California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Route 199

This route was part of the original set of planned routes in 1926, as was signed as US 199 in 1928 (although one report gives 1932). It is part of LRN 1, defined in 1919.

According to Tom Fearer, the history of what became US 199 begins in the 1854 when the City of Crescent City incorporated. The incorporation of Crescent City drove the need for a Stage Route to be built inland to Oregon. In June of 1854 the Crescent City & Yreka Plank Turnpike Company (CCYPTC) formed with the goal of building a wagon road through the Klamath Mountains to Oregon via Oregon Mountain. To that the CCYPTC surveyed a route to Oregon by October of 1854 but no work began as a recession hit during 1855. The CCYPTC began construction of a planked wagon road in 1857 and completed it during May of 1858. Upon reaching Oregon Mountain the CCYPTC wagon road turned east straddling the State Line via Wilmer Road before turning north towards via what is now Lone Mountain Road. The CCYPTC wagon road followed modern US 199 through O'Brien, Waldo, Kerby, and Wilderville. From Wilderville the CCYPTC route turned east via what is now Fish Hatchery Road, the Applegate River, and OR 238 towards the mining City of Jacksonville. In 1881 the Gasquet Toll Road began to be constructed to Oregon Mountain where it crossed the Oregon State Line and met the existing CCYPTC plank road. The Gasquet Toll Road was a log surface design and would be completed by 1887. The Gasquet Toll Road was connected from Gasquet to Crescent City via the Smith River, Mill Creek, and Howland Summit. The general path of the Gasquet Toll Road included a new suspension bridge at the confluence of the Smith River and South Fork Smith River. The future route of US 199 was added to the Oregon State Route System during 1917 when it was added as Oregon Highway 25 between Grants Pass southwest to the California State Line. As noted above, the future route of US 199 in California was added to the State Highway System during the 1919 Third State Highway Bond Act, when what was to be LRN 1 was extended to the Oregon State line. The route was aligned over the Gasquet Toll Road, added as part of a 1919 Legislative Amendment.
(Source: Gribblenation Blog (Tom Fearer): "US Route 199")

In 1925, as part of the Smith River Forest Project, LRN 1 was realigned onto the new Redwood Highway. This highway was cited to be an average of 22 feet wide and is stated to be a direct replacement for the Gasquet Toll Road, and was schedule to open in the summer of 1926. By 1935, the alignment of US 199 departed US 101 in Crescent City via Parkway Drive. By 1956, US 101 had been moved off of Northcrest Drive in Crescent City and onto Parkway Drive. US 199's western terminus was moved a couple miles eastward on Parkway Drive near what is now Cookie Street. Former US 101 on Northcrest Drive would later become Del Norte County Sign Route D2 by 1966. The groundbreaking ceremony for what was called the "Hazelview Tunnel" is discussed in the September/October 1960 CHPW guide. In the November/December 1963 CHPW article the now named "Randolph Collier Tunnel" on US 199 through Oregon Mountain is stated to have opened on July 27th.
(Source: Gribblenation Blog (Tom Fearer): "US Route 199")

Status

US 101 / US 199 Freeway

Rte 199/Rte 101 Freeway Alternatives In July 1970, it was reported that studies were ongoing for a planned freeway interconnection between US 101 and US 199 between Elk Valley Cross Road and 3.3 mi W of Myrtle Creek, which includes the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. On 10/4/1963, the Division of Highways held a hearing on the portions of US 101 and US 199 between 0.3 mi N of Northcrest Drive and 1.4 mi S of the Gasquet Post Office. On 12/18/1963, adopted a freeway routing for this section -- what is shown as the blue line. Then, on 11/17/1965, the CHC decided to study alternate routes. This resulted in three alternatives presented on 1/14/1970. Two of these, the Orange and Brown, bypassed the park completely. The third, the Green, crossed two narrow northerly extensions of the park. The Sierra Club also made a proposal, which was called the Modified Orange. There was also a refinement to that proposal, called the Orange Black.
(Source: Eureka Times-Standard, 7/7/1970 via Joel Windmiller, 1/27/2023)

Based on the 2023 map, it appears the freeway proposal died; hence, the potential alternates are not described in detail.

A planned expressway (or freeway) alignment for US 199 appears in Compass's Redwood Coast map; this would begin 2 miles north of the current US 101/US 199 interchange, approximately at the intersection of US 101 and Arrowhead Drive, and continue on a meandering path east towards Route 197 at Low Divide Road. (It is unclear what will happen to the southernmost segment of Route 197 between the proposed routing and Route 199 should Route 199 be assigned to this new alignment.) This plan appears to be designed to avoid the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park altogether (current US 199 cuts through the park). This planned alignment seems to correspond with the Orange Line of the Freeway Proposal. Evidently, the inclusion on the map was anticipatory thinking.

