California county routes in zone G

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California county routes in zone G
San Benito County G1.svg
Example of a California county route shield
Highway names
CountyCounty Route X (CR X) or Route X
System links

There are 21 routes assigned to the "G" zone of the California Route Marker Program, which designates county routes in California. The "G" zone includes county highways in Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties.

G1[edit]

County Road G1 marker

County Road G1

LocationSan Benito County
Length5.42 mi[1] (8.72 km)
Existed1958–present[1]

County Route G1 (CR G1) is a road in San Benito County, California, United States, providing access to Fremont Peak State Park from State Route 156 in San Juan Bautista. It is signed as San Juan Canyon Road for almost the entire length except for a small portion of The Alameda.

Route description[edit]

From the southern end of G1 on Fremont Peak as San Juan Canyon Road, G1 begins a steep, sharp-curved winding descent from around 3,000 feet for the first 2 miles, north to northeast. G1 then curves to the west for about 2 miles before turning north. At the intersection of Mission Vineyard Road, G1 becomes The Alameda, which then heads north for approximately 1/4 mile before reaching the northern terminus at State Route 156. Beyond the northern terminus, The Alameda continues into downtown San Juan Bautista for 0.2 miles until the intersection of First Street.

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in San Benito County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
Fremont Peak State ParkSouthern terminus
Mission Vineyard RoadNorth end of San Juan Canyon Road; south end of The Alameda
San Juan Bautista SR 156Northern terminus; road continues north as The Alameda
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G2[edit]

County Road G2 marker

County Road G2

LocationSanta Clara County
Length9.7 mi (15.6 km)
Existed1962–present[1]

County Route G2, more commonly known as Lawrence Expressway and Quito Road, is a busy 9.7-mile (15.6 km) long north–south link through Silicon Valley in Northern California. The majority of G2 is part of the Santa Clara County expressway system.

Route description[edit]

Intersection of Lawrence Expressway and Prospect Road in San Jose, California

G2 runs from the Quito Road overcrossing of SR 85 in Saratoga, north along Quito Road. G2 is not signed along this section and is not commonly recognized as existing along this 2 lane road by either locals or mapmakers. The Quito Road portion is also maintained by the City of Saratoga rather than Santa Clara County.[2]

As the road leaves Saratoga and enters San Jose, it widens to a 6 lane county-maintained expressway with a concrete island divider; at this point it becomes Lawrence Expressway. The Lawrence Expressway section from just south of Saratoga Avenue is more readily recognized as G2. Local residents almost exclusively refer to G2 as Lawrence Expressway. The road continues north, with access usually restricted to major intersections which are controlled via traffic lights.

Lawrence Expressway continues northeasterly and junctions with I-280 and Stevens Creek Boulevard over a complex shared separated grade crossing. Lawrence Expressway proceeds under I-280 before immediately rising over Stevens Creek Boulevard. San Tomas Expressway and Campbell Avenue also share ramps for access to I-280 with the exception of the onramp to Southbound I-280 which is accessed directly from Lawrence Expressway, a frequent cause of confusion for drivers on Stevens Creek Boulevard wishing to access I-280 due to unclear signage.[citation needed] Lawrence Expressway continues north into Santa Clara and widens to 8 lanes with an HOV lane occupying the far right lane.

Lawrence (looking south, center) at Central Expressway

Lawrence Expressway also has another separated grade interchange with El Camino Real (SR 82). Lawrence Expressway then enters Sunnyvale. At this point the expressway passes over Caltrain's Lawrence Station. Lawrence Expressway also passes under Central Expressway (G6) on a separated grade interchange and over US 101 on a separated grade interchange. The US 101 interchange was upgraded in the early 2000s to include traffic light control on G2.

G2 reaches its northern terminus at the end of Lawrence Expressway at the SR 237 Freeway. The physical road continues north as Caribbean Drive.

History[edit]

The designation G2 existed to the 1950s. The route replaced what was originally called Lawrence Station Road (after the Southern Pacific Lawrence station), from Mountain View–Alviso Road in the north to Stevens Creek Blvd. on the south, roughly paralleling Saratoga Creek. Lawrence Station was itself named for Alfred Chester Lawrence.[3] Crossing Stevens Creek, the route was originally called Doyle Road, a small two lane road up to the point the current Doyle Road exits to the east. The section between Doyle and Saratoga Avenue at Quito Road was originally orchards.[4]

G2 was first signed as a Santa Clara County Route in 1962 as construction was completing on sections of the upgrade to an expressway. County Route G2 was originally planned to link up with SR 85 when it was built. At the time of G2's inception SR 85 was in the early planning stages and an interchange had been envisioned at Quito Road. However opposition to the freeway was intense in Saratoga and the planned interchange between SR 85 and G2 along with an interchange further north at Prospect Road were abandoned in favor of the existing Saratoga Avenue interchange. G2 is unsigned from SR 85 to Saratoga Avenue along Quito Road. North of Saratoga Avenue, Lawrence Expressway is currently signed as G2.[5]

In the 1990s Lawrence Expressway was widened north of I-280 to 8 lanes to accommodate an HOV carpool lane.

