Entering Los Angeles County, Interstate 5 reverts to its originally constructed alignment, following concrete poured in the 1960s in some areas. Interstate 5 is generally six lanes wide, and any upgrading would require significant land acquisition. Plans call for this section to be reconstructed, but there are obstacles along the way, including affected property owners and municipalities along the path of Interstate 5. It is not clear when construction of this section might begin, but it is considered a high-priority improvement. For more, please see the official web page.

One of the biggest congestion points along Interstate 5 is at its junction with Interstate 10, U.S. 101, and California 60. This maze of interchanges, ramps, and other maneuvers remains largely unchanged since its original construction, and so it is overwhelmed by traffic every day. Through traffic on Interstate 5 is squeezed into two lanes at one point as well as merged with traffic from the busiest freeway in Southern California, Interstate 10 (the Santa Monica Freeway). From here, Interstate 5 generally follows old U.S. 99, which was decommissioned in 1964.

Leaving the Los Angeles Basin, Interstate 5 regains its full freeway configuration of eight to ten lanes, but the evening commute generally hits at the north end of San Fernando Valley. The interchange between Interstate 5, Interstate 210, and California 14 is a choke point, even with the truck bypass. The California 14/Interstate 5 interchange is also the site of two devastating earthquake collapses, one in 1971's Sylmar Earthquake and the other in 1994's Northridge Earthquake.

At this point, Interstate 5 ascends to one of the highest points along its journey along the western coast. Crossing the Tehachapi Mountains at Tejon Pass (elevation 4,183 feet) as well as the infamous San Andreas fault, Interstate 5 transitions from an urban to a rural freeway for the first time in its northbound journey. In order to make the grade manageable for trucks, the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 just north of Castaic "trades sides" with the southbound lanes. The result is several miles in which northbound Interstate 5 is on the left side of the freeway rather than the right side! This kind of configuration is rare; Interstate 8 east of Yuma has a similar inversion of its east and westbound lanes.

Descending into the massive Central Valley via the Grapevine, Interstate 5 immediately splits into two routes: Interstate 5 follows the Westside Highway, avoiding all major population centers between the Grapevine and Tracy. California 99 follows the old U.S. 99 route, connecting with most major Central Valley cities, including Bakersfield, Fresno, Modesto, and Stockton. Fresno, in fact, holds the dubious distinction as the largest city in the country not served by an Interstate highway. Nevertheless, Fresno still has its old standby, California 99. Most traffic destined for the Bay Area and points northward prefer to take Interstate 5, which is shorter and avoids urban traffic.

The next several hundred miles can be peaceful or stressful depending on the day of the week and time of year. During holiday weekends, Interstate 5 can be a parking lot filled with travelers eager to reach relatives and friends in Northern or Southern California. At other times, Interstate 5 is as free-flowing as any rural freeway. However, over the past decade or so, more people have been using "the 5" to connect between Southern and Northern California. As this kind of usage increases, more traffic delays become problematic in the Central Valley, even if the nearest city is many miles away.

At Interstate 580, travelers en route to the San Francisco Bay Area may exit left to their destination. Interstate 5 remains in the Central Valley, closely following the California Aqueduct and Path 22, the flagship transmission power lines that follow the freeway through much of the state. Whenever Southern California needs power from Northern California, these power lines carry that extra power needed to satisfy their needs. The power lines also work in reverse, thus ensuring that neither part of the state is without power for a long period of time.

Finally Interstate 5 passes through some cities in the Central Valley, including Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, and the capital city, Sacramento. By the time Interstate 5 reaches Sacramento, it has expanded to eight to ten lanes. Passing under Business Loop I-80, Interstate 5 is well below grade ... so low, in fact, that the bottom of the nearby Sacramento River is higher than the level of the freeway as it passes by Old Town Sacramento! Occasionally, with the right amounts of rain and other variables, this section of Interstate 5 may flood.

However, there are plans to change this. Some Sacramento leaders want to see their access to the river restored, and part of that would require removing Interstate 5 from between downtown Sacramento and Old Town Sacramento. Interstate 5 would then be re-routed to the west, connecting with Interstate 80 and Business Loop I-80 in West Sacramento at their current interchange, then continuing northeast to rejoin current Interstate 5 at the current Interstate 5/Interstate 80 interchange. This ambitious plan faces many hurdles, including major cost and environmental concerns, and nothing has been finalized.

