Kern County cities coordinate Highway 58 construction plan with Caltrans engineer insights

The recent Ridgecrest City Council meeting highlighted significant upcoming construction on Highway 58, a project that promises to enhance connectivity within Kern County. A Caltrans engineer provided an overview of the extensive roadwork planned from Mile Post 78 near Keane to Mile Post 117 near Arvin, with a total estimated cost of $222.7 million.

This ambitious project will include 45 lane miles of new concrete pavement, a 3.5-mile uphill truck climbing lane, and two wildlife undercrossings. The design phase is progressing, with a 60% review expected to be completed this summer and full design finalized by summer 2026. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2027 and aims for completion by February 2028.

The improvements are particularly relevant for local residents and businesses, as the highway serves as a critical route for transportation and commerce. The council discussed the potential impact on traffic, especially considering the high volume of prisoner transports—over 700 annually—managed by local law enforcement, which may affect travel times during construction.

As the project unfolds, community members can anticipate updates on the construction phases and how they will affect daily commutes and regional travel. The council emphasized the importance of coordinating efforts among stakeholders to minimize disruptions and enhance safety during this significant infrastructure upgrade.