California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Route 152

Post 1964 Signage History

▸As defined in 1963, this segment was "(b) Route 101 to Route 65 near Sharon via Pacheco Pass."

▸In 1990, Chapter 1187 clarified the definition to be: "(b) Route 101 near Gilroy to Route 65 near Sharon via Pacheco Pass."

Pre 1964 Signage History

This entire route was LRN 32. The original portion of the route, defined in 1915, was between US 101 and Route 99. The portion between Route 1 and US 101 was defined in 1933, and the remainder was defined in 1959. It was signed as part of the original 1934 signage of state routes.

Gilroy was part of the American El Camino Real that began being signed as an Auto Trail starting in 1906. In 1913, this became part of the Pacific Highway. By 1917, CSAA maps were showing early LRN 2/American El Camino Real/Pacific Highway on Monterey Street in Gilroy, with the western terminus of LRN 32 (what would become Route 152) entering the city via Old Gilroy Street. In 1933, LRN 32 was extended west from Gilroy via Hecker Pass to Watsonville; it was signed as Route 152 in 1934. US 101/Route 152 multiplexed in downtown Gilroy on Monterey Street between Old Gilroy Street/7th Street to 1st Street by 1935. By 1959, US 101 from Ford Road in San Jose south through Gilroy was being studied for a potential freeway upgrade that would tie into the existing four lane expressway segment south of Gilroy to the San Benito County line, which was completed in 1951. By 1961 a freeway alignment had been adopted, and the freeway upgrade was completed by 1972. This resulted in US 101 being moved off of Monterey Street onto the modern freeway bypass. Route 152 was shifted onto the new freeway between Exit 356/10th Street and Exit 357/Leavesley Road. Route 152 followed Leavesley Road west to Monterey Street where it jogged south to reach 1st Street. This was completed by 1975.
(Source: Gribblenation Blog (Tom Fearer), “Former US Route 101 and California State Route 152 in Gilroy”, Feb. 2021)

152 Relocation In 1963, there was an extensive relocation of Pacheco Pass. This was a side effect of the construction of the San Luis Dam, part of the Central Valley Project. Originally Route 152 took what is now Dinosaur Point Road from Pacheco Pass through the San Luis Reservoir. The original routing was replaced in 1966 by the current one in advance of the San Luis Dam being complete. According to CHPW, the 12 mile section of Pacheco Pass Highway around the northern portion of the dam opened on April 29, 1965. The original alignment of Route 152 on occasion reemerges from the San Luis Reservoir at Dinosaur Point. The incomplete reservoir can actually be seen on the 1966 California State Highway Map. The San Luis Reservoir, formed by construction of the new dam, will provide the only lake of any significant size on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley. When the reservoir is filled, it will cover more than 13,000 acres and will have a capacity of over 2,000,000 acre-feet of water. Construction of the new location requireed moving 11,400,000 cubic yards of earth and rock, paving 12 miles, and constructing two 560' long bridges... within a 2 year period! In the Salinas Valley, Casa de Fruita Parkway is the original alignment of Route 152. Within Gilroy, Route 152 continued on 10th to Monterey Road; this was later replaced with a US 101 co-signage.
(Sources: Gribblenation Blog (Tom Fearer), "Route 152"; CHPW Jul/Aug 1965; Gribblenation Blog (Tom Fearer), "Former California State Route 152 east of Pacheco through the San Luis Reservoir, 11/2023)

Pacheco Pass was a toll road from 1857 to 1878 before it was turned into a public county route.
(Source: Girbblenation Blog (Tom Fearer): Route 152, 10/4/2017)

Los Banos Freeway In 1963, the Division of Highways released a map indicating the alternate routes studied for the Sign Route 152 freeway between LRN 121/Sign Route 33/Jensen Road and the Madera County line.
(Source: Stockton Evening and Sunday Record, 8/30/1963, via Joel Windmiller, 2/23/2023)

Status

The 2013 Traversable Highways report indicates this is unconstructed from Route 99 to Route 65. No traversable highway. No recommendation.

Gilroy Widening In August 2015, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project in Santa Clara County that will widen the shoulders, install rumble strips, and improve drainage on portion of Route 152 (SCL 13.8 to SCL 14.7) near the city of Gilroy. The project is programmed in the 2014 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. The total estimated cost is $7,717,000 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.

