The last section of Route 5, from Buttonwillow to Guistine,
was completed in 1972.  It finally connected Los Angeles and
San Francisco with a faster inland highway. 160 miles with no 
gas or services baking in the San Joaquin summer.  The locals
sold gas and water to feckless travelers who couldn't read signs.
Many new pickup trucks were purchased in 1973.

​

---