As of 2019, Santa Clara County is planning a major grade separation project at Homestead Road. This will be one of the largest expressway improvement projects in many years.[6]

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in Santa Clara County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
Saratoga SR 85 (overcrossing only)no interchange
San JoseSaratoga Avenue / Quito Road

I-280 south – San Jose
I-280 exit 9A
San JoseSanta Clara line

Stevens Creek Boulevard to I-280 north – San Francisco
interchange
Santa ClaraEl Camino Real (SR 82)interchange
Santa ClaraSunnyvale lineCentral Expressway (CR G6)interchange
Sunnyvale US 101 – San Franciscointerchange; US 101 exit 394
SR 237 / Caribbean Drive – Mountain View, Milpitasinterchange; SR 237 exit 5
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G3[edit]

County Road G3 marker

County Road G3

LocationSanta Clara County
Length4.52 mi[1] (7.27 km)
Existed1962–present[1]
Animation of USGS maps of 1953, 1961, 1969, 1974, and 2015, showing the conversion of Oregon Avenue to Oregon Expressway, and its interchange with Alma Street and connection to Page Mill Road. In 1953, Oregon Avenue had a T intersection with Alma Street, while Page Mill Road and California Avenue had level crossings across the Southern Pacific railroad tracks. By 1961, the left-jog underpass connection between Page Mill Road and Oregon Avenue had been made, but Oregon was still a narrow residential street, which connected to US-101 so it became a very busy route to Stanford and the Stanford Industrial Park. By 1969, the Oregon Expressway had replaced about 90 homes on the south side of Oregon Avenue. By 1974, more ramps were added to the Alma Street interchange. At some point, by 2015, the railroad tracks behind the Sutter Packing Company cannery / Maximart / Fry's building were gone (where the 2015 map says "Mayfield"); this was the track that connected the Peninsular Railway route that ran along what became Foothill Expressway.

County Route G3, more commonly known as Page Mill Road and Oregon Expressway is a short 4.5-mile (7.2 km) northeast–southwest arterial route that spans the lower peninsula region of the San Francisco Bay Area from I-280 to US 101. G3 runs through Palo Alto and unincorporated Stanford University lands. It is part of the Santa Clara County expressway system.

Route description[edit]

Page Mill Road heading downhill toward Hanover Street and El Camino Real
Oregon Expressway where it goes under Park Blvd., the Caltrain tracks, and Alma Street (which is also the start of G6)

G3 begins in the west at its interchange with I-280, at the Los Altos Hills–Stanford border. It proceeds northeast as a four lane expressway over the rolling hills of Stanford University until it reaches Foothill Expressway (G5), at which it has an at-grade intersection. East of Foothill Expressway, G3 descends down into the more urban areas of the lower peninsula, going through the industrialized area of the Stanford Research Park located in Palo Alto. The road along this section has a reduced speed limit and several turnoffs along its length until it reaches El Camino Real (SR 82).

After SR 82, Oregon Expressway branches from Page Mill Road, which becomes a short two-lane street, and G3 follows Oregon Expressway under the Caltrain tracks and onward for the remainder of its northeastward journey. Oregon Expressway resumes expressway status with limited access confined mainly to large intersections. G3 reaches its eastern terminus at its junction with US 101.

Page Mill Road (no longer designated G3) continues southwest of I-280 for 6 miles (9.7 km), a twisting two-lane road that climbs to Skyline Boulevard (SR 35) at the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It passes the entrance to Palo Alto's Foothills Park, and the Monte Bello and Los Trancos Open Space Preserves. Under the name West Alpine Road, the road descends west of Skyline Boulevard to a turn-off that leads to Portola Redwoods State Park, where the original Page sawmill was located. Other than a commemorative sign, no artifacts remain at the mill site, which is accessible only by Slate Creek Trail from either Portola Redwoods state park or from Skyline Boulevard (SR 35).

History[edit]

This route was designated in 1962. G3 is currently signed its entire length. Page Mill Road was originally known as Mayfield–Pescadero Road,[7] but only a small portion of Page Mill Road is part of G3.

The widening of Oregon Avenue from a congested narrow residential street to a median-divided 4-lane Oregon Expressway was narrowly approved by Palo Alto voters in a June 5, 1962, election; about 90 homes on the south side of Oregon Avenue were moved or destroyed to make room for it.[8]

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in Santa Clara County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
Los Altos HillsSanta Clara County line I-280 / Page Mill Road – San Francisco, San JoseI-280 exit 20
Palo AltoStanford lineFoothill Expressway (CR G5) / Junipero Serra Boulevard
Palo Alto SR 82 (El Camino Real)
Page Mill Road / Park Boulevard / Birch Street - Business Districtinterchange
Alma Street (CR G6)interchange
US 101 (Bayshore Freeway) – San Francisco, San Joseinterchange; US 101 exit 402
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G4[edit]

County Road G4 marker

County Road G4

LocationSanta Clara County
Length14.11 mi[1] (22.71 km)
Existed1962–present[1]

County Route G4, more commonly referred to as San Tomas Expressway and Montague Expressway is a busy 14.5-mile (23.34 km) long link across Silicon Valley. G4 is part of the Santa Clara County expressway system.

