What you need to know: The connector will make it easier for vehicles to reach State Route 190, Olancha, and Death Valley National Park.
INYO COUNTY – The State Route 190 connector within the Olancha-Cartago 4-Lane Expressway Project is now open to the traveling public, months ahead of its original planned opening of spring 2025. Built at the southern end of the project near the Los Angeles Aqueduct, this is the third of three new connectors that link the new lanes of U.S. 395 with the existing pavement of old U.S. 395 through Grant, Olancha, and Cartago.
The State Route 190 connector as seen from the new northbound lanes.
The new State Route 190 connector will simplify navigation for northbound traffic heading to Death Valley National Park, as well as those needing access to services in Olancha and Cartago. In addition to the new State Route 190 connector, drivers can access old U.S. 395 from the new lanes using Crystal Geyser Road and the Lake Street connector in Cartago.
Construction on the Olancha-Cartago 4-Lane Expressway Project will continue into 2025. The speed limit remains 55 mph through the project area and 45 mph at the two traffic crossovers. Smartphone mapping apps and GPS devices may not be updated to reflect the current route. Drivers are advised to follow the signs posted in the project area.
Work schedules are subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment or materials, or any construction-related issues.
Travelers are asked to be attentive to workers on the highway, slow for the cone zone, and move over whenever possible to remain clear of construction personnel and equipment. Be Safe and Be Work Zone Alert!
To get the latest information on conditions on the State Highway System, visit the Caltrans QuickMap site at quickmap.dot.ca.gov or download the app to your smartphone. You can also call the Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).
Find out how California is building for a better tomorrow by visiting build.ca.gov and rebuildingca.ca.gov.
For those with sensory disabilities requiring alternate formats (i.e. Braille, large print, sign language interpreter, etc.) and those needing information in a language other than English, please contact Christopher Andriessen at (760) 937-7217 or TTY 711.