2005 Press Releases

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Caltrans to Briefly Close Interstate 5 at the Grapevine

KERN COUNTY – On November 6, 2005, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in partnership with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) will briefly close both northbound and southbound Interstate 5, at the Grapevine, in Kern County.

A large boulder needs to be removed from the embankment of southbound Interstate 5 at the Grapevine. Currently the #4-lane (truck-lane) is closed with concrete blocks (K-Rail) and a rock screen until Wednesday, November 9, 2005.

On Sunday, November 6, 2005, it is anticipated southbound and northbound Interstate 5 will be closed for up to one hour while blasting of the boulder then the roadway is cleared of debris.

The blasting will occur only on the southbound side of Interstate 5; however, we will close both northbound and southbound Interstate 5 during the blasting process as a safety precaution. Northbound Interstate 5 will open as soon as blasting is completed, and southbound Interstate 5 will open as soon as all debris has been cleared from the travel-way.

These closures are estimated to begin around 7:00 a.m. and will continue until the road is clear and is safe to the motoring public. Caltrans Traffic Management Center (TMC), maintenance and construction staff, California Highway Patrol, and CAL-OSHA are involved in what should be brief delays to the motoring public.

This work is considered emergency work as the slope needs to be repaired before the seasonal rain and snow arrives, which could result in slides that may cause additional delays. Caltrans would like to thank the commuters for their patience during this safety project. The public is reminded to drive with extra care while traveling through the orange “cone zone” areas.

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