during peak commute times is $5.00 according to the toll rates in effect as of October 2007 on The Toll Roads site. Now that we cleared the toll plaza you are reminded that the speed limit is 65 mph and enforced we must. And yes, like the Florida Highway Patrol that uses radar to enforce speed limits on Interstate 275 the California Highway Patrol (CHP) uses radar on CA 73. Looks like the design of this 65 mph speed limit sign is very similar to Florida's. CA 133/Laguna Canyon Road and El Toro Road is coming up in one mile. Another 1/2 mile to CA 133/Laguna Canyon Road and El Toro Road. The CA 73 toll road goes down a hill from here, so watch your downhill speed. This stretch of CA 73 looks almost like the Suncoast Parkway as it rolls through northern Hernando County (north of Exit 46, FL 50). Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at CA 133/Laguna Canyon Road and El Toro Road. The distributor ramp for CA 133/Laguna Canyon Road and El Toro Road shown to the right. Next exit on CA 73 is Exit 5, Glenwood Drive/Pacific Park Drive, coming up in one mile. Glenwood Drive/Pacific Park Drive is just 3/4 mile ahead while Aliso Creek Road is two miles away. Intermediate signage for Exit 5, Glenwood Drive/Pacific Park Drive. Notice the right lane exit drop. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at Exit 5, Glenwood Drive/Pacific Park Drive. Next up on CA 73 is Aliso Creek Road, coming up in one mile. Use Aliso Creek Road to reach the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as well as Soka University. Aliso Creek Road is coming up in 1/2 mile. Notice that we are only four miles away from Interstate 5 by reason of the signage for Exit 4. It's also missing the "Road" designator as we noticed in the previous sign. We're also coming upon another downhill here on CA 73, so watch your speed here. Another California style 65 mph speed limit sign. The legend "Maximum Speed" instead of "Speed Limit" is common throughout California, especially on its interstate highways and freeways. The CHP is watching your speed, as the speed limit is radar enforced. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at Exit 4, Aliso Creek Road. Final two exits on CA 73 before Interstate 5 south: La Paz Road and Moulton Parkway is coming up in 1/2 mile while Greenfield Drive - the last CA 73 exit - is two miles away. Exit 3, La Paz Road/Moulton Parkway, is just around the corner. Notice the right lane exit drop just like we have seen earlier at Exit 5. We're down to the last wire on CA 73 south: Greenfield Drive is 1/2 mile ahead while Interstate 5 south is 2-1/2 miles away. Final opportunity to exit CA 73 at Exit 2, Greenfield Drive. This is the last exit on CA 73 before transitioning on to Interstate 5 south. With this last overpass and Interstate 5 just over the horizon we bid adieu to CA 73 south and the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road. The toll may be a little pricey by Florida standards but it's worth every penny. Interstate 5 southbound to Oceanside Now that we have transitioned onto Interstate 5 south from CA 73 south, here are the three upcoming exits on Interstate 5 south: Junipero Serra Road is one mile ahead while CA 74/Ortega Highway is 2-1/2 miles ahead and Camino Capistrano is 3-1/2 miles away. Also notice that we have entered the city of San Juan Capistrano. Here's the Interstate 5 south shield to prove we are now on Interstate 5. Good as Interstate 75 in Tampa. Intermediate signage for Junipero Serra Road which is just around the corner. Breathtaking view of the mountains overlooking the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. This was taken at the scenic overlook south of Las Pulgas Road on Interstate 5 (California calls these overlooks Vista Points). A breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean as seen from the Interstate 5 scenic overlook. I couldn't resist getting another mountain view from the Interstate 5 scenic overlook. It sure reminds me (almost) of Mount Triglav in Slovenia minus the snow. A seagull perched on top of the Freeway Entrance sign. Now we head south on Interstate 5 to the Aliso Creek Rest Area, which is not too far from the scenic overlook. Here is a closeup of a new combined No U/Left Turn sign which has seen widespread use throughout California yet it's just getting off the ground