It's History

Why California Abandoned Highway 39 (8x247)

: 04, 2024

California's abandoned Route 39, also known as the San Gabriel Canyon Road, holds a storied past steeped in the state's transportation evolution. Originally envisioned as a vital link between the coastal regions and the San Gabriel Mountains, Route 39 emerged in the 1930s, serving as a scenic route through stunning landscapes. However, due to environmental concerns, financial constraints, and the devastating effects of natural disasters like landslides and floods, portions of the highway were gradually abandoned. This abandonment resulted in its closure and eventual removal from the state highway system. Despite its closure, remnants of this once bustling road remain, invoking a sense of nostalgia and curiosity among adventurous explorers and historians eager to uncover the faded echoes of California's transportation history.