Click here for a key to the symbols used. An explanation of acronyms may be found at the bottom of the page.
In 1963, Route 245 was defined as the route from "Route 5 near Los Angeles to Route 60 at the intersection of Downey Road." This may have been a temporary routing related to construction of the downtown interchanges.
Route 245 entered the State Highway System during 1933 as part of LRN 166, which was defined as "Los Angeles, Indiana and 3rd Streets to the Huntington Beach-Whittier Road near Santa Fe Springs". In 1935, this was added to the highway code as LRN 166 with the definition:
"[LRN 172], at the intersection of Indiana and Third Streets, in Los Angeles, to [LRN 171] near Sante Fe Springs"
This route, as originally defined, would likely have run down from 3rd St (LRN 172) and Indiana St and then across Telegraph Road (the future I-5 routing) perhaps as far as Buena Park, where it met a routing of Route 39, which was LRN 171. The routing started out as US 101 Bypass, and later became I-5.
In 1941, Chapter 142 changed both endpoints, making the route from "[LRN 172] at the intersection of Downey Road Indiana and Third
Streets, in Los Angeles, to LRN 174 near Norwalk [LRN 171]
near Sante Fe Springs". Downey Road is the short-lived
post-1964 Route 245. This led to a change in LRN 173, which was adjusted
to end at Downey Road instead of Indiana Street. That change also removed
Indiana Street from the state highway system (briefly). After this change,
the route ran from LRN 172 (3rd Street, eventual Route 60) at the intersection
of Downey Road to former Route 42 (LRN 174) near Norwalk. This included
the segment of 1964-1965 Route 245 along Downey Road between Route 60 (LRN 172) and US 101, and the segment of US 101 (freeway routing) from Downey
Road to LRN 174 (intersection with former Route 42). This was reflective
of the creation of the US 101 Bypass Freeway.
In 1947, Indiana St was added back to the State Highway System, this time
as LRN 230. It ran between Olympic/9th and 3rd. That changed in 1957, when
Chapter 36 changed the terminus of LRN 173: "… to [LRN 166]
near Downey Road [LRN 2] near Soto Street". This change
made Olympic/9th St. between Soto St and Indiana part of LRN 230 (although
no change was needed in the legislative definition). In the 1964
renumbering, LRN 230 became short-lived Route 165, LRN 173 became the
Santa Monica Freeway, and the US 101 Bypass portion of LRN 166 became I-5
(connecting with the new freeway version of LRN 2).
So why was LRN 166 created in the first place? It was likely to connect
Sign Route 26 (LRN 173) with the new road to Pomona (LRN 172) and
Telegraph Road to points S, and later as a connection between LRN 174 and
the US 101 Bypass. Why did it become Route 245? There were likely two
reasons: (1) to provide a route to connect to old US 101 (what became
Route 72), and to provide a connection between US 101 Bypass/I-5 and the
new Route 60 until the interchange was completed.
(Source: DPF Research, triggered by the original version of
Gribblenation Blog (Tom Fearer), "The first California State Route 245", 6/20/2023)
In 1965, Chapter 1372 deleted that routing.
In 1972, Chapter 1216 redefined Route 245 as "Route 198 to Route 180 near the General Grant Grove section of Kings Canyon National Park." This route was created as a renumbering of former Route 69. Rumor has it that the renumbering was due to continual theft of the Route 69 signs.
In 1961, studies of proposed alternate routes for the
Route 65 expressway extension N from Lindsay to the vicinity of Woodlake
were presented. The segment would run from Ave. 228 in Lindsay to Ave 384,
about 4 mi N of Woodlake. Three alternate routes are proposed, all of
which would relocate the present route. There would also be some
adjustments to Route 198 where it intersects the project. The initial plan
is to provide a 4-lane expressway from Lindsay to Route 198 (with the
possibility of an eventual 6-lane freeway). N of Route 198, the plan is
for a 2-lane expressway. Route 198 would get an interchange with Route 65,
and a 4-lane expressway W to tie in with the E city limits of Visalia and
Road 192. Based on the subsequent rescinding of the segment of Route 245
between Route 198 and 1 mi N of Route 201, it looks like proposal 2 was
adopted but never constructed. The portion of the existing Route 65 N of
Route 198 is now Route 245 (nee Route 69)
(Source: Lindsay Gazette, 2/16/1961, via Joel Windmiller, 2/26/2023)
In 1976, the CHC published a notice of intent to rescind the freeway route adoption of
Route 245 between Route 198 and 1 mi N of Route 201. The segments were
adopted in 1962 and 1965.
(Source: Tulare Advance-Register, 3/10/1976 via Joel Windmiller)
The 1964-1965 incarnation of Route 245 was part of LRN 166.
The post-1972 incarnation of Route 245 was originally part of Route 65, and was renumbered as Route 69 when a new alignment was proposed for Route 65 in 1964. In 1972, it was renumbered again as Route 245. This was part of LRN 129, defined in 1933.
Note that, prior to 1940, Route 180 was along Dunlap Road, and thus Route 65 (now Route 245) terminated at Dunlap Road.
