L.A.-Bakersfield Megalopolis Or Sprawl?

Three new massive developments -- one of which would be the largest housing project in L.A. County's history -- along the windswept Grapevine would link Los Angeles and Bakersfield.

1 minute read

September 10, 2002, 8:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Like steppingstones, the three projects along Interstate 5 would link Southern California and the Central Valley, filling parts of the 75-mile expanse between Santa Clarita and Bakersfield that is now nearly all open space. The rugged Tehachapis had long proved to be one obstacle that even Southern California's relentless sprawl could not surmount. The mountains were so formidable that the area's first U.S. surveyor used camels to traverse them. Even when the Old Ridge Route was opened in 1915, it took the better part of a day to get from Los Angeles to Bakersfield."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Monday, September 9, 2002 in The Los Angeles Times

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