Highway conditions · Caltrans
Bakersfield & Kern County road conditions right now
Live conditions for the three highways that move Kern County — I-5 over the Grapevine, SR-58 over Tehachapi Pass, and SR-99 up the valley — straight from Caltrans.
As of Sunday, October 11th, 2026 at 01:14 PM, Caltrans reports: I-5 over Tejon Pass is open with restrictions; SR-58 over Tehachapi Pass is clear of reported problems; SR-99 through the Central Valley is clear of reported problems. Check each route below for the latest Caltrans-reported conditions before you drive.
I-5 · Grapevine (Tejon Pass)
the LA-to-Bakersfield pass.
- RESTRICTIONS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: A high wind advisory is in effect from the Jct of SR-126 to the Los Angeles/Kern Co Line - Travel is not recommended for campers, trailers, or permit loads
- RESTRICTIONS CENTRAL CALIFORNIA: A high wind advisory is in effect from the Jct of I-580 to the Jct of I-205 (San Joaquin Co) - Travel is not recommended for campers, trailers, or permit loads
- OPEN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: No traffic restrictions reported.
Sunday, October 11th, 2026 at 01:14 PM (just now)
SR-58 · Tehachapi Pass
the east–west pass to the desert.
- RESTRICTIONS CENTRAL CALIFORNIA: Westbound traffic is reduced to 1 lane 14 mi west of the Jct of SR-14 (Kern Co) - Due to an overturned semi
Sunday, October 11th, 2026 at 01:14 PM (just now)
SR-99 · Central Valley
the valley route north through Bakersfield.
- RESTRICTIONS CENTRAL CALIFORNIA: Is reopened to northbound traffic 7.8 mi south of the Jct of SR-46 (Kern Co) at 0255 hrs on 10/11/26 A high wind advisory is in effect from the Stanislaus/San Joaquin Co Line to the San Joaquin/Sacramento Co Line - Travel is not recommended for campers, trailers, or permit loads
- OPEN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: No traffic restrictions reported.
Sunday, October 11th, 2026 at 01:14 PM (just now)
Recent changes
| When | Route | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-07 7:46 AM | SR-99 in Kern County | CLOSED → OPEN |
| 2026-10-07 3:09 AM | SR-99 in Kern County | OPEN → CLOSED |
| 2026-10-03 | I-5, anywhere in California | updated → RESTRICTIONS |
| 2026-10-03 | I-5, anywhere in California | updated → RESTRICTIONS |
| 2026-10-02 | SR-58, whole route | updated → OPEN |
| 2026-10-02 | I-5, anywhere in California | CLOSED → RESTRICTIONS |
| 2026-10-02 | I-5, anywhere in California | updated → CLOSED |
| 2026-10-01 | I-5, anywhere in California | updated → CLOSED |
| 2026-09-30 | I-5, anywhere in California | updated → CLOSED |
| 2026-09-30 | I-5, anywhere in California | updated → CLOSED |
| 2026-09-29 | I-5, anywhere in California | updated → CLOSED |
| 2026-09-29 | SR-58, whole route | updated → OPEN |
Rows marked “anywhere in California” or “whole route” were logged before October 5, 2026, when this log covered the entire highway. They do not mean the pass itself was closed.
Road conditions questions
What are the road conditions in Bakersfield and Kern County right now?
As of Sunday, October 11th, 2026 at 01:14 PM, Caltrans reports: I-5 over Tejon Pass is open with restrictions; SR-58 over Tehachapi Pass is clear of reported problems; SR-99 through the Central Valley is clear of reported problems. See each route above for details, or call Caltrans at 1-800-427-7623.
Is SR-58 / Tehachapi Pass open?
Caltrans reports no closure or restriction on SR-58 through Tehachapi Pass itself. Elsewhere on SR-58, Caltrans reports restrictions in Kern Co — not on the pass. It is a mountain pass and can close for snow, wind, and chain controls in winter.
Is the Grapevine (I-5) open?
I-5 over Tejon Pass is open with restrictions, as reported by Caltrans. Elsewhere on I-5, Caltrans reports restrictions in San Joaquin Co — none of them on the pass. It is the highest point on I-5 between LA and the Central Valley.
Is SR-99 open through Bakersfield?
SR-99 is clear of reported problems, as reported by Caltrans.
Is SR-99 closed in Bakersfield?
Caltrans reports no closure or restriction on SR-99 through Bakersfield itself. Elsewhere on SR-99, Caltrans reports restrictions in the Central California area — not on the pass. Caltrans posts closures of SR-99 anywhere along the route, so read the location before you change plans.
Is the Grapevine or Tehachapi Pass closed right now?
Caltrans reports no closure on the pass corridors. Elsewhere on I-5, Caltrans reports restrictions in San Joaquin Co — none of them on the pass. Elsewhere on SR-58, Caltrans reports restrictions in Kern Co — not on the pass.
How do I get current California highway conditions?
Call Caltrans at 1-800-427-7623 or visit roads.dot.ca.gov. This page also checks Caltrans in real time when you load it and refreshes every 60 seconds while it's open.
Check current conditions
Conditions are Caltrans’ text, lightly cleaned for typos and spacing (facts and the agency’s timestamp are unchanged). Status words are per Caltrans area section. For current conditions on demand, use the official Caltrans QuickMap or call 1-800-427-7623.
Always confirm on the official source before driving.