in Florida. Freeway entrance for Interstate 5 south from the rest area. This signage is common for entrances to California's interstate highways and freeways; couldn't the Florida DOT do the same for Interstate 275 as well as statewide? (After all, we in Florida don't use the term freeway - instead, we use interstate highway). Closeup of the Interstate 5 shield. Use of the state name on all interstate shields is de rigeur in California, where in Florida there is no use of the state name. Additionally, use of wooden posts for ground mounted signs is the standard in California as well as Maryland. Just a friendly reminder from the folks at CalTrans that rattlesnakes may be in the Aliso Creek Rest Area, especially at night. Sure reminds me of the rest area on Interstate 75 south of Gainesville north of the Paynes Prairie preserve, where rattlesnakes are a hazard that the Florida DOT constructed a safe viewing area of the prairie at the southbound Interstate 75 rest area many years ago. CalTrans proudly maintains the Aliso Creek Rest Area for your enjoyment. Like Florida, the majority of people that maintain the rest areas are people with disabilities. Parking area within the Aliso Creek Rest Area on Interstate 5 south. One thing I did not notice - of which we have in Florida - is nighttime security patrol. Many years ago Florida's rest areas got some bad press after a tourist was murdered at a rest area on Interstate 10; now with the security patrols people feel safer. One of the many bells found on the historic El Camino Real and is preserved in the Aliso Creek Rest Area. Interstate 5 from San Ysidro at the Mexican border to Anaheim follows the route of the historic road. Rest area reminder: Report drunk drivers by calling 911. (In Florida, you can call 911 or the Florida Highway Patrol on your cell phone at *FHP (that's *347)). The life you save could well be your very own. After spending some time at the Aliso Creek Rest Area it's time to head back onto Interstate 5 south. Here is a light post mounted Interstate 5 shield as we leave the rest area. Interstate 5 northbound to Los Angeles and Interstate 10 The exit for Carlsbad Village Drive. Carlsbad is a small town in northern San Diego County just south of Oceanside. The exit for Las Flores Drive. Exit 51B, CA 78 east is just around the corner while Exit 51C, Vista Way, is coming up in 1/2 mile. Intermediate signage for Exit 51B, CA 78 east to Escondido and distance signage for the next three exits on Interstate 5 north: Vista Way is 1/2 mile (did we see that earlier?) while Oceanside Blvd. is 1-1/2 miles ahead and Mission Avenue is 2-1/4 miles away. Final opportunity to exit Interstate 5 north at Exit 51B, CA 78 east to Escondido. CA 78 is freeway standard from here to Escondido and the junction with Interstate 15. Meanwhile, Vista Way (Exit 51C) is just 1/4 mile away. Final opportunity to exit Interstate 5 at Exit 51C, Vista Way. Exit 52, Oceanside Blvd. is 3/4 mile ahead while Exit 53, Mission Avenue, is 1-1/4 miles away. Distance sign for Oceanside Blvd. and Mission Avenue as well as CA 76, all just around the corner. The exit for Exit 52, Oceanside Blvd. More distances on Interstate 5 north: Mission Avenue is 1/2 miles ahead while CA 76 and the Coast Highway is 1-1/4 miles away. Next up is Exit 53, Mission Avenue coming up in 1/4 mile. You can reach downtown Oceanside from here. Final opportunity for Exit 53, Mission Avenue and advance signage for Exit 54A, CA 76 east and Coast Highway. Next two exits on Interstate 5 north: CA 76 East/Coast Highway 1/4 mile ahead and Camp Pendleton just one mile away. Final opportunity for Exit 54A, CA 76 East/Coast Highway. Next three exits on Interstate 5 north as we get ready to leave Oceanside: Camp Pendleton is 1/2 mile ahead and Oceanside Harbor Drive is 3/4 mile ahead. Miss this exit complex and the next exit, Las Pulgas Road, is a 8-3/4 mile drive. The distance between here and Las Pulgas Road is akin to missing the last exit on Interstate 275 before the Howard Frankland Bridge. Remain in the right lane for either Camp Pendleton or Oceanside Harbor Drive. This exit I will remember for as long as I live. This is the final opportunity for Exit 54B which goes into Camp Pendleton as well as advance signage for Exit 54C, Oceanside Harbor Drive. After all, Camp Pendleton was my temporary