Ca. Road Conditions of Interstate 5 vs. State #99 ??

**Gold Country Livin'** · 12-23-2017, 02:02 PM

We are planning a couple of trips down that way in 2018 basically between Stockton and Bakersfield. I have heard and read that previously one was worse than the other (way worse) but do not remember which one.

There was talk of major road improvements either being done or already completed? Highway 99 used to be the real pits.

Somebody here said that at one point, it was so bad, I think Highway 99, that it may have contributed to advanced spring wear.....or it broke one! ??

So if given the choice, anybody who either lives down there or recently traveled through, which is the better of the two?

Thanks in advance,
Jim

**bertschb** · 12-23-2017, 03:22 PM

Unless they've done a lot of repairs in the last 6 months, some sections of 99 are really bad - mostly in the far right lane. We've found 99 to be worse than I-5. I-5 north of Stockton is actually pretty good now.

**Steve7** · 12-23-2017, 09:38 PM

Jim, I think I was part of that last discussion. It was 99 that was terrible, but we haven’t been down that way for about a year. We expect to go down again in April, so I will be waiting to see if anyone can give an update.

**Gold Country Livin'** · 12-23-2017, 09:43 PM

We're going in March, will advise.

**[email protected]** · 12-26-2017, 11:24 AM

I 5 has been repaved in the really bad areas South of the Bay area. But of course Cal. trans. work has peeled off of some of the patches. So if possible stay in the left lane. But overall from the San Francisco Bay area to L.A. its about an 8 out of 10.

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**Gold Country Livin'** · 12-26-2017, 12:07 PM

Thanks all,

Maybe before next Spring, I can get a few more reports and I will report back after March trip. Heard 99 was the worse of the two. The only reason I put this out there was that it was said to be horrid on 99!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my "cyber friends".

**TahoeTrekker** · 12-26-2017, 12:12 PM

Call me crazy but depending on the time of day.....I prefer 99 when I cant take our normal route of 395. Fewer 18 wheelers plugging up both lanes because one is able to go 2mph faster than the other. Fewer drivers needing to go 85 to Disneyland. And more options if you have a breakdown or some other issue.

**Gold Country Livin'** · 12-26-2017, 12:50 PM

Valid points Brian, never thought of that. One trip to Pismo Beach, so 395 not practical. I am thinking a trip during winter, and 395 route requires Highway 88 @ Carson Pass, elev. 8400'. Not interested in that in winter! You know that road, it's serious in winter. For summer, 395 is nice.

Thanks

**Steve7** · 12-26-2017, 04:18 PM

Jim, so I forgot we’re going to Yuma in February, but unless someone can tell me that Hwy 99 has been improved, then we’ll be taking Hwy 5. Last trip on 99 just over a year ago broke a water connection somewhere I believe. We had water coming from underneath when at rest stop. Never figured out if it was the fresh water tank or just residual rain water since it was coming down pretty good, but there was water on top if th coroplast. We ended up trading it in for the Reflection a couple weeks later.

**JCR GD** · 12-26-2017, 04:57 PM

We traveled I-5 from Bako to Red Bluff (north of Sac) and back again for the Nor Cal rally in Sept and remember only a couple rough spots.

Have been on 99 several times in the last few months between Bako and Fresno and most construction is done and road in pretty good shape.

I prefer I-5 due to fewer cities to pass through and fewer knuckle heads getting on and off and not paying attention.

Safe travels!