Pacheco Pass Bypass (~ SCL R18.55 to MER R13.035)

Based on a meeting with Governor Grey Davis and the San Joaquin Valley counties, there are now plans to fund the construction of a four-lane freeway along Route 152 between I-5 and US 101. There are also plans for a bypass around Los Baños.

In 2008, Gary Richards of the Mercury News reported that there is some movement toward replacing Route 152 with a four-lane bypass. The Valley Transportation Authority is seeking a $5 million grant from the state to begin studying a new route, with funds from the state bonds approved by voters in 2007 to improve trucking corridors. The cost of a new road could be $500 million or more, so this is a drop in the bucket but a necessary first step. Also under consideration is making this a toll road from Route 99 to US 101.

This is an extremely dangerous highway. The accident rate along the 13-mile stretch of concrete is as much as 58% higher than on similar two-lane highways in California. In 2005, there were 225 crashes on the road, causing 115 injuries and 9 deaths. Truckers number one of every five vehicles on this road. Several solutions are planned; more are being discussed. Caltrans will add truck passing lanes on Route 152 in 2007, the same time the Valley Transportation Authority will begin work on a flyover ramp at the Route 152/Route 156 interchange. Estimated completion date is 2008. The two efforts will cost around $60 million. Note that it is impractical to turn Route 152 directly into a freeway: Crews would have to cut into the mountain to convert the highway into a freeway, build costly ramps from the many side roads that feed into Route 152, and cross numerous creeks requiring more bridges. Also, the land surrounding the entrance to Route 152 from US 101 is now home to a mega-shopping center.
(Source: SJMercury News)

Although it is difficult to build (as noted above), in 2007 momentum for a Pacheco Pass Freeway increased. The San Benito County Council of Governments has proposed an eight-mile, four-lane freeway that would run parallel to and south of Route152, and would be the first new highway built in the region since Route 85 opened in 1994. It would almost completely bypass the two-lane, 13-mile route to Pacheco Pass (i.e., the segment between US 101 and the Route 152/Route 156 junction). Traffic would flow from US 101 to I-5 via a short jog on Route 25 before linking with either Route 156 or Route 152 in the southern part of Santa Clara County. The Valley Transportation Authority will seek money in March for a study of the new plan. Officials from VTA and San Benito County have not voted on the plan, but meetings over the past year have virtually ruled out widening Route 152 or, making extensive upgrades to other highways to the south. The project would be expensive, perhaps $500 million (which is less than it would cost to improve the existing Route 152). The concerns of property owners along the eight-mile stretch that is now mostly farms would have to be addressed, and there is potential impact to Soap Lake, a drybed that handles heavy rains that would otherwise flood the Pajaro River. Of the $4.5 billon in bonds for transportation recently approved, VTA is seeking $108 million to widen US 101 south of Gilroy and upgrade ramps at Route 25. In the next couple of years, another $3 billion in transportation bonds will be dished out across the state on key trade corridors. Another $13 billion will be available during the next decade from sales tax receipts on gas purchases. The idea of rebuilding and widening Route 152 has always been considered a tall task. There are about 140 access points between US 101 and Route 156, from driveways to exits to farm fields to rural roads. Building frontage roads, tearing into the hillside and straightening the highway would probably cost more than $900 million. In addition, Gilroy has developed the area east of 101 at 152, making it almost impossible to start a new highway at that location. The proposed new road would convert Route 101 to a freeway and add a third lane in each direction from Gilroy to south of Route 25. It would also include new ramps at the Route 25-US 101 interchange. Route 25 would be widened for a mile or so to four lanes. A new four-lane road would veer east almost in a straight line. One idea would be to turn north to Route 152 at a point west of San Felipe Road. Another would continue pavement east to Route 156, just south of Route 152-Route 156. There would be no other interchanges between Route 25 and the eastern end the new highway. Construction on the planned US 101 changes could begin by 2012, with work on a new road starting shortly after if funding is approved.
(Source: SJ Mercury News)

Gilroy In late January 2010, the Gilroy Dispatch reported that two county agencies are planning a $200-plus million project to build a new connector from US 101 to Route 99. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority and Council of San Benito County Governments formally created a memorandum of understanding 10/15/2010 regarding the project, which is expected to cost $215 million to $284 million, according to the San Benito COG. The new road - which could be a toll road or built through a public-private partnership among other options - would obviate Route 152 (it is unclear whether, at this point, it would be renumbered Route 152 or be a parallel route). So far, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has secured $10 million for the project, including $5 million of its own money and $5 million from the state, but future funding for the project—slated to be built within the next decade - is still uncertain. Although, Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage said there has been talk about realigning Route 152 for nearly 20 years, this is the first time an alignment route has been determined to connect US 101 and Route 156 in northern San Benito County. According to the article, the current two-lane portion of Route 152 near Gilroy would likely be converted into a county roadway. The goal is to have the project completed in the next 10 years, but she said that is not likely because of the size and cost of the project. After the current study is done, she said the next step is looking at alternatives for environmental work.