Route description[edit]

Intersection of San Tomas Expressway and Monroe Street in Santa Clara, California

G4 begins in the south at its interchange with SR 17 and Camden Avenue as San Tomas Expressway in the city of Campbell. The road is three lanes wide in each direction, with an HOV carpool lane occupying the right lane, from SR 17 north to Homestead Road, where it expands to four lanes in each direction with an HOV lane until San Tomas "ends" at US 101. The majority of intersections along San Tomas are at grade, controlled by traffic lights. The only grade-separated intersections along San Tomas are at SR 17, US 101, Winchester (necessary due to a Union Pacific branchline), and the junction with Central Expressway (G6). G4 intersects at grade with El Camino Real in Santa Clara. Further north in Santa Clara, G4 crosses US 101 and becomes Montague Expressway.

Montague Expressway is signed as an east–west route, however it is not signed as G4 along its entire length. Montague continues east as an 8 lane road until it crosses Interstate 880 on the San Jose/Milpitas city line, where it loses a lane to become a 6 lane road. G4 reaches its eastern terminus at Interstate 680 but the physical road continues as Landess Ave further east until it ends at its intersection with Piedmont Road.

San Tomas Expressway from the pedestrian overpass at Parkway Park near Saratoga Avenue
San Tomas Expressway just south of the Central Expressway interchange, which is visible at left
Montague Expressway passing over Lafayette Street (right) and Bassett Street (left) and the railroad that the Capitol Corridor and Altamont Commuter Express run on

History[edit]

G4 was designated and signed in 1962 along the San Tomas portions. Montague was designated later around 1978. Whether this has anything to do with Montague and not being physically signed as G4 is uncertain. Emergency Call boxes along Montague however are labeled as being on G4 leaving no doubt that Montague is part of G4.

Original plans called for G4 to include Hillsdale Avenue and Camden Avenue, between its present-day southern terminus and the southern terminus of Capitol Expressway (G21).[citation needed] These plans were never brought to fruition.

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in Santa Clara County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
Campbell SR 17 / Camden Avenue / Curtner Avenue – Santa Cruz, San Jose, Oaklandinterchange; SR 17 exit 23
Dell Avenue / Camden Avenue / Sunnyoaks Avenueinterchange
Winchester Boulevard - Los Gatos Creek Parkinterchange
Santa Clara SR 82 (El Camino Real)
Central Expressway (CR G6)interchange
US 101 – San Francisco, San Joseinterchange; US 101 exit 392
Lafayette Streetinterchange
San JoseMilpitas line I-880 – Oakland, San JoseI-880 exit 7
Main Street / Oakland Roadformer SR 238
I-680 / Landess Avenue – Sacramento, San JoseI-680 exit 6
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G5[edit]

County Road G5 marker

County Road G5

LocationSanta Clara County
Length7.24 mi[1] (11.65 km)
Existed1962–present[1]
Foothill Expressway, approaching El Monte Road, before the 2021 widening project
Foothill from the Loyola Corners overpass, looking northwest
Animated alternation between 1965 and 1969 USGS maps showing the addition of Interstate 280 and Foothill Expressway, and the rerouting of Page Mill Road (G3)

County Route G5, more often referred to as Foothill Expressway, is a 4 lane, 7.24-mile (11.65 km) long, northwest–southeast route in Santa Clara County. G5 connects Palo Alto, California to the Silicon Valley proper closely paralleling I-280 through the lower Santa Cruz Mountains foothills. This route is part of the Santa Clara County expressway system. The speed limit for much of Foothill Expressway is 45 mph.

Route description[edit]

G5 begins at its southeastern end at I-280 in Cupertino, California. It proceeds northwest directly east of I-280 making it a viable alternative route for short trips between Cupertino and Palo Alto. The road is a four-lane expressway along its entire route. Access is generally limited to major intersections that are governed by traffic lights except for an interchange at Fremont Avenue, which the interchange also provides access to Miramonte Avenue and Loyola Drive. G5 travels through several affluent neighborhoods in Los Altos before reaching its northern terminus at the intersection with Page Mill Road (G3). The physical road continues north as Junipero Serra Boulevard and passes the back entrances to Stanford University.

Foothill Expressway (left and center) at Grant Road and Homestead Road (right)

History[edit]

G5 was designated in 1962 and is currently signed its entire length. The route was built upon the right-of-way for the Los Altos branch of the Peninsular Railway. The buildings along the route at Loyola Corners in Los Altos are historical railroad station buildings.

In 1970 one of the first scientifically designed noise barriers in the nation was conceived for Foothill Expressway in a study overseen by the Santa Clara County Public Works Department using Sunnyvale consultant ESL Inc.