home for three months back in 1978 when my older brother was in the Navy and fell ill. Except for the revised signage, things haven't changed as much - it was like stepping back almost 30 years ago. Final opportunity for Exit 54C, Oceanside Harbor Drive. Miss this exit and you will have to drive eight miles to the next exit, Exit 62, Las Pulgas Road. Too bad CalTrans does not have a "Next Exit 8 Miles" advisory sign posted to remind motorists of the long drive ahead. It's 65 mph on Interstate 5 north as we pass the Camp Pendleton/Oceanside Harbor Drive exit. We won't see an increase to 70 mph until well after Los Angeles. The road on the right side (where you see the cars going the other way) happens to be the main road into Camp Pendleton, which parallels Interstate 5 for a short distance and then branches off in a northeast direction. Too bad I could not drive through Camp Pendleton to see if anything has changed since 1978 but since this is a Marine base security is paramount. Got to be indeed. Advance signage for Las Pulgas Road coming up in one mile. Looks like this is the same sign that was there since 1978. A newer advance signage for Las Pulgas Road, bearing the Exit 62 designation. Final opportunity for Exit 62, Las Pulgas Road. This exit is basically another entrance into Camp Pendleton; for those without a base sticker Las Pulgas Road is just a legal turnaround for Interstate 5. Light post mounted Interstate 5 north shield assembly as we leave Las Pulgas Road behind. These shield assemblies mounted on light posts are common throughout California. Another 12 miles to civilization and San Clemente and 73 more miles to Los Angeles. But the worst traffic nightmare is yet to come, provided if it's activated. Advance signage for the weigh station as well as electronic message signs for the upcoming U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint which is just around the corner. All trucks must be in the right lane. All trucks must exit at the weigh station, while everyone else must prepare to stop at the Border Patrol checkpoint if it's activated as shown on the variable message sign. This is the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 5 south of San Clemente. Luckily this checkpoint was not activated when I passed through; however, if this checkpoint was activated, the electronic message signs on the canopy overhead would read "STOP HERE, U.S. OFFICERS". Back in 1978, there was no canopy but an overhead featuring changeable message signs of the same legend. Additionally, if the checkpoint was activated, from what I understand near-major traffic backups were common. Besides, there is no way to avoid the Border Patrol checkpoint for two reasons: First, because you are surrounded by Camp Pendleton on either side of Interstate 5 and second, there is another Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate 15 in Temecula which is further east of here. So, if the Border Patrol checkpoint is activated and you are headed to Los Angeles from San Diego, enjoy the wait. We have now left the Border Patrol checkpoint behind and we come upon the exit for Basilone Road and San Onofre which is coming up in one mile. Intermediate signage for Basilone Road and San Onofre, marked as Exit 71. Final opportunity for Exit 71, Basilone Road and San Onofre. We will be entering civilization again after this exit, as the last 20 miles since we passed Oceanside and Exit 54C was nothing but straight interstate highway (except for Exit 62 (Las Pulgas Road) and the Border Patrol checkpoint, of course). Next up is Exit 72, Cristianitos Road, coming up around the corner. There are some state parks in the area surrounding San Clemente which can be reached by using Exit 72. Also notice the "Route 5 Business" sign: In referencing interstate highways, California does not refer to them as "Interstate" or "I" but simply the word "Route". In contrast, we Floridians (Tampa Bay area residents in particular) refer to Interstate 275 as simply Interstate 275 or I-275. Final opportunity for Exit 72, Cristianitos Road. As soon as we pass under Cristianitos Road we will bid adieu to San Diego County and say hello to Orange County. California, that is. Next up as we are now in Orange County is Exit 73, Avenida Madgalena, 1-1/4 miles ahead. Next three exits on Interstate 5 north: Avenida