In January 2016, the CTC authorized SHOPP funding in Del Norte County, on Route 101 at Railroad Avenue Overcrossing No. 01-0063, Smith River Overflow Bridge No. 01-0046, Rowdy Creek Bridge No. 01-0023; also on Route 199, at Route 199/101 Connector Overcrossing No. 01-0058F (DN 0.000). Outcome/Output: Install seismic retrofit measures on four bridges to maintain bridge structural integrity. $1,650,000.

Elk Valley Cross Road Roundabout (01-DN-199 T0.8)

In March 2023, the CTC approved the following amendment into the 2022 SHOPP: 01-DN-199 T0.8. PPNO 01-1154; ProjID 0122000073; EA 0L990. US 199 Near Crescent City, at Elk Valley Cross Road. Construct roundabout. Allocation ($ × 1,000): PA&ED $710; PS&E $922; R/W Sup $211; Con Sup $2,125; R/W Cap $23; Const Cap $3,969; TOTAL $7,960. Begin Const: 1/27/2026. Concurrent COS allocation under Resolution FP-22-57; March 2023.
(Source: March 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1a) #33)

In March 2023, the CTC approved the following pre-construction project support phase SHOPP (2a) or SB1 (2b) allocation: $710,000. 01-DN-199 T0.8. PPNO 01-1154; ProjID 0122000073; EA 0L990. US 199 Near Crescent City, at Elk Valley Cross Road. Construct roundabout. Concurrent Amendment under SHOPP Amendment 22H-007; March 2023. PA&ED $710,000 FY25-26.
(Source: March 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #1)

In June 2016, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project in Del Norte County near the Smith River (01-DN-199, PM 8.0/8.5) that will realign curves, widen lanes and shoulders, construct a viaduct and bridge, and make other improvements on US 199 near Crescent City. The project is programmed in the 2014 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. The total programmed amount is $7,763,000 for capital and support. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2016-17. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2014 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. A copy of the ND has been provided to Commission staff. The project will result in less than significant impacts to the environment.

In June 2016, the CTC approved $3,268,000 for a project on US 199 near Hiouchi, at 1.0 mile north of South Fork Road (~ DN 8.19). Outcome/Output: Widen roadway and shoulders to make standard. Install rumble strips and high friction surface treatment and other curve improvements to reduce the number and severity of collisions. Concurrent Consideration of Funding under Resolution E-16-33; June 2016

In December 2018, it was reported that the CTC allocated $600,000 of support costs for the advancement of a project on US 199 in Del Norte County from 0.7 to 0.3 miles south of the Hardscrabble Creek Bridge (Bridge 01-0040, DN 011.01). The proposed project includes the installation of a High Friction Surface Treatment, signs, guardrail, and a centerline rumble strip. The CTC Minutes show the following allocation for this: 01-DN-199 PM 10.2/10.7 PPNO 1121. Project No. 0116000128. Route 199 Near Gasquet, from 0.7 to 0.3 mile south of Hardscrabble Creek Bridge. Install High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST), signs, guardrail, and centerline rumble strip.
(Source: Redheaded Blackbelt, 12/10/2018; December2018 CTC Minutes, Agenda Item 2.5b(2a) Item 1)