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in Santa Clara County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
Los Altos I-280 / Foothill Boulevard – San Francisco, San JoseI-280 exit 13
Palo Alto
Page Mill Road (CR G3) / Junipero Serra Boulevard to I-280
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G6[edit]

County Road G6 marker

County Road G6

LocationSanta Clara County
Length12.33 mi[1] (19.84 km)
Existed1962–present[1]
Central going under CA-85, viewed from the Stevens Creek Trail bicycle/pedestrian overpass
One of Central Expressway's at-grade intersections, at Mary Avenue, Sunnyvale
The Mathilda Avenue interchange on the controlled-access portion of Central Expressway
Central approaching Lawrence Expressway, showing typical short entrance ramp

County Route G6, which comprises Central Expressway and part of Alma Street in Palo Alto is signed as a 12.3-mile (19.8 km) long, east–west route in the western portion of Silicon Valley, California. While paralleling US 101, El Camino Real (SR 82) and I-280, all of which are signed north–south, Central Expressway is signed east–west. This is due to the fact that all of these routes move in an east–west direction in this area, but these other routes continue longer than Central Expressway and are mostly north–south overall. This route is part of the Santa Clara County expressway system.

Route description[edit]

Route G6 actually begins in the west at Oregon Expressway as Alma Street in Palo Alto. In Palo Alto, G6 remains a major surface street with four lanes of traffic and a center turning lane to service the many driveways and turnoffs available. At the Palo Alto – Mountain View border at San Antonio Road, G6's character changes, removing the driveways and frequent intersections and adding a center divider, and is renamed Central Expressway. Central continues east as a 4 lane road through the city of Mountain View. Through this section Central Expressway has more at-grade intersections than is typical for a designated expressway. This section's intersections are primarily at-grade with cross streets controlled by traffic lights, although there are some overpasses, such as for San Antonio Road, Shoreline Blvd., Whisman Ave, SR 237 and SR 85.

Up to this point, the road parallels the Caltrain rail line, which limits the intersections and driveways on the south side of the road.

After crossing under SR 85, Central Expressway takes on a very freeway-like appearance (which is not typical for most county roads) for several miles through Sunnyvale. Through this section Central Expressway has a wide center divider and a sequence of several separated grade interchanges with main cross streets and no turnoffs or driveways. The final in this sequence is at Lawrence Expressway. East of Lawrence Expressway, Central Expressway resumes at grade intersections along with sporadic HOV lanes at the approaches to intersections. Central has one final separated grade interchange with San Tomas Expressway. Route G6 makes a turn onto De La Cruz for a few hundred feet until it reaches its terminus at US 101, just outside the north end of San Jose International Airport.

History[edit]

Central Expressway was first designated in 1962. Central Expressway was a vital route through the western Silicon Valley in the days before US 101 had been widened and I-280 had been built as an alternate route. Central Expressway still acts as an alternate route to US 101 through the west valley, however usage has declined as both freeways are now much larger and more direct routes. Construction was completed in 2007 near the eastern terminus widening Central Expressway to accommodate an HOV lane and a reconfiguration of the intersection with Lafayette Street.

Central Expressway is currently signed as G6 sporadically along its entire length.

In 1982, the prohibition against bicyclists using Central Expressway's shoulders was lifted. All pedestrian prohibitions were repealed by 2003.

Central Expressway's divided bridge over San Tomas Aquino Creek, from the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail just west of the San Tomas Expressway interchange

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in Santa Clara County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
Palo Alto
Oregon Expressway / Page Mill Expressway (CR G3) / Alma Street to US 101 – Business District
interchange

San Antonio Road to US 101 (Bayshore Freeway) – Los Altos
interchange
Mountain ViewShoreline Boulevardinterchange

SR 85 north / Easy Street
interchange; SR 85 exit 23; no eastbound exit
Whisman Road / Evelyn Avenueinterchange
SunnyvaleMiddlefield Roadinterchange; no eastbound exit
Mathilda Avenueinterchange; former SR 85
Arques Avenue / Fair Oaks Avenueinterchange
Wolfe Roadinterchange
Lawrence Expressway (CR G2)interchange
Santa ClaraSan Tomas Expressway (CR G4)interchange
De La Cruz Boulevard - San Jose, Santa Clara, SJ International Airport, Avaya Stadium
San Jose US 101 / Trimble Road – San Francisco, San Jose, SJ International Airportinterchange; US 101 exit 391
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G7[edit]

County Road G7 marker

County Road G7

Bloomfield Avenue
LocationSanta Clara County
Length3.25 mi[1] (5.23 km)
Existed1962–present[1]

County Route G7 (CR G7) is a road in Santa Clara County, California, United States, southeast of Gilroy. The road is known as Bloomfield Avenue for its entire length, which runs from State Route 25 near US 101 to State Route 152.

The route serves as a bypass for travelers who are traveling from westbound State Route 152 to southbound U.S. Route 101. County Route G7 bypasses the State Route 152 at U.S. Route 101 interchange, where State Route 152 is signed as 10th Street. This bypass avoids considerable amounts of traffic congestion that is the result of large retail shopping centers on both sides of 10th Street.