In February 2010, it was reported that regional transportation authorities hope to align the Route 152 realignment project with the future California High-Speed Rail system

In July 2017, Mr. Roadshow noted that the sales tax approved by Santa Clara County voters last year will pay for new ramps at the Route 25-US 101 interchange, which some day will be the start of a four-lane freeway on Route 25 to that would hook north near Route 152 or Route 156. The current two lanes of Route 152 from US 101 to Casa de Fruta would likely remain as a frontage road. The cost of this isn’t known, but it’s not going to be cheap. However, the gas and car fee hikes approved by Gov. Brown and the state Legislature this year include $500 million annually for congested corridors and truck routes.
(Source: Mercury News, 7/2/2017)

Rte 152 Alternative Reroutings In September 2020, it was reported that the Mobility Partnership Committee of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the Council of San Benito County Governments (COG) narrowed down the new trade corridor project to two routes. The committee unanimously voted to eliminate alternatives 1 and 4. The easternmost route (alternative 3) connects Route 156 and Route 25 near Fairview Road and east of Shore Road. The westernmost route (alternative 2) would connect the highways near the Grove and west of Shore Road. The project would replace Route 152 as the main route for trucks and connect it to Route 25. The corridor aims to improve the movement of goods between the Central Valley and northern Central Coast regions, improve commuter routes between the Central Valley and employers in the San Francisco and Monterey Bay areas, and improve regional and recreational travel. With 62 points, alternative 2 was among the highest scoring in four of the seven categories that include operations, multimodal (having several modes of activity), access to economic centers, community acceptance and potential for tolling. Stakeholders including the Economic Development Corporation of San Benito County, the San Benito County Business Council and the San Benito County Farm Bureau did not have a consensus on an option but preferred alternatives 2 and 3 over the others. The concern with alternative 1, the northernmost alignment, was that it was too close to the existing alignment and that it would not benefit economic development in San Benito County. The stakeholders also felt the southernmost alignment, alternative 4, was too far out of the way and too close to the US 101/ Route 156 interchange. The routes are not definite, but an estimate of where they would be located.
(Source: BenitoLink, 9/12/2020)

In July 2010, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project that will construct roadway improvements on Route 152 at Lover’s Lane near the city of Gilroy (near 152 SCL R18.892). These improvements will include expanding sight distances, upgrading portions of the shoulders to current standards, and providing a left turn lane at the intersection of Route 152 and Lover’s Lane. The project is fully funded in the 2010 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2010-11. Total estimated project cost is $22,770,000 for capital and support.

In January 2007, the CTC considered a project to construct an eastbound truck climbing lane with rumble strip on Route 152 from east of San Felipe Road (appx. 152 SCL R19.687) to west of Route 152/156 Junction (apx. 152 SCL 21.747).

The SAFETEA-LU act, enacted in August 2005 as the reauthorization of TEA-21, provided the following expenditures on or near this route (near 152 SCL R21.967):

High Priority Project #1759: Improvements to the Route 152/Route 156 Intersection. $800,000.
High Priority Project #1793: Reconfigure intersection at Route152 and Route 156 in Santa Clara County. $11,120,000.

In May 2013, the CTC relinquished right of way in the county of Santa Clara along Route 152 at Walnut Avenue, consisting of collateral facilities. (approx 152 SCL R22.751)

In April 2010, the CTC approved relinquishment of right of way in the county of Santa Clara along Route 152 and Casa De Fruta Parkway, consisting of superseded highway right of way and collateral facilities. (somewhere near 152 SCL R23.776)

Pacheco Pass Wildlife Crossing (~ SCL R34.835)

