CA RxR 4.13: Route 14: The Antelope Valley Freeway

Episode 4.13 continues our exploration of Route 14, picking up from the end of the first segment at I-5, and continuing to the junction with US 395 near Inyokern. As usual, along the way, we explore the history of the route, the conversion to freeway, major projects on the route, and naming along the route. This includes a detailed exploration of the start of the route in the Newhall Pass and Solemint area. It also includes an exploration of the “Aerospace Highway” name, and all the firsts that occurred at Edwards AFB and the test center next to the highway. Ep. 4.13 marks the end of the main episodes of Season 4, although we do have a couple of bonus episodes planned for the season break to tide you over. The first bonus episode, 4.14, covers New Idria Road and Hites Cove Road, which are mining roads in San Benito and Mariposa counties.

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Here are some relevant links (I may edit this to add more links in later):

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1 thought on “CA RxR 4.13: Route 14: The Antelope Valley Freeway”

  1. Thanks for the detailed history; I’ve traveled this route several times. I think this is the only route within L.A. County that has a posted speed limit of 70, from Palmdale north. Separately, the northern segment of the former Sierra Highway, between Backus Rd. and Silver Queen Rd., was in rough shape last time I drove it a few years ago.
    Finally, I also appreciated the explanation for where there highway ’14U’ is posted. I’ve driven that too; I don’t recall seeing posted ‘unrelinquished’ signs elsewhere.

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