County Route G7 also serves Frazier Lake Airpark via Frazer Lake Road, as well as the Christopher Ranch garlic facility.

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in Santa Clara County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
SR 25 – Salinas, HollisterWestern terminus
Bolsa Road
Frazer Lake Road
SR 152 (Pacheco Pass Highway) – Los Banos, GilroyEastern terminus
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G8[edit]

County Road G8 marker

County Road G8

LocationSanta Clara County
Length29.38 mi[1] (47.28 km)
Existed1962–present[1]
Almaden Expressway at its interchange with Route 85

County Route G8 is an important north–south arterial road from the south valley area of Santa Clara County, California, USA to near Downtown San Jose. G8 runs for 29.4 miles (47.3 km) over both rural roads, expressway and urban streets, but it is most commonly known by residents for its expressway portion, Almaden Expressway. G8 is also part of the Santa Clara County expressway system.

Route description[edit]

G8 begins in the south at its junction with State Route 152 in Gilroy. It proceeds north along Watsonville Road as a two-lane country road until it reaches the intersection of Watsonville Rd and Uvas Road. G8 turns left and proceeds north along Uvas Road which is a winding two-lane mountain road that passes by Uvas, Chesbro and Calero reservoirs and their surrounding parks. In Calero Reservoir County Park, Uvas Road is renamed McKean Road and proceeds into the Almaden Valley area of San Jose. At the north end of McKean Rd, G8 turns briefly right on Harry Road for a short distance and then left on to the south end of Almaden Expressway.

As Almaden Expressway, G8 begins as a 2-lane undivided road for 1/2 mile before expanding to 4-lane divided expressway approaching the intersection of Almaden Road. Almaden Expressway eventually expands to a 6-8 lane expressway with the majority of access limited to major intersections controlled by traffic signals. The major exception to this is near Highway 85 and Blossom Hill Road (G10) where there are several major shopping centers.

G8 intersects G10 at Blossom Hill Rd and SR 85 a quarter mile north. This interchange is one of the busiest in Silicon Valley due to several shopping centers and a Costco warehouse store all sharing driveways with this interchange. G8 continues north resuming its expressway design. G8 shares a separated grade interchange with the terminus of Capitol Expressway Auto Mall and again with Murillo Avenue and Tully Road and Curtner Avenue. Other intersections along this part of the route are at grade. Almaden Expressway crosses State Route 87 with which it shares a northbound only interchange.

G8 continues past the north end of Almaden Expressway on to Almaden Road as a 4-lane city street. At the intersection Almaden Road and Alma Avenue, G8 turns east along Alma Ave and proceeds for about a quarter mile to its eastern terminus at First Street (former SR 82).

History[edit]

G8 was originally designated in 1962 along Almaden Expressway which had begun construction in 1959. Almaden Expressway was not completed to its southern terminus until 1984. Before that time the section between McKean Rd and the southern end of the expressway (which was further north at the time) took a zig zag path from McKean Rd to Harry Rd to Almaden Road (S) to Barnes Lane, to the then southern end of Almaden Expressway.

G8 is signed sporadically along its entire length.

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in Santa Clara County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
Llagas-Uvas SR 152 – Watsonville, Gilroy
Watsonville Road - Morgan Hill
Croy Road – Sveadal
Casa Loma Road – Mountain Home
San JoseBlossom Hill Road (CR G10)
SR 85interchange; SR 85 exit 6
Capitol Expressway Auto Mall (CR G21)interchange
Lincoln Avenue - Willow Gleninterchange; northbound exit and southbound entrance


Murillo Avenue / Tully Road / Curtner Avenue to SR 87 south
interchange

SR 87 north
interchange; SR 87 exit 3B; no northbound entrance
First Street / Monterey Roadformer SR 82
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G9[edit]

County Road G9 marker

County Road G9

LocationSanta Clara County
Length4.17 mi[1] (6.71 km)
Existed1963–present[1]

County Route G9 (CR G9) is a road in Santa Clara County, California, United States. The route runs along Leavesley Road from State Route 152's northern interchange with US 101 in Gilroy and then curves southward onto Ferguson Road. The route's eastern terminus is at SR 152 (Pacheco Pass Highway) east of Gilroy.

County Route G9 serves shoppers traveling to the Gilroy Premium Outlets, which features more than 145 stores and is the largest collection of outlet stores in Northern California.[9]

County Route G9 serves several agricultural facilities along its route. It also serves travelers as a bypass around the city of Gilroy, who wish to avoid the congestion at 10th Street and U.S. Route 101.

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in Santa Clara County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
Gilroy
SR 152 west (Leavesley Road)
Continuation beyond US 101

US 101 / SR 152 east (South Valley Freeway) – Los Angeles, San Jose
Interchange; western terminus; US 101 exit 357
New Avenue
Leavesley Road eastEast end of Leavesley Road on CR G9; west end of Ferguson Road
SR 152 (Pacheco Pass Highway)Eastern terminus
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G10[edit]

County Road G10 marker

County Road G10

LocationSanta Clara County
Length10.34 mi[1] (16.64 km)
Existed1964–present[1]

County Route G10 (CR G10), known as Los Gatos-Saratoga Road, Los Gatos Boulevard, and more commonly known along the majority of its route as Blossom Hill Road for the majority of its length, is an important east–west arterial roadway through the Almaden Valley area of Santa Clara County, California, United States in the Silicon Valley. The route runs for 10.34 miles (16.64 km) and is a series of city streets for its entire length.