In April 2022, it was reported that the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) and the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, along with partners from Caltrans, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and Pathways for Wildlife, were awarded a $3.125 million grant to continue efforts to protect wildlife movement in Northern California. The California Wildlife Conservation Board grant will fund the planning, design, environmental review and permitting of a proposed wildlife overcrossing spanning Route 152, near the San Jose to Merced high-speed rail project section. The grant will support four years to advance planning and environmental review for the proposed overcrossing, which includes conducting a habitat modeling analysis, completing a feasibility study, preparing a project initiation report under Caltrans’ oversight and advancing the project to 65% design. With additional funding, the Habitat Agency would also oversee the preparation of an environmental document under the California Environmental Quality Act that will evaluate at least two build alternatives. Pathways for Wildlife has worked with the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency for the past three years conducting a wildlife connectivity study along Route 152 in the Pacheco Pass and within the Habitat Agency’s property, the Pacheco Creek Reserve. Environmental approval of the Authority’s San Jose to Merced project section through the Pacheco Pass will be considered at the Authority’s Board Meeting on April 27 and 28, 2022.
(Source: High Speed Rail Authority News Release, 4/19/2022)

Median Barrier: Basalt Road to I-5 (10-Mer-152 R10.1/13.848)

Rte 152 Median Barrier Basalt to Int. 5 In January 2021, the CTC amended the following project into the SHOPP: (1a) #15 10-Mer-152 R10.1/13.848 PPNO 3505 ProjID 1020000085 EA 1L630. Route 152 near Los Banos, from 0.8 mile west Basalt Road to Route 5. Construct median barrier. PA&ED $1,010K; PS&E $1,070K;R/W Sup $138K; Con Sup $1,130K; R/W Cap $110K; Const Cap $6,407 TOTAL $9,865K. Begin const. 10/28/2024.
(Source: January 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1a) #11)

In January 2021, the CTC approved the following pre-construction support phase allocation(s): (2a) #34. $1,010,000 (PA&ED). 10-Mer-152 R10.1/13.848. PPNO 10-3505; ProjID 1020000085; EA 1L630. Route 152 Near Los Banos, from 0.8 mile west Basalt Road to Route 5. Construct median barrier. (Concurrent Amendment under SHOPP Amendment 20H-005; January 2021.) Prog Year 23-24.
(Source: January 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #34)

In February 2002, the CTC relinquied the following segments of the original routing may have been relinquished: PM 11.3 to PM 11.7 in the County of Merced; PM 19.6 to PM 21.3 in the City of Los Baños.
(Source: CTC February 2002 Agenda Item 2.3c)

Truck Turn Radius Improvements (10-Mer-152 11.3, 10-Mer-5 6.3)

The following project was included in the final adopted 2018 SHOPP in March 2018: PPNO 3214. 10-Merced-152 11.3. Route 152 Near Los Banos, at Route 33 Interchange; also on Route 5 (PM 6.3) at Route 165 Interchange. Improve the truck turn radius. Begin Con: 6/15/2022. Total Project Cost: $4,529K.

In August 2020, the CTC approved the following financial allocation: $64,000 for R/W Sup. 10-Mer-152 PM 11.2. PPNO 3214 ProjID 1017000005 EA 0T680. Route 152 Near Los Banos, at Route 33 Interchange; also Route 5 (PM 6.3) at Route 165 Interchange. Improve the truck turn radius.
(Source: August 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #32)

In January 2022, the CTC approved the following SHOPP allocation: $3,220,000. 10-Mer-152 11.3. PPNO 10-3214; ProjID 1017000005; EA 0T680. Route 152 Near Los Banos, at Route 33 Interchange; also on Route 5 (PM 6.3) at Route 165 Interchange. Outcome/Output: Improve the truck turning radius at two locations by widening ramps, upgrade guardrail, and install lighting. Allocation: CON ENG $630,000; CONST $2,216,000.
(Source: January 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(1) #14)

Los Baños Bypass (MER 16.0 to MER 24.8)

