In 1948, US 97 was routed over Esplanade Street to Main Street, and through downtown Klamath Falls. In order to widen the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Bridge across the "A" Canal and cross under the Southern Pacific Railroad main north-south line, a new bridge and roadway were constructed at the beginning of this urban route. Because the approach and stop of this roadway with Alameda Avenue (now Hwy 50 - Eastside Bypass) caused problems with traffic in the winter due to an adverse 8% grade, a geothermal experiment in pavement de-icing was incorporated into the project