Ridgecrest-Inyokern Pavement Project

Project Information

The proposed Ridgecrest/Inyokern Pavement Project will rehabilitate approximately 24 lane miles of pavement on State Route 178 E in eastern Kern County from just east of the junction with State Route 14 to the San Bernardino County line. The purpose of the project is to preserve, repair, and extend the life of the existing pavement, and improve ride quality. The project would also bring the existing pedestrian facilities into compliance with Federal, State, and departmental standards for accessibility. Other features of the project could include: 

  • Replacement and rehabilitation of drainage infrastructure
  • Upgraded traffic signs to current standards
  • Replacement of guardrail
  • Upgraded traffic management systems and roadside safety improvements
  • Replacement of lighting systems
  • Installation of Class II bicycle lanes as Complete Streets elements
  • Installation of Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant infrastructure 

For more information about where certain features will be placed, take a look at this interactive map: Inyokern/Ridgecrest Rehabilitation Interactive Application (arcgis.com)

Project Map

 A project map that shows the boundaries of the project. 

Draft Environmental Document

The Initial Study with Proposed Negative Declaration is available to the public for review and comment: Ridgecrest-Inyokern Pavement DED. The public comment period will be open until Saturday, May 4. Comments must be received by the comment period deadline to be addressed in the Final Environmental Document.

To submit an official public comment: 

Project Cost

The estimated cost of the Ridgecrest/Inyokern Pavement Project is approximately $46,897,000.

Project Timeline

Project Schedule (Subject to change):

March 26 2024: Draft Environmental Document Circulation 

March 26 - May 4, 2024: Public Comment Period

June 2029: Right of Way Certification

July 2030: Contact Approval 

August 2030: Begin Construction 

U.S Highway 395 looking towards Bishop

Construction PIO Contact

Michael Lingberg

Public Information Officer
Construction
Caltrans District 9
(760) 920-0280

michael.lingberg@dot.ca.gov

Title VI Information

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) assures that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987, and Federal Executive Order 12898 (Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations).

Caltrans will make every effort to ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs and activities, whether they are federally funded or not, and that services and benefits are fairly distributed to all people, regardless of race, color, or national origin. In addition, Caltrans will facilitate meaningful participation in the transportation planning process in a nondiscriminatory manner.

Caltrans and You Title VI Brochure in various languages

An earthmover working on a Caltrans project. A project monitor stands in the foreground on the right.

Interested in bidding on this project?

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Information on upcoming projects can also be found at Contractor's Corner.