[Map] With respect to the Los Baños bypass, the CTC in November 2007 considered a project for future funding. The project would construct a new bypass along a portion of Route 152 near Los Baños (MER 16.0 to MER 24.8). A route adoption has been proposed, and the project has been approved for construction. Route studies to construct a bypass on Route 152 around the City of Los Baños were initiated in 1962. As a result of these studies, a southern bypass route was adopted by the California Highway Commission on April 28, 1965. Due to funding concerns, a portion of this adopted route (from Baños Creek to San Luis Canal) was rescinded in 1981. In 1987, as congestion and safety became concern along Route 152, the bypass concept was reinitiated. In 1988, a Major Investment Study ( was prepared by the Merced County Association of Governments (MCAG) with support from the County of Merced, City of Los Baños, the Department (D10), FHWA, and other agencies. Many alternatives were considered and rejected. In 1999, initial funding was obtained and environmental studies were initiated. Finally, on June 25, 2007, the environmental document was approved and proposed northern bypass route alternative was selected. This alternative avoids wetlands, historic properties, the City’s planned industrial park, and the proposed airport relocation site. Portions of the freeway route adoption from April 28, 1965, will be rescinded as part of this proposed freeway route adoption as shown on the route location map. The proposed project is to construct a four-lane freeway bypass within an ultimate six-lane right of way for Route 152 around and through the city of Los Baños. The freeway would begin approximately at Post Mile 16.0, east of Volta Road, and end approximately at Post Mile 24.8, east of the Old Santa Fe Grade Road. Three spread diamond type interchanges are proposed. The first interchange will be located just east of Ramos Road, the second interchange will be at the intersection of Route 152 with Route 165, and the third interchange will be located just west of Old Santa Fe Grade Road. Frontage roads would be constructed as needed to provide access to landlocked parcels. Relinquishment of the existing Route 152 would occur after construction of the new bypass. Relinquishment would transfer the State’s right of way, title, and interest of a section of Route 152 to the City of Los Baños and to Merced County.

[Los Banos - 3 Segments] In February 2009, the CTC approved splitting the Los Baños into three segments for funding reasons. The problem is that the construction estimate for the Los Baños Bypass (including construction support) is $409 million, which was too large to program in a single STIP cycle. Rather than design the entire bypass, which cannot be constructed as a single project, the opted to design and acquire right of way for a fundable segment with independent utility (Segment 1). As such, they split the project into three segments as follows:

Segment 1 (PPNO 5707A): Construct a four-lane expressway from Route 165 to 0.5 mile west of Santa Fe Grade Road.
Segment 2 (PPNO 5707B): Construct a four-lane expressway from 0.3 mile east of Volta Road to Route 165.
Segment 3 (PPNO 5707C): Construct new interchanges at West Pacheco Boulevard, Route 165, and East Pacheco Boulevard.

As of February 2009, only PPNO 5707A (Segment 1) was funded.

In February 2012, it was reported that the Los Baños bypass may be a toll road. In particular, the California Transportation Commission is considering a plan to add toll booths to the highway in order to pay for a new four lane road between Casa De Fruta and Gilroy, and also a long-awaited bypass around Los Banos. The Merced County Association of Governments says toll booths may be the only way to pay for the $420 million bypass. But first, it's being asked to contribute $7 million toward the overall environmental review process, money that was set aside specifically for the bypass.

In February 2018, Caltrans District 10 reported that they recently completed a $3.3 million project installing a median barrier on Route 152 spaning 3.6 miles from two miles west of Los Baños from Vista Point Access Road to San Luis Dam Service Road near Dinosaur Point.
(Source: Facebook, 2/5/2018)

Unconstructed from Route 99 (apx. 152 MAD 15.611) to (unconstructed) Route 65 near Sharon. There is no traversable local routing in this segment, and no recommendations for a routing.

Naming

This segment is named "Pacheco Pass Road". Pacheco Pass is a mountain pass at an elevation of 417m (1,368ft) above the sea level, located in the Diablo Range in southeastern Santa Clara County, California. The area was named after Don Francisco Perez Pacheco who received a large land grant from Mexico that covered a large area that now includes the pass for which he is named. According to a historical plaque at the visitor's center near the San Luis Reservoir: "On June 21, 1805, Lieutenant Gabriel Moraga, on his first exploratory journey into the San Joaquin Valley, traversed this pass and recorded it. Since then it has been trail, toll road, stagecoach road, and freeway -- the principal route between the coastal areas to the west and the great valley and mountains to the east."
(Image source: Flikr; Find a Grave)