Interstate 5 leaves Sacramento almost as quickly as it came onto it. Again meeting California 99, Interstate 5 serves the west edge of the northern Central Valley (via old U.S. 99W), while California 99 and California 70 serve the east side of the valley (via old U.S. 99E and Alternate U.S. 40). Most of the towns passed by Interstate 5 are tiny, but they have seen growth through the addition of fast food restaurants, gas stations, and motels. Behind the veneer of these services, old towns with a great deal of history and farming tradition -- such as Williams, Arbuckle, Willows, and Orland -- await.

Passing through Red Bluff, Interstate 5 enters the rolling hills that separates Red Bluff from Redding. Interstate 5 leaves the Central Valley, and glimpses of towering Mount Shasta become common. Changing from the great valley to mountain scenery, Interstate 5 follows cuts through towering mountains as it winds its way northward along old U.S. 99. This terrain remains as Interstate 5 passes through northern California and enters southern Oregon. By the time it reaches Eugene, the freeway has entered the narrow Willamette Valley, and it approaches Portland.

Both Portland and Seattle have several concerns with Interstate 5. In Portland, the Interstate Bridge over the Columbia River is substandard and causes traffic delays daily. In Seattle, the freeway is congested daily and cannot support the ever increasing crush of traffic. Plans are being considered in both cities to allow Interstate 5 to handle more traffic.

Parallel/Historic U.S. Routes

South of San Diego, Interstate 5 replaced U.S. 101, thus truncating that route in Los Angeles. However, for the rest of its journey northward, Interstate 5 roughly parallels and replaces former U.S. 99, which was decommissioned in stages between 1964 and 1972. Remnants of the old route are now part of California 99, Oregon 99, and Washington 99. Although Interstate 5 runs closely to the original route of U.S. 99, large sections of the freeway avoid the old alignment and take on a new alignment, especially between Wheeler Ridge and Manteca. Old U.S. 99 instead passed through Bakersfield, Fresno, and Modesto via modern California 99, while Interstate 5 stays clear of urban areas until reaching Stockton. In addition, Interstate 5 replaced U.S. 99W between Woodland and Red Bluff. Today Interstate 5 only intersects a handful of U.S. routes, and only three of them are in California (U.S. 101, U.S. 50, and U.S. 97).

Split Routes

Interstate 5 was originally programmed to have one split route: Interstate 5W. Interstate 5W was to start near Vernalis, follow Interstate 580 to Oakland via Hayward, then return to Interstate 5 via Interstate 80 and Interstate 505 near Vacaville. A few shields were minted and posted, but the designation was eliminated in favor of Interstates 505 and 580.

History

Sections of Interstate 5 in Southern California were constructed prior to the passage of the Federal Highway Act of 1956, including the Aliso Street Viaduct (built in 1948), portions of former U.S. 101/Santa Ana Freeway (south of Los Angeles) and portions of U.S. 101/Montgomery Freeway (south of San Diego). These sections were added to Interstate 5, and U.S. 101 was decommissioned on shared alignments in 1964. Much of the Ridge Route replacement between Los Angeles and the Central Valley over Tejon Pass and the Grapevine (approximately 43 miles) was completely opened by 1970; improvements included construction of separate alignments for each direction of traffic. Near Castaic, the northbound lanes cross under the southbound lanes to allow for a better uphill grade; they switch back near the Templin Highway (Old U.S. 99/Ridge Route Alternate) interchange. A major freeway corridor built with Federal Highway Act funds was the Westside Highway. Construction on this 321-mile long freeway began in 1963. The last section of Interstate 5/Westside Highway to be completed in California located near Stockton, which opened to traffic on October 12, 1979.²

Interstate 5 in Oregon was completed and open to traffic as a four-lane highway by October 1966. Two segments were completed at that time to finish the route in Oregon: (1) the Marquam Bridge over the Willamette River in Portland (between the Baldock Expressway and East Bank Freeway) opened on October 18, 1966, and (2) a segment south of Canyonville near Douglas County was opened second, on October 22, 1966. The new freeway was dedicated in a ceremony held at the Cow Creek Rest Area.¹

