On the 71st anniversary of actor James Dean’s fatal crash, local transportation leaders, elected officials, and James Dean family representatives will announce a resolution designating a portion of the new Highway 46 alignment in San Luis Obispo County as the James Dean Memorial Highway.

The resolution, sponsored by State Assemblymember Dawn Addis, honors the legacy of Dean, who tragically lost his life in a car accident on that stretch of roadway in 1955.

The event will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the James Dean Memorial near the Jack Ranch Café, 19215 Highway 46, Shandon, California.

There will be a video message from the family of James Dean.

In addition to commemorating Dean’s cultural impact, the announcement also highlights the importance of roadway safety along this corridor, organizers said.

Over the decades, numerous motorists have lost their lives near the Highway 46/41 interchange.

“The designation serves not only as a tribute, but also as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance, continued safety improvements, and community awareness to help prevent future tragedies,” Caltrans said.

RSVP to Ashton Harris at ashton.harris@dot.ca.gov by Monday, Sept. 28.