Stockdale Highway off-ramp to close permanently Nov. 20

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — The southbound Highway 99 off-ramp to Stockdale Highway will permanently close Friday, Nov. 20, after plans to shut it down were delayed more than four years ago.

According to the city of Bakersfield, the closure is part of the Centennial Corridor Project and the Thomas Roads Improvement Program (TRIP).

Electronic message boards will begin alerting drivers to the closure Friday, Nov. 6.

The off-ramp was originally scheduled to close in August 2022, but Caltrans and the city delayed the closure following concerns from residents.

At the time, Bakersfield City Councilman Andrae Gonzales said residents were concerned about losing access to businesses, hospitals and Cal State Bakersfield.

Officials said the closure was always part of the Centennial Corridor plans and is intended to meet state safety standards.

The next phase of construction at the Highway 58 and 99 interchange is expected to begin in late 2027.

That project will create a direct freeway connection from southbound Highway 99 to westbound Highway 58, reducing the need for drivers to use local roads.