Truck Passing Project - DN 20.5 to DN 25.65

Rte 197 and U.S. 199 Improvements In December 2012, the CTC reviewed a draft EIR related to improvements on Route 197 and US 199 and had no comments. The project will improve spot locations on Route 197 and US 199 in Del Norte County so that two Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) trucks passing in opposite directions can be accommodated. Within the project limits, Route 197 and US 199 are rugged, two-lane conventional highways with tight curves and steep-cut slopes providing narrow traffic lanes with narrow shoulders (if shoulders exist). Route 197 is the designated route for the movement of extralegal truck loads between US 101 and US 199 because it avoids traversing Jedediah Smith Redwoods Park. Known as North Bank Road, Route 197 was built in the 1930s. US 199 in the project limits traverses the Middle Fork Smith River and was built in the early 1920s and is a tightly curved alignment with spectacular views. The proposed work consists of roadway widening, shoulder widening, roadway curve improvements, bridge replacements and culvert replacements. The project will bring Route 197 and US 199 into compliance with federal and state legislations regarding access for STAA trucks. It is split into four projects: Ruby 1 (EA 48110, Route 197 PM 4.5) is fully funded in the SHOPP Minor A Program. It would lengthen the curve and increase shoulder width. Culverts and drainage would be adjusted. The total estimated cost is $2,499,000. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2013-14. Ruby 2 (EA 45490, Route 197, PM 3.2 to 4.0) is fully funded in the SHOPP Minor A Program. This would improve the existing road curve, roadbed elevation, and roadway width. Different alternatives have slightly different roadway and shoulder widths. The total estimated cost is $3,400,000. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2014-15. Patrick Creek Narrows (PPNO 1047) will improve US 199 from Post Mile 20.5 to 20.7, Post Mile 23.9 to 24.3, and Post Mile 25.55 to 25.65. Most of these involve improving curves and slight roadway widening. It would also replace the existing Middle Fork Smith River bridge with either an upstream or downstream alternative, or rework the existing bridge to allow large trucks to cross. The project is programmed in the 2012 STIP. The total estimated cost for capital and support is $21,302,000. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2012-13. The Narrows and Washington Curve (PPNO 1073) will improve US 199 from Post Mile 22.7 to 23.0 (Narrows), and from PM 26.3 to 26.5 (Washington Curve). These involve lane widening and curve improvement. The project is programmed in the 2012 SHOPP. The total estimated cost for capital and support is $6,750,000. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2015-16. For these four projects, there are a total 12 build alternatives being proposed as well as the no build alternative

In June 2013, the CTC accepted the environmental document for Ruby 1, Ruby 2, Patrick Creek Narrows, and Narrows and Washington Curve.

In September 2020, it was reported that the Crescent City Harbor District added support to the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission for a project to bring Route 199 and Route 197 up to 1982 trucking standards. Harbor commissioners unanimously approved a resolution reaffirming their support for the project, which has been stalled when Friends of Del Norte, the Environmental Protection Information Center and the Center For Biological Diversity obtained an injunction in 2014. The Harbor District’s vote comes about two weeks after a federal judge in the case awarded intervenor status to the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission. According to a staff report, the Local Transportation Commission argued that it is local elected officials, not the litigants, who represent the public. The Del Norte Unified School District Board of Trustees has also unanimously declared their support for the STAA 197/199 project, stating that widening the road is also essential for school buses. The $34 million project includes widening three curves on US 199 and replacing a bridge that was built in 1924. It also consists of widening two curves on Route 197 near Ruby Van Deventer County Park. Caltrans’ goal is to make the project safer for trucks meeting the 1982 Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) standard. The project has been paid for with state and federal dollars since 2008 and was about to enter the construction phase when Friends of Del Norte, EPIC and Center For Biological Diversity initiated a lawsuit that stalled the project in 2014. The three conservation groups argued that allowing for the larger STAA trucks would increase, rather than decrease the risk to safety on the two roads. The three groups are also concerned about the possibility of a hazardous material spill impacting the Smith River. However, restricting the travel of trucks carrying hazardous materials down US 199 and Route 197 could circumvent that argument.
(Source: Wild Rivers Outpost, 9/1/2020)

In March 2022, it was reported that a federal judge had lifted the injunction that prevented Caltrans from completing road improvements on two highways which, at many points, run directly alongside the wild Smith River. Specifically, U.S. District Judge James Donato lifted the nearly decadelong injunction after finding Caltrans’ revised plans for improvements on US 199 and Route 197 did not violate the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Plaintiffs Friends of Del Norte, an environmental group based in the state northwesternmost county, sued Caltrans claiming plans for improving the highways posed a threat to the salmon that inhabit the 25-mile river. The project had been intended to facilitate the movement of large trucks. But in 2014 the judge found "serious questions about the adequacy of the reviews and consultation process that Caltrans and National Marine Fisheries Service conducted under the Endangered Species Act.” At the time, the court found “contradictions and critical gaps in reasoning” in the two agencies’ assessments of the project's effects, and even whether a formal consultation was required under the Endangered Species Act. Two species of endangered salmon, coho and Chinook, inhabit the river along with cutthroat and steelhead trout, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Rather than appealing, Caltrans launched a second round of consultations with the Fisheries Service, which resulted in a revised evaluation of the project’s potential effects.
(Source: Missoula Current, 3/4/2023)

Middle Fork Smith River Bridge Curve Improvement (01-DN-199 24.1/24.3)

