2000.1.1203

The Tribune clipping, dated November 5, 1961, attached to the back of the photo reads " AROUND THE SUMMIT_ Paths are being cleared through trees and rocks for the new Highway 40 freeway [later to be renamed Interstate 80 JM 10/23/ 2000] that will swing north of the present Donner Summit Highway. Photo shows the existing route and a paralleling railroad, passing through Soda Springs resort area with Donner Summit Lodge in the foreground." [The structure in the foreground is NOT Donner Summit Lodge; rather it is the overpass under construction for old Highway 40 to cross over Interstate 80. Donner Summit Lodge is about 2-1/2 inches diagonally up from the overpass in the photo. Personal knowledge of the area JM 10/23/2000] Highway 40 runs from center lower to upper right. The structure at the upper right edge is the dam around Lake Van Norden [JM 10/23/2000] Southerm Pacific's railroad tracks parallel the highway to the right. The road to Serene Lakes bisects the SP tracks at right center. The route of unfinished I-80 runs from lower left to upper center. [Note: in my opinion, the date, 1961, on this photo is NOT correct, because one of the main reasons fro constructing this ne4w highway was to complete it in time for the 1960 Winter Olympics at Squaw Valley. See confirming date and text in clipping in 2000.1.1205 JM 10/23/2000]

Used: Oakland Tribune