Highway Guides

• California
• Oregon
• Washington

Mileage Table

State	Mileage	Cities	Junctions
California	796.53	San Diego, Santa Ana, Los Angeles, Stockton, Sacramento, Red Bluff, Anderson, Redding, Yreka	Interstate 805, Future Interstate 905, Future Interstate 15, Interstate 8, Interstate 805, Interstate 405, Interstate 605, Interstate 710, Interstate 10, Interstate 405, Interstate 210, Interstate 580, Interstate 205, Business Loop 80, Interstate 80
Oregon	308.14	Ashland, Medford, Grants Pass, Roseburg, Eugene, Salem, Portland	Interstate 105, Interstate 205, Interstate 405, Interstate 84, Interstate 405
Washington	276.62	Vancouver, Kelso, Chehalis, Centralia, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, Mt. Vernon, Bellingham	Interstate 205, Interstate 705, Interstate 405, Interstate 90, Interstate 405
TOTAL	1,381.29
Source: October 31, 2002 Interstate Route Log and Finders List

Interstate 5 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)

State	Location	AADT Composite	Year
California	San Diego	262,000	2002
California	Oceanside	204,000	2002
California	Lake Forest	356,000	2002
California	Santa Ana	314,000	2002
California	Los Angeles	291,000	2002
California	Burbank	217,000	2002
California	Paicoma (Los Angeles)	302,000	2002
California	Paterson	19,800	2002
California	Stockton	116,000	2002
California	Sacramento	158,000	2002
California	Red Bluff	31,500	2002
California	Redding	64,000	2002
California	Yreka	16,200	2002
Oregon	Siskiyou Summit	15,000	2002
Oregon	Medford	48,200	2002
Oregon	Eugene-Springfield	68,600	2002
Oregon	Salem	86,700	2002
Oregon	Portland	153,000	2002
Washington	Vancouver	123,000	2002
Washington	Olympia	135,000	2002
Washington	Tacoma	187,000	2002
Washington	Seattle	294,000*	2002
Washington	Bellingham	56,000	2002
Washington	Blaine	5,600	2002
Source: Caltrans, Traffic Operations Program - Traffic and Vehicle Data Systems [2002] 2002 Traffic Volumes (ODOT) 2002 Annual Traffic Report (WSDOT) * - estimate 240,000 mainline and 54,000 reversible lanes Complete Interstate 5 AADT data.

Southern Terminus - International Border - San Diego (San Ysidro), California
Perspective from Southbound Interstate 5
	This mileage sign is the first one along southbound to acknowledge either Tijuana or Ensenada, two cities located in Baja California, Mexico, along Mexico Federal Route 1-D. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Mileage sign along southbound Interstate 5 for the next three exits: Exit 2, Dairy Mart Road/San Ysidro Boulevard; Exit 1B, Via de San Ysidro; and Exit 1A, Camino de la Plaza. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Guns and ammunition are illegal in Mexico. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Southbound Interstate 5 reaches Exit 2, Dairy Mart Road/San Ysidro Boulevard. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	The next exit along southbound is Exit 1B, Via de San Ysidro, followed by Exit 1A, Camino de la Plaza. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	This is the final mileage sign along southbound Interstate 5. It features the distance to the final two exits -- Exit 1B, Via de San Ysidro and Exit 1A, Camino de la Plaza -- and the border crossing. Interstate 5 ends in 1.25 miles. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Again, motorists are reminded not to bring guns and ammunition into Mexico. This kind of sign (white and yellow) is more typically found at the Arizona border crossings. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Southbound Interstate 5 at Exit 1B, Via de San Ysidro; the final exit along southbound is Exit 1A, Camino de la Plaza. All other through traffic is defaulted into Mexico. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Interstate 5 ends in 0.75 mile; if Mexican officials are stopping traffic at the border, delays may occur even as far north as here. Interstates 5 and 805 terminate at the International Border with Mexico in the San Diego community of San Ysidro. This border crossing is the busiest in the country due to the commuter and commercial traffic crossing its gates every day. Southbound Interstate 805 ends at the merge with Interstate 5, but there are no END Interstate 805 shield assemblies. Similarly, Interstate 5 has no "END" assembly. Instead, large yellow signs pronounce that the freeway ends. Interstate 5 ends about a half-mile south of the merge with Interstate 805. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Southbound Interstate 5 reaches its final offramp prior to the International Border: Exit 1A, Camino de la Plaza. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Use Exit 1A, Camino de la Plaza, to reach the outlet shops, border shops, transit center, pedestrian walkway into Mexico, and parking areas. All through traffic from here is defaulted into Mexico. With the exception of a U-Turn that must be taken from the far left lane, there is no return access to the United States. The ramp/bridge in the background carries Interstate 805 to its southern terminus as it merges into Interstate 5. Photo taken 05/22/04.