Madgalena 1/2 mile and El Camino Real one mile ahead while Avenida Presidio is another 1-1/2 miles away. Final opportunity for Exit 73, Avenida Madgalena and advance signage for El Camino Real. Intermediate signage for El Camino Real, marked as Exit 74. Final opportunity for Exit 74, El Camino Real and advance signage for Avenida Presidio as well as San Clemente. Final opportunity for Avenida Presidio and advance signage for Avenida Pico. Notice the new retaining wall as well as new residential development on top of the hill; San Clemente changed a lot since I last visited the area in 1978. Intermediate signage for Avenida Pico. Notice the dedicated exit only lane. Next three exits on Interstate 5 north: Avenida Vista Hermosa is only 1/2 mile and Camino de Estrella is two miles ahead while CA 1 - the Pacific Coast Highway leading to various beach cities - is three miles away. Final opportunity for Exit 77, Avenida Vista Hermosa. Advance signage for CA 1, the Pacific Coast Highway to the beach cities as well as Camino Las Ramblas, is just one mile away. If you want a scenic break from the freeways you can exit here. Next two exits on Interstate 5 north: CA 1/Camino Las Ramblas is 1/2 mile ahead while Camino Capistrano is 2-1/2 miles away. Exit 81, Camino Capistrano is one mile ahead. San Juan Capistrano is just around the corner from here. Next up is Exit 82, CA 74/Ortega Highway to San Juan Capistrano coming up in one mile. I think CalTrans should have replaced the sign completely instead of these unsightly overlays for the 1 mile and Exit 82 designations. Overlays save money but I believe there is no savings when appearance is detracted. Final opportunity for Exit 82, CA 74/Ortega Highway to San Juan Capistrano. Next up is Exit 83, Junipero Serra Road coming up in one mile. Next three exits are Junipero Serra Road 1/2 mile and CA 73 (the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road) 2-1/4 miles ahead while Avery Parkway is 2-3/4 miles away. Advance signage for Exit 85A, the CA 73 toll road, coming up in one mile. Remain in the center or left lanes for Interstate 5 north or the right lanes for the CA 73 toll road. Final opportunity for Exit 85A, the CA 73 toll road. If you are headed to the Los Angeles International Airport from here the toll road is your best choice; the toll may be steep but it's worth every dollar as CA 73 takes you to Interstate 405 which takes you to Century Blvd. and the airport. As we have already seen the toll road earlier we will stay on Interstate 5 north as we make our way towards Los Angeles by way of Santa Ana. Also notice the dedicated carpool lane on Interstate 5 north and the steeper $341 fine for violating the lane. Next three exits on Interstate 5 north: Avery Parkway just 1/4 mile and Crown Valley Parkway 1-1/4 mile ahead while Oso Parkway is 2-3/4 miles away. Exit 90, Alicia Parkway, is coming up in 1/4 mile. Exit 90, Alicia Parkway, is just around the corner. Next up is Exit 91, El Toro Road. Notice that an Interstate 5 truck bypass is coming up in two miles. After El Toro Road comes Lake Forest Drive as well as advance signage for the Interstate 5 truck bypass and Bake Parkway. Also notice that Interstate 405 and CA 133 is just around the corner; those headed on CA 133 south to Laguna Beach should use Interstate 405 while those headed north on CA 133 to Riverside - which is another toll road - should continue on Interstate 5. Final opportunity for the Interstate 5 truck bypass as well as Bake Parkway. Advance signage for Interstate 405 north to Long Beach. Those who want to bypass the metro Los Angeles area should use Interstate 405. Intermediate signage for Interstate 405 north to Long Beach. You can also reach Interstate 405 north from the carpool lanes as well. Final opportunity for Interstate 405 north to Long Beach. Also use Interstate 405 north if you are headed towards the Los Angeles International Airport (exit at Century Blvd. from Interstate 405 north). Since we have some time we'll stay on Interstate 5 north here. Next up after Interstate 405 north is Exit 95, CA 133 north to Riverside via another toll road. Final opportunity for Exit 95, CA 133 north to Riverside and advance signage for Sand Canyon Avenue. From this point Interstate 5 is signed for Santa Ana, which is before Los Angeles. Exit 99, Culver Drive and advance