William S. Whitehurst (Bill) Memorial Highway The portion of Route 152 between its intersection with Route 233 and its intersection with Route 99 (MAD 10.799 to MAD 15.622) in the County of Madera is named the Bill Whitehurst Memorial Highway (signed as "William S. Whitehurst "Bill" Memorial Highway"). It was named in memory of William “Bill” S. Whitehurst,a prominent Fresno businessman, civic leader, philanthropist, and devoted and generous member of the community, actively involved in local organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Knights of Columbus, the Fresno Arts Center, and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Whitehurst was born in 1922 in Sacramento, and that same year the family moved to Los Banos to open a funeral home. Bill Whitehurst, his brother, Joel, and his sister, Betty, graduated from Los Banos High School, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball while maintaining straight As. Whitehurst received a football scholarship from St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga, which is administered by the De LaSalle Christian Brothers. He cherished his time at St. Mary’s College and throughout his lifetime provided scholarships to the students of St. Mary’s and San Joaquin Memorial High School, which is also administered by Christian Brothers. In 1973, Bill Whitehurst received the Christian Brothers’ prestigious award of Signum Fidei for his outstanding participation in the goals of higher education. After assuming ownership of his family’s Whitehurst Chapel at 18 years of age, Bill Whitehurst served two years overseas during World War II in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. Bill Whitehurst has demonstrated a lifetime of public service and a commitment to his community, beginning with his election to the Los Banos City Council at 21 years of age. He was selected county campaign chairman for Governor Edmund G. Brown’s bid for Governor in 1962, and as county campaign chairman for John F. Kennedy in 1960 and Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 in their bids for the presidency. Whitehurst was appointed to the State Highway Commission in 1963 and served until 1970, where he spearheaded a drive to transform Route 152, then a dangerous two-lane highway known as “Blood Alley” due to numerous traffic accidents, into a safer four-lane highway. In 1970, Bill Whitehurst was given the Department of Veterans Affairs Citation of Merit for his ongoing generosity shown by his performing burials of disabled veterans who died at a Veterans Affairs hospital at a cost not exceeding the Veterans Administration’s allowance. In 1970, and through the year 2012, Bill Whitehurst extended that courtesy to any veteran who died under difficult financial circumstances. From 1971 to 1972, Bill Whitehurst served two terms as President of the American Cancer Society. From 1973 to 1982, Bill Whitehurst served as a member of the Saint Agnes Medical Center Board of Trustees and helped drive the movement to relocate the medical center to its current location in north Fresno. To do this, Bill Whitehurst helped secure the donation of the 30-acre property and generously donated his own money to the building fund. In 1973, Bill Whitehurst developed the Safe-D Program to help young teenagers improve their driving skills and become more aware of the obligations and responsibilities of driving a motor vehicle. Throughout his lifetime, Bill Whitehurst remained devoted to his church, and in 1989 received the prestigious Benemerenti medal from Pope John Paul II, for outstanding service to his church, his community, and to families in need. On July 20, 2000, Bill Whitehurst and his wife, Ann, conveyed to the Fresno County Office of Education the property known as Scout Island, a parcel that was key in developing the San Joaquin River Parkway and is now used as an outdoor education center. Bill Whitehurst continued his commitment to the community by serving on the St. John’s Cathedral Restoration project, helping to raise the needed moneys necessary to keep the historic cathedral, which is located in Fresno, a jewel for the entire San Joaquin Valley. Named by Senate Concurrent Resolution 36, August 15, 2013. Resolution Chapter 71.
(Image source:Gribblenation; Dignity Memorial)