		To declare items to the Mexican authorities, use the right lane. All other lanes are subject to random searches at the request of officials. Photos taken 05/22/04 and 12/03/06.
	Traffic from Interstate 805 merges onto Interstate 5 from the right. Another sign reminds those with items to declare to use the right lane. Photo taken 12/03/06.
		The left becomes exit only for the last U-Turn before the border crossing. Note the change in pavement lane striping. Photos taken 12/03/06.

	The left lane becomes exit only for the last U-Turn back into the United States. The remaining four lanes continue south across the International Border to Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. A yellow "END FREEWAY" sign is posted on this overpass. Photo taken 12/03/06.
	The "U-Turn" lane becomes separated from the other lanes by a jersey barrier. The main lanes are segregated, with the left lanes for cars with no declarations and the right lane for cars with something to declare. At the time this photo was taken, a slight delay was in place. Photo taken 12/03/06.
	Interstate 5 comes to an end at this point, as the freeway defaults into the International Border. This is the single busiest border crossing in the United States. For those in the U-Turn Only Lane, note the "U-Turn to USA" roadside sign partially obscured by a fence on the left. Photo taken 12/03/06.
	This "U-Turn to USA" sign marks the point where the left lane turns north, forming the left lane of northbound Interstate 5. Photo taken 12/03/06.
Perspective from Southbound Mexico Federal Route 1
No pictures are currently available.
Perspective from Northbound Mexico Federal Route 1
No pictures are currently available.
Perspective from Northbound Interstate 5
	The first exit along Northbound Interstate 5 is Exit 1A, Interstate 805 Northbound. Within moments of departing the northbound Port of Entry/Customs Station at the Mexican International Border, these signs immediately greet motorists. Since many travelers had waited a good amount of time waiting to cross the border, many are more than happy to accelerate to freeway speeds at this point. In addition to motorists from the border crossing, traffic may also reach this point by taking the "Last U-Turn" along southbound or by taking the on-ramp from San Ysidro Boulevard onto northbound Interstate 5. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Northbound Interstate 5 reaches the Interstate 5/805 split. These signs are posted immediately after the customs station at the International Port of Entry. Interstate 5 remains closer to the bay and coast, while Interstate 805 marches the inland communities of the San Diego metropolitan area. They rejoin in the northern San Diego neighborhood of Sorrento Valley. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	For information on traffic, construction, and traveling into San Diego, tune the radio to 1700 AM. In this photo, the split between Interstate 5 and Interstate 805 is clearly shown, and the first exit for northbound Interstate 805 (Exit 1, San Ysidro Boulevard) can be seen to the right. Note the tall fence that separates the two directions of traffic to the left of the photo; this is designed to dissuade pedestrians from crossing the freeway. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	The next exit along northbound Interstate 5 is San Ysidro Boulevard, Exit 1B, one-quarter of a mile. This exit leads to both Via de San Ysidro and to San Ysidro Boulevard, hence why it is signed. San Ysidro Boulevard closely parallels Interstate 5 between California 905 and the International Border, always remaining to the east of the freeway. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Northbound Interstate 5 approaching Exit 1B, Via de San Ysidro, next right. This exit has the distinction of being the first exit to receive an exit number in San Diego County/Caltrans District 11. However, the exit number signage was only placed on one roadside sign (photographed here) and the gore point sign along northbound. The southbound signs and the two northbound overhead signs were not replaced with new signs. Even with this new sign, the font size of the exit number is very small, and it is almost impossible to read at any distance. Additionally, it is difficult to discern whether this is Exit 1B or 18. The transition ramp from southbound Interstate 805 to southbound Interstate 5 is the bridge behind the sign. Also note the tan Welcome to California sign. Photo taken 05/22/04.
	Northbound Interstate 5 reaches Via de San Ysidro (Exit 1B). From here, Interstate 5 continues north into the Otay-Nestor community of San Diego, then enters the cities of Chula Vista and National City. Around the California 15 interchange, Interstate 5 reenters San Diego and approaches downtown. Photo taken 05/22/04.
Perspective from Camino de la Plaza eastbound
No pictures are currently available.
Perspective from Camino de la Plaza westbound
No pictures are currently available.
Northern Terminus - International Border - Blaine, Washington
Perspective from Northbound Interstate 5