Route description[edit]

County Route G10 begins at its western end at the junction of SR 17 and Los Gatos-Saratoga Road (formerly Saratoga Avenue) in Los Gatos. It travels east on Los Gatos-Saratoga Road to the end of that road then turns northeast along Los Gatos Boulevard. CR G10 proceeds for about 34 mile (1.2 km) to Blossom Hill Road where it turns east. Along this stretch, CR G10 is a narrow road that proceeds over Blossom Hill, the hill that the road takes its name from. At the base of Blossom Hill, CR G10 enters San Jose and the Almaden Valley neighborhood.

CR G10 proceeds as a busy 4-6 lane artery through this area, intersecting Almaden Expressway and further east, through the Blossom Valley neighborhood of San Jose, to SR 85. Prior to the completion of the segments of SR 85 between 1991 and 1994, which CR G10 roughly parallels, Blossom Hill Road was the major accessway to this area of San Jose from the west.

CR G10 reaches its eastern terminus at former prior-to-2013 SR 82, a few hundred feet (~100 meters) shy of US 101. Blossom Hill Road continues to US 101 and then over the freeway becoming Silver Creek Valley Road, before continuing as Nieman Boulevard and terminating at the junction with Capitol Expressway.

History[edit]

G10 was designated in 1964 as a county road. As of 2005, however, the road is no longer maintained by the county and is city street along its entire length. G10 is also only sporadically signed along its route and has been largely abandoned by the county after the completion of SR 85.

Major intersections[edit]

The entire route is in Santa Clara County.

LocationmikmDestinationsNotes
Los Gatos
SR 9 south (Los Gatos-Saratoga Road)
Continuation beyond SR 17
SR 17 – Santa Cruz, San JoseInterchange; western terminus; SR 17 exits 20A-B
Los Gatos Boulevard southEast end of Los Gatos-Saratoga Road; west end of Los Gatos Boulevard on CR G10
Kennedy Road
Shannon Road
Los Gatos Boulevard north, Blossom Hill Road westEast end of Los Gatos Boulevard on CR G10; west end of Blossom Hill Road on CR G10
Union Avenue
Los GatosSan Jose lineLeigh Avenue
San JoseCamden Avenue
Meridian Avenue
Kooser RoadNo left turn eastbound
Almaden Expressway (CR G8)
Santa Teresa BoulevardConnects to SR 87
Blossom Avenue
SR 85 (West Valley Freeway) – Gilroy, Mountain ViewInterchange; SR 85 exit 4
Snell Avenue
Poughkeepsie Road
Cottle RoadInterchange

SR 82 north (Monterey Road)
Interchange; eastern terminus; SR 82 is signed, but is not state maintained


SR 82 south (Blossom Hill Road) to US 101 (Bayshore Freeway, South Valley Freeway) / Silver Creek Valley Road – Los Angeles, San Francisco
Continuation beyond Monterey Road; SR 82 is signed, but is not state maintained
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G11[edit]

County Road G11 marker

County Road G11

LocationMonterey County
Length8.96 mi[1] (14.42 km)
Existed1965–present[1]

County Route G11 (CR G11) is a county road in unincorporated Monterey County, California, United States. The route runs from Porter Drive (County Route G12) in Pajaro along San Juan Road through the Pajaro Valley and terminates at US 101 south of Aromas.

Route description[edit]

County Route G11 begins as San Juan Road at the intersection of Porter Drive (County Route G12) in Pajaro. It leaves Pajaro and continues east for a 3/4 mile before gradually turning southeast towards Aromas. The road enters a brief, but steep hill for a 3/4 mile with a passing lane, then returns as a two-lane road turning south and then southeast. Nearing the eastern terminus at US 101, CR G11 curves to the east and then sharply turns southeast. CR G11 crosses into San Benito County approximately one hundred feet (60 meters) before reaching its terminus at US 101.

It provides an alternative route from Gilroy and Hollister towards Santa Cruz, bypassing the twistier, hillier routes 152 and 129, which, like Highway 17, can be daunting to novice drivers.

Major intersections[edit]

CountyLocationmikmDestinationsNotes
MontereyPajaroPorter Drive (CR G12) – Castroville, WatsonvilleWestern terminus; road continues as San Juan Road
Carpenteria Road – Aromas
San Benito US 101 / SR 156Interchange; eastern terminus; US 101 exit 342; road continues as Frontage Road
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

G12[edit]

County Road G12 marker

County Road G12

LocationMonterey and Santa Cruz counties
Length10.54 mi[1] (16.96 km)
Existed1965–present

County Route G12 is a road in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. The route, running almost 11 miles (18 km), begins at US 101 near Prunedale and follows San Miguel Canyon Road 4 miles (6 km) north-northwestward to Hall Road, onto which the route turns westward for 3 miles (5 km) passing through the community of Las Lomas. This portion arrives at Elkhorn Road, where G12 turns northward for 1 mile (2 km) before joining Salinas Road first to enter Pajaro, where the route becomes Porter Road, and then crosses into Santa Cruz County to enter Watsonville, where the route joins Main Street and terminates at State Route 129.

