US Highway 70

The western terminus of US 70 at US 60 in Globe, AZ

Background

US 70 along with US 60 was one of the two transcontinental highways that ended in Los Angeles. It was a relative latecomer, not having been commissioned in California until around 1936. It was somewhat of an oddity in California since it was co-signed with at least one other route for its entire length within the state. In fact, it was co-signed with other routes to its split with US 60 in Globe, AZ. While this may seem nonsensical, there was a good reason for it to go to Los Angeles; namely continuity. So while it did not go on its own for the last 500 miles of its course, it was a true transcontinental highway which linked Los Angeles with the southern portion of the United States. This made it a prime candidate to be pruned down, as it was in 1964 in California and in the 1970s within Arizona. Today it still serves several large regions which do not and possibly never will have an Interstate highway.

US 70 at a Glance

Original Routing

US 70 went from Atlantic, North Carolina to Los Angeles by way of the Deep South. Its route took it through cities as varied as Memphis, Tennessee and Phoenix, Arizona.

Current Status Outside of California

The western terminus of US 70 is now in Globe, AZ. From this point east, it remains entirely intact, although it has taken some new routings. It was decommissioned in the rest of Arizona, replaced by US 60 and I-10. This was something that made a good deal of sense since the section that was decommissioned was co-signed with US 60.

Current Status in California

US 70 was decommissioned July 1, 1964. It was replaced by I-10 for its whole length. There are many remaining sections left, some of which are very well preserved - especially in the desert.

Intersections With Other US Highways

• Western terminus at US 101.
• Pre 1948: intersection with US 6 and US 66.
• Co-signed with US 99 from junction US 101 to south of Indio.
• Co-signed with US 60:
  • Junction US 101 to San Dimas,
  • Banning to Arizona border.
• US 91 in San Bernardino (1947 ­ 1964).
• US 395 in San Bernardino.
• US 95 in Blythe (1940 ­ 1964).

US 70 Guide

I plan to have this as part of my US 60 and US 99 guide, at least for the time being. As the guides are completed, I will add more links.

• US 99 Guide: Coachella Valley. Covers US 70 from Los Angeles to Indio
• US 99 Guide: Inland Empire

Go to the Historic California US Highways Main Page