	Now in the border city of Blaine, northbound Interstate 5 prepares to cross into Canada at the 49th Parallel. All commercial traffic must use Exit 275, Junction Washington 543 (H Street) north to the Truck Customs. Personal vehicles may continue north on Interstate 5. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	This mileage sign provides the distance to Point Roberts, which is a small town situated at the end of a peninsula that is mostly in Canada but crosses the 49th Parallel into the United States (state of Washington). The only way to Point Roberts by land is via Interstate 5 north to British Columbia 99 north, then British Columbia 17 south. Point Roberts is one of a few areas that are not connected to the mainland of the United States without having to enter Canada. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	The freeway ends in three miles, when traffic on Interstate 5 shifts onto British Columbia 99 upon crossing the international border between the United States and Canada. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	For travels into Canada, follow Interstate 5 north to British Columbia 99 or Washington 543 north to British Columbia 15. Note the variation in fonts between the Washington highway shields and the British Columbia highway shields. All truck traffic must use Washington 543 north. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	Shortly after the first appearance of British Columbia highway shields, a "freeway ends one mile" sign is posted on either side of the northbound lanes of traffic. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	An auxiliary sign advises that all commercial and bus traffic must use Exit 275, Junction Washington 543 north to the Truck Customs and British Columbia 15. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	A second sign advises of the provincial routes that are reached via either Interstate 5 (British Columbia 99) or Washington 543 (British Columbia 15). Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	Northbound Interstate 5 reaches Exit 274, Junction Washington 543 north to the Truck Customs and British Columbia 15. All commercial vehicles and buses must exit here. Continue north on Interstate 5 to the north Blaine interchange, Peace Arch State Park, and (for passenger vehicles only) British Columbia 99. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	The last interchange along northbound Interstate 5 is the junction with Washington 548 south to downtown Blaine (Exit 276). Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	After Exit 275 (Junction Washington 543 north to British Columbia 15), this sign advises northbound travelers that a customs and immigration station is one mile ahead, immediately after Exit 276 (Junction Washington 548 south). Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	Exit 276 is the last U.S. exit. This border crossing is much less well-traveled than the one that carries Interstate 5 south into Mexico, and this makes it easier to remain in the United States. All traffic wishing to remain in the United States should exit here. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	Peace Arch State Park contains the famous Peace Arch, which marks the boundary between the United States and Canada. It is jointly maintained by the two countries; use Exit 276 to the parking lot adjacent to the Peace Arch. A walking path leads from the parking lot to the arch, which is located in the median between the two sets of lanes on Interstate 5/British Columbia 99. The park that contains the Peace Arch is closed between dusk and dawn. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	The speed limit lowers to 35 miles per hour as Interstate 5 approaches its final interchange and the border crossing into Canada. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	Northbound Interstate 5 reaches Exit 276, Junction Washington 548/Peace Portal Drive south to Blaine and D Street east to Washington 543 (the spur route north to Truck Customs). This is the final exit from northbound Interstate 5 prior to the border crossing. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	Upon exiting, travelers en route to the Peace Arch should continue straight ahead from the exit ramp into the state park parking area. There is no fee for day use. Overnight activities at the Peace Arch are prohibited. Turn left to follow Washington 548/Peace Portal Drive south into downtown Blaine. Turn right to connect with Washington 543 via D Street. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	After Exit 276, another sign advises of the pending Customs and Immigration Station. Nexus Lane permit holders may use the newly formed right lane. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (05/20/06).
	A sign cautions bumps over the next one-half mile, and a series of scanners and related equipment span the northbound lanes for participants in the Nexus program. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (05/20/06).
	On the east side of the northbound roadway is a Washington State Parks sign for Peace Arch State Park. The speed limit remains 35 miles per hour, and this small park is located between the two customs stations (one for the United States, the other for Canada). Pedestrians are permitted to walk across the highway to view the Peace Arch (which is visible in the background), and a crosswalk cuts across the northbound lanes between the state park parking area and the arch. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	The Peace Arch Park comes into view as Interstate 5 ends. There is no END shield or any kind of signage to that effect. However, the Peace Arch itself, which resides in the median of the highway, comes into view from behind a canopy of trees. This fenceless area allows visitors to walk around the arch, which in effect allows visitors to the park to visit the other country briefly. However, all who wish to enter Canada from the United States (aside from the Peace Arch Park) must pass through the Customs and Immigration Station. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	Small stone markers along each side of the connecting highway between Interstate 5 and British Columbia 99 indicate the border between the United States and Canada. The Peace Arch, which is partially obscured by trees, parallels the line marked by the stone markers. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).