G13[edit]

County Road G13 marker

County Road G13

LocationMonterey and San Benito counties
Length15.68 mi[1] (25.23 km)

County Route G13 is a county road in Monterey and San Benito Counties. The route runs almost 16 miles (26 km) between King City in Monterey County and Route 25 in San Benito County.

G13 begins in King City at the interchange with U.S. Route 101 in King City as a city street. It turns east through downtown King City for one mile before turning northwest on First Street, which then becomes Lyons Street and turning northeast to become Bitterwater Road, passing Mesa Del Rey Airport and leaving the city limits. G13 then enters a hilly area before crossing into San Benito County for an additional six miles and terminating at the junction of State Route 25 at Bitterwater.

G14[edit]

County Road G14 marker

County Road G14

LocationMonterey and San Luis Obispo counties
Length62 mi[1] (100 km)
Tourist
routes
California Scenic.svg Nacimiento Lake Drive and Interlake Road[10]

County Route G14, running approximately 62 miles (100 km), connects the Mission San Antonio area northwest of Jolon, California, in the southern part of the county to Lake Nacimiento and then continues into northern San Luis Obispo County connecting to West 24th Street in Paso Robles where it meets U.S. Route 101 and SR 46 near the California Mid-State Fair fairgrounds.

Route description[edit]

G14 begins at the intersection of US 101 and State Route 46 in Paso Robles. It then heads west for less than one mile (~1.5 km) before leaving the city limits as Nacimiento Lake Drive and turning mainly northwest for 15 miles. G14 then crosses the Nacimiento Dam for 1/4 mile before reaching a steep hill with a brief winding curve. G14 then turns west onto Interlake Road while Nacimiento Lake Drive continues as G19. As Interlake Road, G14 heads west with a brief curve to the north for a few miles and passing Lake San Antonio before turning mainly northwest and eventually north towards the town of Lockwood. Just a few hundred feet (~100 meters) south of Lockwood, G14 reaches the intersection of the western terminus of G18 and heads west along Jolon Road. As G14 reaches the small town of Jolon, a side road provides an entrance to Fort Hunter Liggett military facility while G14 curves to the north. G14 continues north through the southern end of the Santa Lucia range for several miles to reach the southern Salinas Valley. G14 terminates at US 101 west of King City.

County Route G14 is a California State Scenic Highway.

G15[edit]

County Road G15 marker

County Road G15

LocationMonterey County

Monterey County Route G15 is a road running almost 19 miles (31 km) along the eastern edge of the Salinas Valley. The road parallels US 101 (and therefore El Camino Real) between King City and Soledad, with 101 to the west of the Salinas River and G15 to the east and following the western foot of the Gabilan Range.

The route begins at US 101 southeast of King City and follows First Street through the city, where it intersects County Route G13 and exits the city as Metz Road. G15 follows this road 17 miles (27 km) northwestward, bypassing Greenfield for the unincorporated community of Metz and terminating at State Route 146 near Soledad.

G16[edit]

County Road G16 marker

County Road G16

LocationMonterey County

Monterey County Route G16 runs 56 miles (90 km) between the Santa Lucia Range and the Sierra de Salinas in Monterey County, California. The route, beginning from California State Route 1 follows Carmel Valley Road along the Carmel River into the Carmel Valley and southeastward into the community of the same name, near which the road intersects with Monterey County Route G20. After 41 miles (66 km) the route turns eastward onto Arroyo Seco Road near Millers Ranch. At the junction with G17, G16 joins Elm Avenue and enters the Salinas Valley, later passing through Greenfield, crossing the Salinas River, and terminating at Monterey County Route G15 near the valley's eastern edge.

G17[edit]

County Road G17 marker

County Road G17

LocationMonterey County
Length44.9 mi[1] (72.3 km)

County Route G17 was constructed in 1955, and is part of the De Anza National Historic trail. It extends from Reservation Road to Elm Avenue.[11]

Route description[edit]

G17 begins as a three-way intersection with G16 near Millers Ranch as Arroyo Seco Road. It then briefly heads northeast before turning north for several miles closely paralleling the eastern end of the Arroyo Seco until at the intersection at Fort Romie Road south of Fort Romie. G17 then proceeds northwest on Fort Romie Road as Arroyo Seco Road continues east to its terminus at US 101. Just after passing the Mission Soledad historic site, G17 turns southwest for 1000 feet before reverting northwest. G17 continues for another 2 miles until the intersection with Foothill Road, becoming River Road. As River Road, G17 continues northwest for several more miles along the Salinas River until the intersection with Gonzales River Road near Gonzales, which G17 turns southwest for 1/4 mile before reverting northwest. As the road nears Chualar, G17 has another intersection with Chualar River Road and heads northwest, closely following the Salinas River. Shortly before the interchange with State Route 68, G17 becomes a 4-lane undivided road for about 1/2 mile before reverting to a 2-lane road and becoming Reservation Road.

