Near Lebec in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Interstate Highway 5
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2022
1. Interstate 5 Marker
The California Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement - 1980, Interstate Highway 5, designated by the California State Council, ASCE.
Erected 1980 by American Society of Civil Engineers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1980.
Location. 34° 49.549′ N, 118° 52.218′ W. Marker is near Lebec, California, in Kern County. It can be reached from Interstate 5, 0.8 miles north of Frazier Mountain Park Road. Identical markers are located in both Highway Rest Areas, on the northbound side and southbound side. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lebec CA 93243, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Joaquin Valley, specifically in the Central Valley, and in the Sierra Nevada. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Don Pedro Fages (approx. 0.6 miles away); Camel Brigade (approx. 3.6 miles away); Peter Lebeck (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Camels of Fort Tejon (approx. 3.6 miles away); Camel Trail Terminus (approx. 3.6 miles away); Fort Tejon (approx. 3.6 miles away); Peter Lebec (approx. 3.6 miles away); El Camino Viejo (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lebec.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Lieutenant Edward Fitzgerald Beale (was approx. 3.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Regarding Interstate Highway 5. The old Ridge Route, completed in 1915, was replaced by US-99 in 1934, which was replaced by Interstate 5 in 1968.
In order to make the grade on I-5 north of Castaic manageable for trucks, northbound lanes switch sides with southbound lanes and for several miles the traffic lanes are on the left side rather than the right side. With each set of
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2022
2. Interstate 5 Rest Area and Marker
Traffic on I-5 is visible in the distance.
This configuration is uncommon. Interstate 8 east of Yuma, Arizona has a similar inversion of its east and westbound lanes.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2022
3. Interstate 5
Each direction changes sides so heavy trucks going downhill have a more gradual slope.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2022
4. Interstate 5
Traffic direction is reversed on the grade just north of Castaic.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 16, 2022
5. Interstate 5
The location of these photos is 25 miles south of the marker.
Photographed by Craig Baker, February 18, 2022
6. Interstate 5
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,745 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 18, 2022, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
