Interstate 205 California

Routing

Interstate 205 is a short, well-traveled freeway connecting the Central Valley of California with the San Francisco Bay Area. On its eastern end, it connects to Interstate 5 and California 120, a freeway that bypasses Manteca between Interstate 5 and California 99. On its western end, Interstate 205 connects to Interstate 580, which is the main route from the heart of the Central Valley into the Bay Area. Interstate 205 was likely given its number because it connected Interstate 5 and former Interstate 5W when first conceived. Interstate 5W is now part of Interstate 580.

Although it bypasses Tracy, a growing bedroom community and transportation hub to south, Interstate 205 primarily functions to channel traffic from the north (Stockton), east (Manteca, Oakdale, Sonora), and south (Modesto, Merced) to the Bay Area via Interstate 580 and the Altamont Pass. This disparity of control cities make the signage from side roads difficult. In fact, on Grant Line Road one sign shows Interstate 205 East Los Angeles and West San Francisco. The theory is that Interstate 205 east to California 120 east leads to California 99 to Los Angeles.

Due to its role as a commuter route, the four-lane configuration for Interstate 205 at the eastern end is inadequate and is planned for expansion to include more lanes. In addition, adjacent California 120 was recently widened from a Super Two to four lanes to account for its increase in traffic demands.

Historic U.S. Route and Business Loop

Interstate 205 closely parallels old U.S. 50, which was decommissioned in 1964. The original version of Interstate 205, which was constructed in the early 1950s, was signed as U.S. 50 and predates the Interstate Highway System. Even though the U.S. 50 freeway was already built before 1956, Interstate 205 is considered an original 1956 Interstate Highway.¹ The old route, now known as Business Loop I-205, follows old U.S. 50 through Tracy via 11th Street. Business Loop I-205 is nearly as long as its parent, Interstate 205. The business loop begins on Interstate 205 just east of its junction with Interstate 580, and it ends on Interstate 5 just south of the Interstate 5/205 interchange. Signage for Business Loop I-205 is still present along southbound Interstate 5.

Highway Guides

• Interstate 205 California

Mileage

State	Mileage	Cities	Junctions
California	12.97	Tracy	Interstate 580, Interstate 5
Source: October 31, 2002 Interstate Route Log and Finders List

Interstate 205 California Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)