The Old Plank Road: The Original Route 80
In the early 20th century, a stagecoach road was constructed, and by October 1912, the plank road was completed. It was built through the Imperial Valley dunes, allowing travelers to reach Yuma, Arizona, from the north. The plank road was made of wooden planks tied together to form a stable surface for vehicles to pass.
By 1927, an asphalt road replaced the plank road and continued to be used until 1934. Over time, new roads were built west of Route 80, making car travel easier. On July 1, 1964, the state highway system renumbered Route 80 to US 80, eventually becoming I-80.
The original plank road lasted for about 12 years until it was replaced by asphalt and, eventually, today’s four-lane highway. The first road across the Algodones Sand Dunes was funded by Ed Fletcher from San Diego. The initial version of the plank road was made of 3-inch-wide planks held together by 1-inch cross-members, divided into sections. However, this version only lasted one year. Despite its short life, it increased traffic along the route to Yuma, Arizona.
After the Ocean to Ocean Bridge was built in Yuma in 1915, the California Highway Commission decided to build a more permanent version of the plank road in 1916. This second version was made of 8-inch-wide railroad ties dipped in tar, placed lengthwise along the road. The road was constructed in 8-inch by 12-foot sections, each weighing 1,500 pounds, and held in place by iron bars bolted to the ties. The construction was done by hand, using a series of pulleys and windlasses to position the sections properly, all under the hot desert sun from 1916 to 1926.
Along with the newly built road came dangers. Due to the harsh conditions of the dunes, strong winds and blowing sand often caused vehicles to get stuck. Travelers reported the ride as rough and bumpy, with some describing it as a high adventure due to the road’s poor conditions. As time passed, the Highway Commission decided asphalt would be a better solution, and in August 1926, the wooden road was replaced.
By 1927, an asphalt road was available and remained in use until 1934. Over the years, new roads were built west of Route 80 to improve travel conditions. With the plank road no longer in use, pieces of it began to disappear.
On July 1, 1964, the state highway system renumbered Route 80 to US 80 and then to I-80.
In the early 1970s, the Bureau of Land Management, the Imperial Valley Pioneer Historical Society, the California Off-Road Vehicle Association, and Air Force personnel came together to create a monument. This monument displays a 1,500-foot section of the original plank road, sourced from various locations in the dunes. It serves as a remarkable relic from the 20th century, showcasing the transition from wooden to asphalt roads. The site is also recognized as a historic landmark, commemorating the ingenuity of those who built and maintained the plank road. The sand dunes in this area span up to seven miles wide and 50 miles long.
Fun Fact:
• This area is also where some of the desert scenes from Return of the Jedi were filmed.