signage for Jamboree Road coming up in one mile. Exit for CA 55 to Anaheim and Riverside. Anaheim is the home of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball team which is in the American League, same league as the Tampa Bay Rays. Next up is Exit 106, CA 22 west to Long Beach and advance signage for CA 57 north to Pomona. We are now 106 miles away from the Mexican border and Tijuana. As for Interstate 5 north, the control city changes from Santa Ana to Los Angeles. Intermediate signage for CA 22 west to Long Beach and CA 57 north to Pomona. Final opportunity for Exit 106, CA 22 west to Long Beach. You can reach Angel Stadium from Exit 107A. Final opportunity for Exit 107A, CA 57 north to Pomona. Next up is Exit 113A, Brookhurst Street/La Palma Avenue. Notice the dedicated exit only lane. Final opportunity for Exit 113A, Brookhurst Street/westbound La Palma Avenue (although it is not marked). Eastbound La Palma Avenue is reached by using Exit 113B. Final opportunity for Exit 113B, eastbound La Palma Avenue. Next up is Exit 113C, CA 91 west to Artesia. Notice that this exit can be reach from the regular right lanes or the commuter left lanes. Final opportunity for Exit 113C, CA 91 west to Artesia and advance signage for Magnolia Avenue coming up in 1/4 mile. Also notice that the carpool lane for Interstate 5 north will end in 1/4 mile as well. Here's the version of Exit 113C for carpool users wishing to head west on CA 91. However, Interstate 5's carpool lane will be ending in 1000 feet and carpool traffic will be merging in with regular traffic. Next up is Rosecrans Avenue coming up in 1/2 mile. Now that we have passed Exit 113C, Interstate 5 transitions into an older segment which is three lanes each direction for a total of six lanes, much like Interstate 275 in St. Petersburg. Next up is CA 42, Firestone Blvd. Notice that the exit is made from the left lane with no indication other than the upward pointing arrow towards the left. Also notice the 1950's era bridge railings on either side of Interstate 5. Before the advent of Interstate 5, US 101 used to continue south of Los Angeles to San Diego. However, US 101 was truncated at its current southern terminus when Interstate 5 was routed through Los Angeles. Next up is Interstate 605 coming up in 3/4 mile. Notice that no cities are mentioned for Interstate 605, just the word "freeway" as a control city. We're still on the older segment of Interstate 5. Interstate 605 is just around the corner, but we have an exit for Florence Avenue coming up first. Be careful exiting onto Florence Avenue from Interstate 5 - the ramp is 15 mph and the turn is extremely steep. Also notice the newer signage than the signage we have seen in the last three photographs. Final opportunity for Interstate 605. I imagine when CalTrans does a major makeover of this segment of Interstate 5 (which, in my opinion, is way overdue) the signage will be replaced, much like Florida DOT as it is reconstructing parts of Interstate 275 in Tampa segment by segment. Next up is CA 19, Lakewood Blvd and Rosemead Blvd coming up in 3/4 mile. We made it into Los Angeles. We'll change gears and head out towards Santa Monica and the Pacific Coast on reliable Interstate 10 west. Now that we are in Los Angeles, the freeway name changes from the Santa Ana Freeway to the Golden State Freeway and the control city changes to Sacramento, California's equivalent of Tallahassee, 250+ miles away. (However, if you want the real Tallahassee, head east on Interstate 10 for about 2700 miles and several states east). Interstate 10 and a side trip on the Pacific Coast Highway Interstate 10 west draws to a close, both California and nationwide, at northbound CA 1 which is just around the corner. Those wishing to use CA 1 south may exit at Lincoln Blvd. Typical California mast arm traffic signal on the Pacific Coast Highway at Pacific Palisades. Notice the million dollar plus mansions on top of the hills, absolutely unaffordable by Florida standards. Southbound on the Pacific Coast Highway as we get ready to enter Interstate 10 east. As you will see, Ocean Avenue is the last exit before entering Interstate 10. The beginning of transcontinental Interstate 10 east towards Los Angeles, terminating 2,800 miles later at Interstate 95 in Jacksonville after going