Joe Cox The portion of Route 152 that runs through the City of Los Banos, from the entrance of the Los Banos Campus of Merced College (MER 17.995) to San Luis Street (MER 22.874) in the County of Merced, is named the "Joe Cox Memorial Highway". It was named in memory of Joe Cox, who saw a lot in his life: the fields of Arkansas, the roads of America on the way to California, the waters off Japan in a submarine, the snows of Alaska, the coasts of Korea in wartime, and the relative calm of Los Banos. Joe worked as a farmer, an agriculture teacher, and a principal. He did more in his retirement than many people do in a lifetime: President of the Los Banos Golden Agers, Chairman of the Board of the Los Banos Unified School District, District Governor in Rotary, Chair of the California Senior Legislature, and most recently National President of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II. Although he accomplished much in California, Joe was a native of Arkansas, born in 1925 in Booneville. As a kid he did chores on the farm where his family lived until he was six. Then in 1932, during the Great Depression, his family decided to leave Arkansas. His family landed in Reedley in the County of Fresno, where a cousin of Joe’s lived in a tent. The Cox family moved into the next tent over. They lived in tents for the following year before Joe’s dad found a place to rent in Reedley. After graduating from Wahtoke Grammar School, Joe went to Reedley High. But he wasn’t through moving as his family relocated to Parlier. Joe enrolled in Parlier High School where he was active in sports, including football, basketball, and track, and stayed until he graduated in December of 1944. By then Joe was 18, it was World War II, and he was eligible for the draft. He decided to enlist in the Navy. While in the Navy, Joe went to submarine school and was assigned to a tender ship, the U.S.S. Orion, which served as a repair station for subs. Later he was assigned to submarine U.S.S. Batfish, patrolling off the coasts of Japan, with the particular mission of “lifeguarding,” finding pilots whose planes had been shot down and who had parachuted into the sea. After the war and after he was discharged, Joe returned to Reedley, where he saw a newspaper advertisement for radio operators to work for Pan American Airways in Fairbanks, Alaska. Joe applied, got the job, and worked in Alaska for two years. After working and living in Alaska, Joe returned to Reedley and joined his brother-in-law who had gone into farming. After several years of farming in the Central Valley, from Reedley to Madera, Joe enrolled in Reedley College, graduated with an associate of arts degree, and then transferred to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo. Joe, who had earlier signed up for the Naval Reserve, was in his first quarter at Cal Poly when he was called up to active duty to serve in the Korean War. He was assigned to the U.S.S. McDermut, a destroyer that was positioned off the shores of Korea and shelled coastal cities. After two years of wartime service, Joe returned to Cal Poly and completed his degree. He continued there to complete his teaching credential, including a semester as an intern or “cadet” at Strathmore High School near Porterville. Later, Joe accepted an agriculture science teaching position at Los Banos High School and later became the agriculture department chair. He turned the agriculture department, which had not been doing well, into a highly respected program. In the spring of 1963, Joe led the Los Banos High School team to a first place finish in the state dairy judging contest, and then on to Waterloo, Iowa, where the team won the national dairy judging contest. Meanwhile, Joe continued to take summer classes to prepare for other job opportunities in education. He earned a master’s degree in education from Cal Poly in 1957. Later, in 1981, he earned his doctoral degree in education from the University of Southern California. In the summer of 1963, Joe was named assistant principal of Los Banos High School. One of Joe’s many jobs was to direct the adult education program. When Merced College replaced Modesto Junior College in offering college classes locally, Joe was hired by Merced College to run the evening program. Joe helped set the stage for the first complete campus when the Los Banos Campus of Merced College opened its doors in 1971. In 1969, Joe was named principal of Los Banos High School. He served as principal there until 1982, when he was transferred to the junior high school. Joe retired in 1988, ran for the school board, was elected, and then served on the school board for 12 years. After his retirement Joe was active in many different organizations. In each case Joe became a leader: President of the Los Banos Golden Agers, Chairman of the Board of the Los Banos Unified School District, District Governor in Rotary, Chair of the California Senior Legislature, and National President of the U.S. Submarine Veterans of World War II. Joe believed that the motto of every retired person should be “Stay Active. Get Involved.” In that way, Joe said, “They are not only helping others, they are keeping themselves healthy”. Over the years Joe stayed active, stayed healthy, and used his talents to help organizations stay healthy too. His life was one of service to others, from the days on a submarine in World War II right up to his passing on January 22, 2018, as a result of a car crash on Route 152. Named by Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 224, Res. Chapter 155, 8/17/2018.
(Image source: Caltrans Dist. 10 on FB; Merced Sun Star)

CHP Officer Charles D. Goss The portion of Route 152, west of Road 10 from PM MAD 2.350 to MAD 7.350, in the County of Madera is named the “California Highway Patrol Officer Charles D. Goss Memorial Highway”. It was named in memory of California Highway Patrol Officer Charles Donald Goss, who was born in October 1916 in Jamestown, California. Goss graduated from Sonora Union High School in 1934, and attended the California State University, San Francisco shortly thereafter. Goss was in the United States Navy Reserve, Boatswain Mate Second Class (WWII) and worked for the Bell Telephone Company. Goss (Badge № 1307) graduated from the California Highway Patrol Academy in 1952, and was assigned to the area of the County of Madera, where he proudly served for three years and five months. On November 25, 1955, Officer Goss responded to a traffic collision west of the City of Chowchilla and was transporting four men to the hospital when a vehicle attempted to pass a truck in the opposite direction and collided head-on with Officer Goss, killing him instantly. Named by Assembly Resolution ACR 89, Res. Chapter 122, 08/19/22).
(Image source: CHP Memorial Page)

