Caltrans District 9 Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary

BISHOP — This week marks a milestone for eastern California as Caltrans District 9 honors its 100^th year of operation in Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties. Originally founded as part of the California Division of Highways on October 11, 1923, engineer Francis G. Somner took command of the new district, having previously worked in the Division of Highways on the influential project to extend the Redwood Highway into Eureka and Humboldt County.

Fifty years later, in July of 1973, several transportation agencies were brought together to form a unified Caltrans, and District 9 became one of several regional districts for the state’s newest transportation agency.

“While much has changed over the past one hundred years, the people who served District 9 throughout this past century all shared in the same commitment to safety and public service,” said District 9 Director Ryan Dermody.

To mark the occasion, Caltrans has created a new webpage detailing the history of District 9. The page features photographs from as far back as the late 1800s, stories describing the early years of operation, and information about some of the most memorable events to occur in the region. Caltrans also designed a new logo for the anniversary (see below).

The California Department of Transportation is also celebrating 50 years of Caltrans this year. To learn more about the history of Caltrans, click here.