A "Think Metric" sign is posted as the northbound lanes cross from the United States into Canada. The Customs and Immigration Station is located on the hill beyond this sign. Welcome to British Columbia! Compare the expanse of green, trees, and nearby ocean with the concrete and tall walls that constitute the border between the United States and Mexico at Interstate 5's southern end. Finally, note the Peace Arch Park sign in the background, which has the words "British" and "Columbia" on the logs that hold up the Peace Arch Park sign. Photos taken by AARoads (08/30/06 and 08/27/00).

	Near the two border posts on northbound, an adjacent small plaque celebrates the openness of the United States-Canada border. In part, it reads, "This unfortified boundary line between the Dominion of Canada and the Dominion of Canada should quicken the remembrance of the more than a century old friendship between these countries a lesson of peace to all nations." The plaque was erected by the Kiwanis International, first in 1936. An additional plaque was installed in 1965 to commemorate "150 years of peace (1814-1964) between Canada and the United States of America [and] the signing of the Columbia River Treaty of September 16th, 1964, at this International Peace Arch by the President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson, and the Prime Minister of Canada, the Right Honorable Lester B. Pearson P.C." Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	Looking east from the spot of the monument/plaque in the previous photobox are the boundary markers that straddle the northbound lanes of Interstate 5/British Columbia 99. The words "Treaty of 1925" and "International Boundary" are inscribed into the two granite monuments as well as the names of the two countries. The houses on the bluff are in Canada; for some of them, their roadway access is from Avenue 0 (Zero), which follows the international border to the east. No fences separate Avenue 0 from the United States and the Peace Arch State Park. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
Perspective from Northbound British Columbia 99
	Interstate 5 transitions directly onto British Columbia 99 upon crossing the International Border. Prior to the mid-1960s, the numerical designation between the U.S. and Canadian routes was the same: U.S. 99 and British Columbia 99. With the renumbering of U.S. 99 as Interstate 5, British Columbia decided to keep its 99. As such, 5 changes into 99 at this point. The customs and immigration station is just ahead. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	After passing through customs, traffic is funneled through the station. This stop sign marks the point where all traffic merges back together. A "City of Surrey" sign welcomes motorists into British Columbia. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (05/20/06).
	A yellow, white, and blue sign welcomes travelers into British Columbia with the feature of the sun rising over the mountains. A visitor information center is available at the first turnoff, and a U-Turn is available for those wishing to return to the United States. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (05/20/06).
	The reassurance shield for British Columbia 99 appears on the first exit sign along northbound. This exit serves the city of Surrey is signed as Exit 2, immediately after the visitors information center. Note that all signs are in metric rather than English (kilometers and meters rather than miles and feet). Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (05/20/06).
	Northbound British Columbia 99 meets Exit 2, 8th Avenue. This interchange is configured with a long deceleration lane and demonstrates that the freeway continues north of the international border. British Columbia 99 continues as a freeway all the way to Vancouver. Photo taken by Steve Hanudel (05/20/06).
Perspective from Peace Arch State Park
	Interstate 5 through Washington State is designated part of the Blue Star Memorial Highway in honor of those who have served in the Armed Forces. The particular plaque is positioned southwest of the Peace Arch. Note the southbound traffic adjacent to the plaque. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	While somewhat hidden by the towering trees that sit on either side of the Peace Arch, it is dominant in its own way. The arch acts as a large doorway, connecting the United States and Canada. Travelers waiting to enter the United States on the southbound lanes have a better view of the arch due to the slope of the road and position of the trees. As compared to Canadian customs, many waited patiently in line to enter the United States. However, this is not always the case. During times of peak flow, the northbound lanes may be equally congested. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).