Yokohl Creek / Kaweah River Bridges (06-Tul-245 PM 1.19/1.59, 4.19/4.30)
In October 2019, the CTC had on its agenda for future consideration of the following project:
06-Tul-245, PM 1.26/4.19 Route 245 in Tulare County. Replace existing
bridge on Route 245 near the town of Woodlake in Tulare County. (PPNO
6787). This project is located on Route 245 near Woodlake in Tulare
County. The project proposes to replace the nonstandard bridges with
standard width bridges and install standard approach railing as needed at
both Yokohl Creek bridge (No. 46-0011) at post mile 1.39, and at Kaweah
River bridge (No. 46-0073) at post mile 4.19. This project is fully funded
and is currently programmed in the 2018 State Highway Operation Protection
Program (SHOPP) for an estimated $17.3 million which includes Plans,
Specifications and Estimates, Construction (capital and support) and Right
of Way (capital and support). Construction is estimated to begin in 2021.
The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with
the project scope programmed by the California Transportation Commission
(Commission) in the 2018 SHOPP.
(Source: October 2019 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item
2.2c.(1))
In October 2019, the CTC approved the following
pre-construction allocation: 06-Tul-245 1.4. PPNO 6787 Proj ID 0615000293
EA 0U280. Route 245 Near Woodlake, at Yokohl Creek Bridge No. 46-0011 (PM
1.39); also at Kaweah River Bridge No. 46-0073 (PM 4.19). Replace bridges
to upgrade to current standards, facilitate bike lane shoulders, and
upgrade guard railing. (Concurrent consideration of funding under
Resolution E-19-93; October 2019.) PS&E $2,260,000 (Programmed)
$2,486,000 (Allocated) R/W Sup $645,000
(Source: October 2019 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item
2.5b.(2b) #7)
In January 2020, the CTC approved a technical amendment
to the 2018 SHOPP regarding this project: 06-Tul-245 1.4 1.2/1.6
PPNO 6787 ProjID 0615000293 EA 0U280. Route 245 near Woodlake, at Yokohl
Creek Bridge No. 46-0011 (PM 1.39 1.19/1.59); also
at Kaweah River Bridge No. 46-0073 (PM 4.19/4.30). Replace
bridges to upgrade to current standards, facilitate bike lane shoulders,
and upgrade guard railing. The amendment included an increase to
construction cost because of an increase in bridge material costs, the
need for temporary trestles to facilitate pile driving, and the need to
raise the bridge profile in order to meet updated Central Valley Flood
Protection Board (CVFPB) requirements. Increase to construction support
because more working days are required. There was a decrease in R/W
capital because environmental mitigation and utility costs were lower than
expected.
(Source: January 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item
2.1a.(1d) Item 17)
The 2020 SHOPP, approved in May 2020, included the
following Bridge Preservation item of interest (carried over from the 2018
SHOPP): 06-Tulare-245 PM 1.2/1.6 PPNO 6787 Proj ID 0615000293 EA 0U280.
Route 245 near Woodlake, at Yokohl Creek Bridge No. 46-0011 (PM
1.19/1.59); also at Kaweah River Bridge No. 46 -0073 (PM 4.19/4.30).
Replace bridges to upgrade to current standards, facilitate bike lane
shoulders, and upgrade guardrailing. Programmed in FY20-21, with
construction scheduled to start in October 2021. Total project cost is
$25,910K, with $18,280K being capital (const and right of way) and $7,630K
being support (engineering, environmental, etc.).
(Source: 2020 Approved SHOPP a/o May 2020)
In August 2021, the CTC approved the following
construction phase allocation: $15,687,000. 06-Tul-245 1.19/1.59. PPNO
06-6787; ProjID 0615000293; EA 0U280. Route 245 Near Woodlake, at Yokohl
Creek Bridge № 46-0011; also at Kaweah River Bridge № 46-0073
(PM 4.19/4.30). Outcome/Output: Replace bridges to upgrade to current
standards, facilitate bike lane shoulders, and upgrade guard rail.
Allocation (some from other sources): CON ENG $3,400,000 CONST
$18,000,000. (Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution
E-19-93; October 2019.) (Six month time extension for CONST and CON ENG
approved under Waiver 21-59; June 2021.)
(Source: August 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item
2.5b.(1) #35)
Tulare Expressway (~ 065 TUL 29.619 to TUL 39.477, 245 TUL 0.0)
In December 2012, the CTC reviewed a draft EIR regarding improvements on Route 65 and Route 245 in Tulare County to create the Tulare Expressway. The project will realign Route 65 and construct a two-lane expressway on a four-lane right of way for 9.3 miles from Hermosa Street in Lindsay to Avenue 300 on Route 245 northeast of Exeter. There would also be about 0.5 miles of improvements on Route 245 starting at Route 198. The project is not fully funded. The project is programmed in the 2012 State Transportation Improvement Program. The total estimated cost for capital and support is $102,711,000. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2018-19. In addition to the no-build alternatives, there are two alternatives being considered: Build Alternative 1 would parallel the east and west side of existing Spruce Avenue depending on location; Build Alternative 2 would project the west side of existing Spruce Avenue. The project is needed to provide a continuous expressway through the corridor. Existing Route 65 does not provide direct access to Route 245 for traffic wishing to continue NB. Currently NB traffic on Route 65 must turn E at the Route 65/Route 198 intersection, enter a left turn lane, and wait for a signal. Route 65 also passes through Exeter, resulting in traffic flow interruptions with local traffic and the use of Spruce Road (Road 204) as an alternative. This has increased the accident rate.
