Caltrans announces roadwork schedule, traffic impacts for eastern Kern in late May

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced upcoming roadwork and potential traffic impacts for the week of May 26 to May 30. No work will happen on the state highway system on Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.

In eastern Kern County, utility work on eastbound Highway 178 from Reeves Avenue to the north gate of the China Lake Naval Base will result in the closure of the westbound outside lane and shoulder on Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Additionally, in the Kern River Valley, utility crews will conduct infrastructure maintenance on westbound Highway 178 from Scodie Lane to Chimney Peak Road near Canebrake on Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. One-way traffic control will be in place, and drivers may experience delays of up to 10 minutes.

Ongoing traffic impacts include the South District Census Station Replacements Project, where crews are installing traffic loops and electrical cabinets at various locations. These include eastbound Highway 178 in Inyo County at the Nevada state line east of Shoshone, Highway 14 in eastern Kern County at eastbound Highway 178 near Inyokern, Highway 58 in eastern Kern County between the Truck Scale House and Exit 165 near Mojave, and Highway 136 in Inyo County from U.S. 395 to the Death Valley National Park Visitor Center.

Shoulders will be closed in each location, with work scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Travelers are urged to remain attentive to workers on the highway, slow down for the cone zone, and move over whenever possible to provide additional clearance.

Caltrans encourages commuters to plan their routes by viewing live traffic conditions using QuickMap HERE or by downloading the QuickMap App.