		Again looking north through the Peace Arch, flags for the United States and Canada fly proudly on the south and north ends of the arch, respectively. The phrase "Children of a Common Mother" refers to the history of both countries once belonging to the British Empire. (The British Columbia highway shields (see British Columbia 99's shield above) for that matter may remind one of the old phrase, "the sun never sets on the British Empire." Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
		Now underneath the Peace Arch, phrases on either side of the arch are: "May these gates never be closed" and "1814-1914: Open One Hundred Years." The wrought iron, black gates are permanently affixed to the walls of the Peace Arch. Photos taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
		Now looking south at the Peace Arch, the inscription the Canadian sign reads, "Brethren Dwelling Together in Unity." The Canadian flag shines brilliantly in late summer sunshine. This photo was taken from Canadian soil. Photos taken by AARoads (08/30/06 and 08/27/00).

	On the north face of the Peace Arch is a small inscription honoring the Pacific Highway, which in 1920 was constructed to pass through the peace park. We were still in Canada when taking this picture. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	Again looking north from the Peace Arch is a beautiful green lawn. When we visited, a grounds maintenance worker was cutting the lawn, driving his mower north and south across in large swaths. A flower arrangement adjacent to the Customs and Immigration Station created the Canadian flag; a similar arrangement was made for the flag of the United States of America. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
Perspective from Southbound Interstate 5
	Prior to reaching the customs house for the United States of America, a welcome sign depicting a series of national attractions is posted. These attractions include (from left to right): Statue of Liberty (New York City), U.S. Capitol Building (Washington, D.C.), Gateway Arch (St. Louis), Mt. Rushmore (South Dakota), Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco), and the Space Needle (Seattle). Countless other attractions are omitted, but there's only so much that can fit on one sign! This sign is found immediately after the boundary markers and is the official start of southbound Interstate 5. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	The U.S. Customs Station is located along southbound Interstate 5 after the international border. All traffic must stop. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	After the border crossing, Interstate 5 assumes a rural configuration. After Exit 276, Junction Washington 548 south to downtown Blaine, the highway has four lanes. Milepost 276 is the first southbound mile marker. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	This is the first reassurance shield on southbound Interstate 5. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	A "Welcome to Washington" sign is posted after the first Interstate 5 reassurance shield along southbound. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	This mileage sign provides the distance to Ferndale (12 miles), Bellingham (21 miles), and Seattle (110 miles). It would be nice to see a distance to the southern terminus in San Diego, California, but this is still more than what is provided at the southern end along northbound Interstate 5! Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
Perspective from Westbound D Street
	Westbound D Street transitions directly onto Peace Portal Drive (Washington 548) south. The diamond interchange with Interstate 5 features a northbound control city of Vancouver, B.C., and a southbound control city of Seattle. No British Columbia 99 signs are present at this interchange. All traffic turning north onto Interstate 5 at this point will cross into British Columbia. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	A second sign advises of the junction with Interstate 5 south to Seattle. Continue straight ahead to follow Washington 548/Peace Portal Drive south into downtown Blaine. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).
	An oversized Interstate 5 trailblazer points the way from D Street/Peace Portal Drive onto southbound Interstate 5 to Seattle. Photo taken by AARoads (08/30/06).

Footnotes:

1. Interstate 50th Anniversary: The Story of Oregon’s Interstates by the Oregon Department of Transportation, as compiled from a 2004 report entitled “The Interstate Highway System in Oregon, An Historic Overview” by George Kramer.
2. California Celebrates 50 Years of the Interstate Highway System by Caltrans (California Department of Transportation).

Page Updated December 6, 2006.