The following project was included in the final adopted 2018 SHOPP in March 2018: PPNO 6787. 06-Tulare-245 1.4. Route 245 Near Woodlake, at Yokohl Creek Bridge No. 46-0011 (PM 1.39); also at Kaweah River Bridge No. 46-0073 (PM 4.19). Replace bridges to upgrade to current standards, facilitate bike lane shoulders, and upgrade guard railing. Begin Con: 10/5/2021. Total Project Cost: $18,665K.
Caltrans is exploring creating a roundabout on this route at the intersection of Route 216/Route 245 in Woodlake (~ TUL 7.054). Other potential/planned roundabout locations in the San Joaquin Valley include Route 145/Jensen near Kerman, Route 168/Auberry Road in Prather, Route 43/Route 137 in Corcoran, Route 190/Road 152 east of Tipton, Route 190/Road 284 east of Porterville, and Route 155/Browning Road in Delano. A 2007 study of 55 roundabouts in the U.S. found a 35% reduction in accidents and a 90% reduction in fatal accidents when intersections with stop signs or signals were converted to roundabouts. It costs about the same to build a roundabout as to put up traffic signals, and they need significantly less maintenance than traffic signal intersections -- about 60% to 90% less, depending on how much landscaping work is required.
The portion of Route 245 (Millwood Drive) from Avenue 364 to Avenue 398 near
the town of Elderwood (~ TUL 10.47 to TUL 14.97), in the County of Tulare,
is named the "Specialist Manuel Joaquin Holguin Memorial Highway".
It was named in memory of United States Army Specialist Manuel Joaquin
Holguin, born in 1984 in Visalia, California. Joaquin, as he was known to
his family, grew up in the small foothill community of Elderwood,
California, and attended public schools in Woodlake, California,
graduating from Woodlake Union High School in June 2002. Joaquin was an
athlete, playing soccer and baseball from the age of 5 years through high
school. Living in the country, he also became knowledgeable in the use and
safe handling of firearms and by the age of 12 years, he passed his hunter
safety course and was proficient with a 12-gauge shotgun. In the fall of
2001, Joaquin decided to join the United States Army, following in the
footsteps of his grandfather and uncles who had served in the United
States Army during World War II and the Vietnam War. During his senior
year of high school, Joaquin was admitted into the United States
Army’s early enlistment program, officially enlisting upon
graduation from high school for a three-year commitment on November 11,
2002, and was sent to Fort Benning, Georgia, for boot camp. Joaquin
remained at Fort Benning, Georgia, for advanced infantry training,
graduating in March 2003 with a designation as a mortarman. He also earned
an award for being the highest marksman with a rifle in his platoon and
would go on to continually score as an expert with a rifle and mortar.
Joaquin was assigned as a gunner and driver to the 2nd Battalion, 6th
Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade of the 1st Armored Division in Baumholder,
Germany. His division left Germany for Iraq in April 2003 and was assigned
to an area of southern Baghdad operating out of Camp Muleskinner, but also
saw action in Karbala and Al-Kut. His division would remain in Iraq for 15
months before returning to Germany, during which time, in this his first
tour of duty, Joaquin received the Combat Infantry Badge and earned the
rank of Specialist. Joaquin received orders that his active duty
commitment was being extended. In November 2005, his brigade was sent back
to the area of southern Baghdad Iraq for a second one-year tour of duty,
and Joaquin volunteered to be part of the advanced detachment whose job
was to get things in order for the arrival of the remainder of the
brigade. On July 15, 2006, his unit, doing mounted and foot patrols,
responded to an explosion at a marketplace, set up a perimeter, and began
to receive small arms fire. During the firefight, an improvised explosive
device (IED) detonated, killing Joaquin and severely wounding another
soldier. Joaquin died one month before his 22nd birthday and three months
before his tour of duty would have been completed. Joaquin was awarded the
Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medals for his active military service in
the United States Army for his actions, not only on that day, but for the
entire time he spent in Iraq. Joaquin was also awarded the Army
Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the
National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas
Service Ribbon, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal, and the Presidential Unit Citation Award for his two
tours of duty in Iraq. Named by Assembly Concurrent Resolution 135, Res.
Chapter 85, on July 7, 2014.
(Image source: Iraq/Afghanistan War Heroes)
Overall statistics for Route 245:
In 1959, Chapter 1062 defined LRN 245 as “[LRN 232] near Catlett to [LRN 87] near Tudor”. This route runs from Route 24 (present-day Route 70) near Catlett to Alternate US 40 (present-day Route 99) near Tudor. This is part of present-day Route 99.
© 1996-2020 Daniel P. Faigin.
Maintained by: Daniel P. Faigin
<webmaster@cahighways.org>.