Caltrans, KernCOG win $39.9 million staff recommendation for SR‑99 to SR‑58 connector; Caltrans gives wide county project update

Caltrans District 6 reported on multiple projects during the Kern Council of Governments Transportation Planning Policy Committee meeting June 19, including a California Transportation Commission (CTC) staff recommendation of $39.9 million for the State Route 99 southbound to State Route 58 westbound connector ramp.

Shane Gunn, reporting for Caltrans District 6, said the CTC staff recommendations for SB1 discretionary funding (the TSEP program) were announced June 6 and that Caltrans’ application for the SR‑99 southbound to SR‑58 westbound connector ramp “received a final recommendation for $39.9 million.” Gunn said the application was prepared in partnership with KernCOG staff and that the LPP (local partnership program) application for the same project — submitted by the City of Bakersfield on behalf of KernCOG and Caltrans — was not recommended by CTC staff because the project received full TCEP funding.

Why it matters: the connector ramp is a major capacity and safety project for a stretch of state highway that carries regional and freight traffic; the staff recommendation advances the project toward possible CTC approval and later construction while KernCOG and local agencies seek additional federal and state funding.

Caltrans and KernCOG next steps, per Gunn, include presenting staff recommendations to the full CTC “next week for approval” and awaiting that Commission action. Gunn also said the project was nominated to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s BUILD program; federal awards were expected to be announced by June 28 “per statutory requirements,” he said, but Caltrans had no further information on a BUILD outcome at the time of the meeting.

Staffing and partners: Gunn announced internal staffing changes at Caltrans District 6, naming Braden Duran — currently the Investment Planning manager — as the district’s office chief effective July 1. Gunn recognized KernCOG staff who helped craft the TCEP application, saying “Braden would like to recognize Rob Ball, Raquel Pacheco, Irene Enriquez, Carl Davidson and Victoria Romero Valdivia.”

Clean California and project timelines: Gunn reported extensions and schedule updates for the Clean California program. He said Caltrans granted extensions so that construction and reimbursable work for cycle one must be completed by Sept. 30, 2026, with project closeout by March 31, 2027. Cycle two construction and reimbursable work was extended to Sept. 30, 2027, with closeout due by March 31, 2028. Gunn described an artistic-destination project between McFarland and Delano that had damaged mosaic‑tiled benches; “we're still working with the artist to get those replaced,” he said.

Permits and localized delays: Gunn and other Caltrans staff reviewed a number of local project permitting statuses. Key items included: - Wasco pedestrian beacons: an encroachment permit package for Wasco 46 was submitted in May but returned for correction when the wrong form version was used; the submittal was awaiting the city manager’s signature. The Wasco 43 pedestrian beacon permit was issued May 14, Gunn said. - SR‑43 Santa Fe roundabout: the project is in the PS&E phase; Gunn said the project requires permits from the Bureau of Reclamation and that the need for those federal permits is expected to delay construction until March 2026. - SR‑99 to SR‑58 connector: design is moving toward 65% and the team is assessing possible future features, including a northbound express lane and hardscaping. - SR‑58 slab replacement: District staff said slab replacement work on State Route 58 (between point 14 miles east of Beal Road and 0.05 mile west of San Bernardino Boulevard in Kern County) is anticipated to begin at the end of the month, with drivers to expect single‑lane closures in both directions once construction starts.

Grants and program deadlines: Gunn reminded local agencies about active grant opportunities and deadlines. He said the Safe Streets for All grant application deadline was June 26 and that Caltrans could provide local letters of support; “If you need one, you can reach out to Braden or myself,” he said. Separately, KernCOG staff reminded jurisdictions that RSTP and CMAQ applications (together roughly $60 million) are due July 17 and are competitive.

District 9 update: Alexia Williams, Acting District Deputy Director for Planning and Environmental (District 9), gave brief updates on separate projects and outreach. She said the “big rig High Wind posters have been sent to the printers and we're expecting them to be in our office by the end of the month to get to our rest areas before July 4.” Williams also reported Keene pavement design has reached 60%: “Keene pavement has reached 60% design, so that's exciting.”

KernCOG recognition and next steps: committee members thanked Caltrans staff and KernCOG for the collaborative application work. Gunn said staff expected to present the CTC package for Commission consideration at its June meeting; if the Commission concurs with staff recommendations, the award would move the connector project closer to construction. Gunn and KernCOG representatives also noted other funding nominations and permit coordination that remain outstanding.

Ending note: Caltrans’ District 6 presentation covered dozens of local projects and schedules; the agency urged local cities and the county to meet grant deadlines and to coordinate permit submittals to avoid processing delays. Gunn closed his presentation by asking if there were any questions about the updates.