The James Dean Memorial Junction interchange structure opened during June 2025 as a grade separation between California State Routes 41 and 46 in Cholame Valley. This interchange structure is located a short distance eastward from the infamous 1955 crash site which took the life of actor and racecar driver James Dean. The crash site was once a Y-junction between US Route 466 and California State Route 41 which was reconfigured in 1959. This blog will examine the history of the highway junction in Cholame Valley from stage route times through the US Route 466-era and into construction period of the current interchange. Part 1; the history of James Dean Memorial Junction James Dean Memorial Junction is located in Cholame Valley of eastern San Luis Obispo County. Long before the existence of the State Highway System this valley has served as the junction for the highways crossing Polonio Pass and Cottonwood Pass in the Temblor Range. The so-called Lemoore Road...
Gribblenation
Because every road has a story.