As Reservation Road, G17 continues northwest along the Salinas River with occasional sharp curves until reaching a brief steep hill south of Marina and becoming a 4-lane divided road. G17 remains a 4-lane divided road for most of the length through Marina except between Del Monte Blvd and Beach Road. At Del Monte Blvd, G17 truncates back to a 2-lane city street, progressively turning north, with traffic circles until the intersection of Beach Road. G17 which then turns northwest for 600 feet, resuming a 4-lane road until the northern terminus at State Route 1.

G18[edit]

County Road G18 marker

County Road G18

LocationMonterey County

This route is signed as Jolon Road and runs between U.S. Route 101 on both ends. Although Jolon Road runs on both ends of 101, the western terminus of G18 is near Lockwood with the intersection of G14 and runs for approximately 16.4 miles.

G18 begins at the intersection of G14 (Interlake Road) and proceeds east for several miles as a continuation of Jolon Road. There is a junction with G19 (Nacimiento Lake Road) just a few hundred feet shy of its eastern terminus with highway 101.

G19[edit]

County Road G19 marker

County Road G19

LocationMonterey and San Luis Obispo counties

G19 runs from G18 (Jolon Rd) to G14 (Interlake Rd), and is signed as Nacimiento Lake Road for the whole route. G19's southern terminus is at Interlake Road, which is a continuation of G14 portion of Nacimento Lake Road. G19 heads northeast for approximately 1.25 miles until the intersection with Vista Road. Vista Road provides access to Lake San Antonio, while G19 continues east, progressively turning north and crossing the San Antonio River before a sharp curve to the east. G19 then follows northeast along the San Antonio River for approximately one mile (1.6 km) before continuing north to the end at G18, a few hundred feet from U.S. Route 101 near Bradley.

G20[edit]

County Road G20 marker

County Road G20

LocationMonterey County
Tourist
routes
California Scenic.svg Laureles Grade[12]

County Route G20, also known as Laureles Grade, is a steep, winding road running 6 miles (10 km) to connect Carmel Valley's G16 with State Route 68 halfway between Monterey and Salinas. It is on the California Scenic Highway System.

G21[edit]

County Road G21 marker

County Road G21

LocationSanta Clara County
Night aerial view of Capitol Expressway Auto Mall (the brightly lit strip in the center), with CA 87 to its east (right)

Santa Clara County Route G21, more commonly known as Capitol Expressway, is a 9.5-mile (15.3 km) long east–west expressway completely in San Jose, California. Capitol Expressway is part of the Santa Clara County expressway system.

Route description[edit]

G21/Capitol Expressway begins at an interchange with State Route 87, as a continuation of Capitol Expressway Auto Mall. It continues east and northeast to a junction with Highway 101 and then north into East San Jose. In East San Jose, Capitol Expressway turns west to intersect with I-680 and officially ends at Jackson Avenue, changing its name to East San Antonio Street.

Where Capitol Expressway turns west toward I-680 in Alum Rock, Capitol Avenue continues north, ending in Milpitas at an intersection with Montague Expressway.

History[edit]

Capitol Expressway was designated in 1978 from Almaden Expressway to US 101, including what is now Capitol Expressway Auto Mall. Construction on the eastern portion from US 101 to I-680 was not completed until 1997.

In the late 1990s the portion of the expressway from Almaden Expressway to SR 87 was transferred from Santa Clara County to the city of San Jose. San Jose then converted it into an auto row and renamed it Capitol Expressway Auto Mall.

Capitol Expressway is signed as G21 along its length.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao Faigin, Daniel. "County Routes 'G'". California Highways. Archived from the original on January 15, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2010.
  2. ^ City of Saratoga Dept of Public Works
  3. ^ "Santa Clara Street Names Reflect its History". Retrieved March 24, 2019.
  4. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved December 1, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. ^ "Google Maps".
  6. ^ "Expressway Planning Activities - Roads and Airports Department - County of Santa Clara".
  7. ^ Florence M. Fava (1976). Los Altos Hills, The colorful story. Woodside, CA: Gilbert Richards Publications.
  8. ^ "The Oregon Expressway: Residentialists Unite". paloaltohistory.org.
  9. ^ "About Gilroy Premium Outlets®". Archived from the original on March 25, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2016.
  10. ^ California Department of Transportation. "List of Officially Designated County Scenic Highways" (PDF). Sacramento: California Department of Transportation. Retrieved May 13, 2019.
  11. ^ "California Highways (www.cahighways.org): County Routes "G"". www.cahighways.org. Archived from the original on July 3, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  12. ^ California Department of Transportation. "List of Officially Designated County Scenic Highways" (PDF). Sacramento: California Department of Transportation. Retrieved May 13, 2019.