Named Structures

Joseph A. Zanger Sr. The flyover ramp at the interchange of Route 152 and Route 156 is named the “Joseph A. Zanger Memorial Flyover”. This segment was named in honor of Joseph A. Zanger, who was born on December 28, 1927, in San Jose, California. After attending college, Joseph moved to the Pacheco Pass area to help manage his family's orchard operations. In 1943, the Zanger family founded Casa de Fruta to complement its farming business. The Casa de Fruta business started with a small cherry stand built in 1943 and grew to include a large fruit stand, a restaurant, a park for recreational vehicles, a lodge, wine tasting, a gift shop, a barnyard zoo, a candy store, a service station, and a dried fruit mail order business. Joseph studied safety and economic issues related to the transportation system of central California and served as an advocate for the improvement of transportation in that area. In 1978, Joseph served on the planning committee for the I-5 project from Stockton to Santa Nella/Route 152. In 2005, Joseph also worked to establish a new route from Route 152/Route 156 to US 101. Joseph's advocacy for safety and transportation improvements has affected thousands of motorists. Named by Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 85, Resolution Chapter 67, on 8/4/2010.
(Image source: Gilroy Dispatch)

Bridge 39-0145 over the O'Neill Forebay in Merced County (MER R010.05) is officially designated the "Celano-Norris Memorial Bridge. It was built in 1964, and was named by Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 92, Chapter 97, in 1994. Sergeant Frank Anthony Celano was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army, SGT Celano served our country until January 22nd, 1971 in Binh Hoa, South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. Frank died when his helicopter crashed into the land. Frank was born on July 19th, 1949 in Los Baños, California. Second Lieutenant John Alexander Norris III was also a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Marine Corps Reserve, 2LT Norris served our country until October 4th, 1967 in Quang Nam, South Vietnam. He was 25 years old and was married. John died from small arms fire. John was born on June 20th, 1942 in Los Baños, California.
(Image source: Vitural Wall (Celano); Fold 3)

Sergeant Vernon Dale Sandvig / Sergeant William Manuel Scanlon Bridge 39-0036 over the California Aqueduct in Merced County (MER 014.17), east of the intersection with Route 5, officially designated the "Sandvig-Scanlon Memorial Bridge". It was built in 1965, and was named by Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 92, Chapter 97, in 1994. Sergeant Vernon Dale Sandvig was a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army Selective Service, SGT Sandvig served our country until March 28th, 1968 in Binh Duong, South Vietnam. He was 20 years old and was not married. Vernon died from suffocation. Vernon was born on October 17th, 1947 in Los Baños, California. Sergeant William Manuel Scanlon, was also a casualty of the Vietnam War. As a member of the Army Selective Service, SGT Scanlon served our country until August 8th, 1970 in Quang, Ngai, South Vietnam. He was 21 years old and was not married. William died from an undetermined explosion. William was born on March 11th, 1949 in Los Baños, California.
(Image source: HonorStates.Org; Wall of Faces)

Scenic Route

[SHC 263.7] From Route 156 near San Felipe to Route 5.

Freeway

[SHC 253.7] From Route 101 to Route 65 near Sharon via Pacheco Pass. Added to the Freeway and Expressway system in 1959. There are no plans to construct this as freeway between Route 99 and (unconstructed) Route 65 near Sharon.

Double Fine Zones

Between the junction with Route 156 at the Don Pacheco "Y" and the intersection with Ferguson Road. Authorized by Senate Bill 155, Chapter 169, on July 23, 1999.

Interregional Route

[SHC 164.17] Between Route 101 and Route 99.

California Highways:
www.cahighways.org

State Route 152

Routing

Post 1964 Signage History

Pre 1964 Signage History

Status

Scenic Route

Naming

Post 1964 Signage History

Pre 1964 Signage History

Status

Naming

Named Structures

Scenic Route

Freeway

Double Fine Zones

Interregional Route

Other WWW Links

Statistics

Pre-1964 Legislative Route

California Highways: www.cahighways.org

State Route 152

Routing

Post 1964 Signage History

Pre 1964 Signage History

Status

Scenic Route

Naming

Post 1964 Signage History

Pre 1964 Signage History

Status

Naming

Named Structures

Scenic Route

Freeway

Double Fine Zones

Interregional Route

Other WWW Links

Statistics

Pre-1964 Legislative Route

California Highways:
www.cahighways.org