through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas (and 1/3 of Interstate 10's mileage), Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and reliable ol' Florida. Remain in the right lane to continue on CA 1 south. Interstate 10's first exit, Exit 1A, CA 1 south and Lincoln Blvd. Next up is 20th Street coming up in 3/4 mile. Final opportunity for 20th Street and advance signage for Centinela Avenue. In California, Interstate 10 is dubbed the Christopher Columbus Transcontinental Highway. Here's an idea I was thinking about during the trip: In the spirit of friendship among California and Florida, the common thread being Interstate 10, I would suggest the Florida DOT erect a mileage sign in this general vicinity stating the mileage to Jacksonville and CalTrans erect a sign in Florida in the Jacksonville metro area stating the mileage to Los Angeles and Santa Monica. After all, it's been done before on Interstate 40 which connects Barstow, California (at Interstate 15) with Wilmington, North Carolina only the states themselves erected the mileage signs on their own territory. Exit 2, Centinela Avenue, is just around the corner. Final opportunity for Exit 2, Centinela Avenue and advance signage for Interstate 405 south to LAX and Long Beach and north to Interstate 5 and Sacramento. Exit 3A, Interstate 405 north to Sacramento, is just around the corner. Prepare for a long drive if you are headed there! Intermediate signage for Interstate 405. Final opportunity for Interstate 405 north while Interstate 405 south is just around the corner. Final opportunity for Interstate 405 south to LAX and Long Beach. Next up is National Blvd. and Overland Avenue. Notice the dedicated exit only lane. Next up is Robertson Blvd. and Culver City coming up in 3/4 mile. Final opportunity for Robertson Blvd. and Culver City. Next up is La Cienega Blvd. coming up in 3/4 mile. Final opportunity for La Cienega Blvd. just around the corner. The exit for Vermont Avenue and Hoover Street as well as advance signage for Interstate 110 south to San Pedro. Use Vermont Avenue to reach the Shrine Auditorium, the site of many awards shows including the 2007 Primetime Emmy Awards. Intermediate signage for Interstate 110 south to San Pedro as well as CA 110 north to Pasadena. There are future plans in the works to redesignate CA 110 north of Interstate 10 as a continuation of Interstate 110 but, as you know, it has to go through AASHTO and FHWA first. Now that we are in Los Angeles, the control cities for Interstate 10 change to Santa Ana (via Interstate 5 south) and San Bernardino. Final opportunity for Interstate 110 south to San Pedro as well as Grand Avenue and the convention center. CA 110 north to Pasadena is just around the corner from the left lane of Interstate 10. Final opportunity for CA 110 north to Pasadena. Be careful exiting here, the ramp speed is 30 mph and is steep. Next up after Interstate 110/CA 110 is Exit 14A, Maple Avenue, coming up in 1/4 mile. Exit 14B, San Pedro Street and advance signage for Exit 15A, Central Avenue. Not the St. Petersburg kind. Final opportunity for Exit 15A, Central Avenue and advance signage for Alameda Street. Final opportunity for Exit 15A, Alameda Street and advance signage for Exit 16A, Santa Fe Avenue (although the exit number is not marked). Final opportunity for Exit 16A, Santa Fe Avenue and advance signage for Interstate 5 south to Santa Ana and CA 60 east to Pomona. Remain in the left lanes for Interstate 5 north to Sacramento or to continue on Interstate 10 east to San Bernardino, as Interstates 5 and 10 will multiplex with each other for a short distance. Intermediate signage for Interstate 5 as well as CA 60. We're now on the multiplexed section of Interstates 5 and 10. Remain in the two right lanes to continue on Interstate 10 to San Bernardino and further east or stay in the left lanes for Interstate 5 north to Sacramento. Exit for Cesar Chavez Avenue on the multiplexed section of Interstates 5 and 10. North of here we'll bid adieu to Interstate 10 and continue on Interstate 5 for a short distance and we'll loop through Burbank on the way back to LAX and the Hilton. We'll reminisce about my 2003 trip to Los Angeles and Burbank on the next page, which is Tuesday, 4 September 2007.
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This site was last updated 12/17/07