The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated more than $3.7 billion in funding to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure; this includes $257 million dedicated to the Keene Pavement and State Route 58 Truck Climbing Lane Project. This project is set to rehabilitate the section of eastbound Highway 58 near Keene and will have a lasting impact on all Greater Tehachapi communities.
Securing the funds needed to construct the truck climbing lanes has been a long-standing goal for the City of Tehachapi. Councilmember Phil Smith has been advocating for the development of the truck climbing lane for over 20 years: “This is a regional issue, not a City of Tehachapi issue; however, it impacts our citizens every single day who use Highway 58,” said Smith.
The Keene Pavement and State Route 58 Truck Climbing Lane Project will be managed by CalTrans. The project will combine the construction of a dedicated truck climbing lane on eastbound Highway 58 near Tehachapi with general rehabilitation of the roadway. According to the CTC, some of the roadway improvements include: the installation of Transportation Management System (TMS) elements, wildlife crossings, upgraded lighting, and overall enhance the safety of highway workers.
The project will run 0.7 miles east of Route 223 to 3.4 miles east of Broome Road. As a highly trafficked route for the transportation of goods and commuting across Kern County, the completed project will help bolster driver safety and improve traffic congestion on eastbound Highway 58.
For more information, contact Key Budge, kbudge@tehachapicityhall.com, (661) 822-2200 ext.