At the June 2021 CTC meeting, the CTC amended the following project into the 2020 SHOPP: 01-DN-199 24.1/24.3 PPNO 1141 ProjID 0120000129 EA 01-0K640. US 199 Near Gasquet, from Middle Fork Smith River Bridge to 0.2 mile north of Middle Fork Smith River Bridge. Curve improvement. PA&ED $1,325K; PS&E $1,054K; R/W Sup $16K; Con Sup $594K; R/W Cap $3K; Const Cap $1,577K TOTAL $4,569K. Begin Const: 3/19/2024. It also approved the following allocation: (2a) #1. 01-DN-199 24 1/24 3. PPNO 1141; ProjID 0120000129; EA 0K640. Route 199 Near Gasquet, from Middle Fork Smith River Bridge to 0.2 mile north of Middle Fork Smith River Bridge. Curve improvement. (Concurrent amendment under SHOPP Amendment 20H-008; June 2021.). Allocation: PA&ED $1,325,000 (FY23-24).
(Source: June 2021 CTC Minutes, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1a) #6; June 2021 CTC Minutes, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #1)

In March 2023, the CTC approved the following pre-construction project support phase SHOPP (2a) or SB1 (2b) allocation: $1,070,000. 01-DN-199 24.1/24.3. PPNO 01-1141; ProjID 0120000129; EA 0K640. US 199 Near Gasquet, from Middle Fork Smith River Bridge to 0.2 mile north of Middle Fork Smith River Bridge. Curve improvement. PS&E $1,054,000; R/W Sup $16,000.
(Source: March 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #2)

Location Unspecified

The SAFETEA-LU act, enacted in August 2005 as the reauthorization of TEA-21, provided the following expenditures on or near this route:

High Priority Project #2684: US 199 Narrow Enhancement to reduce active slides that cause significant road closures on primary connecting route from US 101 to I-5. $1,800,000.

Naming

Named Structures

Viggo (Vic) Meedom Memorial Bridge The Hardscrabble Bridge, located on Route 199 six miles east of Hiouchi Village (Bridge 01-0040, DN 011.01) in Del Norte County, is officially named the "Viggo "Vic" Meedom Memorial Bridge". Viggo "Vic" Meedom was born in Denmark, and died in October of 1995 at the age of 101. He served Del Norte County as a member of the Crescent City Council, a member of the Del Norte County Board of Supervisors, and an original member of the Del Norte County Local Hospital District Board of Directors. Named by Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 55, Chapter 22, in 1996. The plaque reads: "A native of Denmark, "Vic" immigrated to the U.S. in 1913 and arrived in California in 1915. He was a WWII veteran and became a U.S. citizen in 1922. "Vic" came to Del Norte County in 1935. He was active in state and local government as a citizen and public servant. From 1943 to 1952 he served on the Knapp and Seaside Hospital District Boards. He was a Crescent City Councilman from 1946 to 1948 and served as a Del Norte County Supervisor from 1949 to 1953. "Vic" was appointed by Governor Warren in 1947 to the first California Advisory Health Care Council and served until 1974." Meedom died on 20 Oct 1995 at the age of 101.
(Image source; Bridgehunter; Find a Grave)

Bridge 01-0009 (DN R011.95) over the Smith River, 12 mi E of Crescent City in Del Norte county, is named the "Mary Adams Peacock Memorial Bridge". It was built in 1926 and rebuilt in 1985, and was named in 1932. Del Norte County pioneer school teacher, Mary Adams Peacock (1861-1946), established "Adams' Station" in 1898 and married stage drive Peter Peacock in 1908. Two native plants, Anemone Adamsiana and Valeriana Adamsiana, are named for "Aunt Mary Adams". Mary Adams was born at Waldo, Ore., in 1861. When she grew up, she moved to Grants Pass to start a dressmaking business while working as a housekeeper to make ends meet. Six years later, Adams changed direction and decided to run a string of pack mules and contract to carry mail from Crescent City to Grants Pass. She became an exceptional muleskinner and kept the job for more than a decade, while also documenting botanical species along the route. In 1890, Adams homesteaded 22-acres in Gasquet, Calif., where she built a stage stop and hotel, calling it Adams Station. Her reputation for quality roast beef and chicken dinners followed by delicious fruit pies earned the establishment national recognition with a “Duncan Hines Seal of Approval.” Her obituary notes: "“Aunt Mary,” as she was affectionately known to hundreds, for many years operated Adams Station, one of the historic stage stations in the West, located about one mile west of Gasquet. She was of a large pioneer family, living at Waldo in the early day. For a time, she made her home with Mrs. Walter Simmons in Grants Pass, mother of the late Mrs. George Riddle. Mary Adams was in charge of the hotel at Gasquet during the late 90's after the death of Mrs. Gasquet, established Adams Station nearby. Later, she married Peter Peacock, who preceded her in death. She was a handsome woman, even in her later years, and was known for the excellence of her table and open hearted hospitality. It is said that for many years, she was the only nurse between Waldo and Crescent City no trip was too hard or too long for her to make to aid the sick. A few years ago, the bridge over Smith River near her home was dedicated to her and a plaque is on the bridge today in her memory. It is said that it is the only bridge on the highway dedicated to an individual."
(Image source: Outside the Interzone; AARoads; Find a Grave; Additional info: Jefferson Public Radio)

