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

  

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: 

• Visit Ridgecrest/ Inyokern Pavement Project Public Comments
• Email Environmental Planner Rebeka Riesen at rebeka.riesen@dot.ca.gov.
• Mail written comments to California Department of Transportation, District 9, Attention: Rebeka Riesen, Environmental Planner, 500 South Main Street Bishop, CA, 93514.

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 

For More Information

• Jeremy Milos, Project Manager: (760) 874-8633
• Michael Lingberg, Public Information Officer: (760) 920-0280
• D9Publicinfo@dot.ca.gov

Title VI

For Title VI information, click here: Caltrans Title VI