Bridge 01-0019 (DN 019.99), the "Drinking Fountain Bridge", over the Middle Fork of the Smith River (19.9 mi NE of Route 101) in Del Norte county is named the "Howard Griffin Memorial Bridge". Howard Francis Griffin was born in Glasco Kansas in 1894, and commenced his long and illustrious journalistic career at an early age working for the Glasco Sun a weekly newspaper during weekends and after school hours. After moving to Payette Idaho in 1911, he worked for another weekly newspaper — the Payette Independent. Mr Griffin served with the United States Navy during World War I. After World War I, Mr. Griffin resumed his journalistic career and in 1925, just prior to his moving to Crescent City, he published Glendale Oregon News. Mr Griffin came to Crescent City in 1926, and founded the Crescent City American, with which he remained associated for the rest of his life. The wisdom in his editorials This Is What I Think and the humor in his column The Super Snooper are still the subject of many conversations. Thoroughly and throughout a rugged individualist, Mr Griffin was also a leader and active in community affairs. He was a charter member of the Crescent City Kiwanis Club, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks Club, the Crescent City Fire Department, and the Del Norte Historical Society. Mr Griffin also took a great interest in 4 H Club activities in Del Norte County, and for many years he presented a plaque to the outstanding girl in 4 H Club work each year. Mr Griffin with his characteristic wisdom and foresight played a large role in obtaining improved highway facilities essential to the development of the Redwood Empire. This included the Drinking Fountain Bridge on US 199, which alleviated critical transportation problems and constituted an important link in the transportation system of Northern California. Howard Francis Griffin passed away on February 25 1959. The bridge was built in 1962, and was named by Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, Chapter 44, in 1963.
(Image source: AARoads)

Bridge 01-0016 (DN R024.88) over the Middle Fork of the Smith River in Del Norte county is named the "Allen Fredrick Lehman Memorial Bridge" (signed as "Allen F. Lehman Memorial Bridge". It was constructed in 1985, and was named by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 87, Chapter 15, in 1986. Allen Frederick Lehman was born on Jan 12, 1902 at Milwaukie; Clackamas; Oregon. Allen Frederick Lehman resided in the County of Del Norte for nearly three quarters of a century. He is intimately identified with the life and history of the county by its residents. He contributed greatly to the life and well being of the people of the county through his membership in various fraternal and civic organizations including the Elk's Club of Crescent City, the Crescent City Rotary Club, and the Ingomar Club in Eureka. He served on the Crescent City Harbor Commission during its early developmental days and was chairman of the commission in 1949. In 1953, Crescent City's centennial year, he played a critical role in the year long preparation for the celebration by serving as Chairman of the Centennial Committee. He died on March 31, 1985 at Gasquet; Del Norte; California.
(Image Source: AARoads)

Tunnel 01-0049, near the Oregon State Line in Del Norte county (~ DN 33.526 to DN 33.848), is named the "Randolph Collier Tunnel". It was built in 1963, and named by Senate Concurrent Resolution 74, Chapter 246, in 1961. Senator Randolph Collier was elected to the State Legislature from 1938-1976 to represent Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Trinity, Del Norte and Siskiyou counties. Although he was recognized as a leader in many fields of legislation, Collier gained statewide and national fame in the planning and financing of highways. He was the principal author of the Collier-Burns Act of 1947 which brought about the California Highway Plan. The state's highway system served as a model throughout the nation in that the state assumed responsibility for state highways in cities. Other improvements came with the Highway Act of 1953 which stepped up the California freeway program and the adoption of the California Freeway and Expressway System in 1959. His interest in ecological preservation introduced legislation to provide proper regulation of California's timberlands and protection for wild rivers. He worked with local authorities in providing parks and recreational facilities for the public. The naming of the Randolph Collier Tunnel through Oregon Mountain was a tribute to its principal advocate. It provided the first direct route from northwest Nevada to the Pacific Ocean. It also eliminated the route over the summit's 128 curves and hairpin switchbacks, and made the highway passable in snowy weather. Senate committees on which Collier had served include Governmental Efficiency, Finance, Revenue and Taxation, Insurance and Finance Institutions, and Transportation.
(Biographical information: California State Archives; Image source: AARoads; Join California)