West Bakersfield Interchange

The West Bakersfield Interchange is a freeway interchange in Bakersfield, California, west of downtown. It connects State Route 99 (Golden State Freeway) with SR 58 (Mojave Freeway). These routes represent the heart of the Bakersfield freeway network. They connect the city with commercial centers in the San Joaquin Valley, ports in Los Angeles, and major Interstate freeways serving southern and eastern America.

West Bakersfield Interchange
The ramp from northbound SR 99 to westbound SR 58 under construction, June 2022
Location
Bakersfield, California
Coordinates35°21′10″N 119°2′22″W
Roads at
junction		 SR 58 (Mojave Freeway)
SR 99 (Golden State Freeway)
Construction
TypeThree level stack interchange
Spans5
Lanes4 (Mojave Freeway),
8 (Golden State Freeway)
Constructed1974–76
Opened1976 (1976)
Maintained byCaltrans

The original interchange plan was more elaborate. Five freeway segments (three signed routes) would connect through a series of three interchanges, forming a triangle. Those routes were SR 99 (Golden State Freeway), SR 58 (Mojave Freeway/Westside Parkway), and SR 178 (Crosstown Freeway). However, only three segments and part of one interchange were constructed. Currently, SR 178 terminates about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) east of the interchange. In addition, the eastern terminus of the Westside Parkway (a future section of SR 58) is about one mile (1.6 km) west of the interchange. However, the Westside Parkway will soon connect with the interchange once construction is completed in fall 2023.

Since the interchange is being designed relatively late, compared to other major California freeway interchanges, several design elements are incorporated to help alleviate traffic. Unlike the East Los Angeles and Orange Crush interchanges, the three Kern County interchanges will be widely spaced (between 1 and 2 miles (1.6 and 3.2 km)) from one another. Also, local interchanges within one mile (1.6 km) of it will transition onto their own parallel roads, and merge with the mainline after the main interchange.

History

The western extension as well as the northern leg of the interchange were not constructed. It was delayed first by a four-year freeway construction moratorium imposed by Governor Jerry Brown (1977–81) and was followed by 25 years of opposition from the City of Bakersfield (1980–2005).[1][2]

In 2005, federal money was secured for the construction of several projects in the Bakersfield area,[3] including construction of the southern leg of the interchange, connecting the Mojave Freeway to the Westside Parkway. This will also complete construction of the existing interchange, and provide improvements which will be incorporated into the future construction of the other two interchanges. The city would also drop its opposition to the project, with the city council voting to give Caltrans full control over it.[2] The city would retain control over the construction of the Westside Parkway.[4]

Future

Efforts are currently underway for the construction of the southern leg, as well as finishing the existing interchange. In 2005, $330 million was secured through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) for the construction of the Centennial Corridor. The southern leg of the interchange is a part phase 3 of that project.[5] However, the project was controversial since it displaced dozens of homes and businesses.[6]

The project was partially completed in October 2022,[7] but did not include ramps for southbound SR 99 traffic to directly transition to westbound SR 58, or eastbound SR 58 traffic to transition to northbound SR 99. The connection to SR 99 and the whole interchange is scheduled to be completed in fall 2023, and the rest of SR 58 running on Rosedale Highway between Mohawk Street and SR 99 will then be transferred onto the completed ramps.[8][9]

See also

References
  1. Cristiano, Robert (March 6, 2010). "The Failed State of California: The Changing Landscape of America". NewGeography. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  2. Gaspar, Jose (March 4, 2008). "Centennial Corridor project has Westpark neighbors questioning city leaders". Bakersfield Now. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  3. "Bakersfield Freeways | Bakersfield, CA - Official Website". www.bakersfieldcity.us. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
  4. Staff. "Westside Parkway". Thomas Roads Improvement Program. City of Bakersfield. Retrieved March 6, 2012.
  5. "Centennial Corridor | Bakersfield, CA - Official Website". www.bakersfieldcity.us. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
  6. "Caltrans Picks Preferred Route For Centennial Corridor Freeway in Bakersfield". Valley Public Radio. November 15, 2012. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
  7. "$1.5 billion Centennial Corridor enters the homestretch: Freeway connector 8 months to finish line". KGET 17. 2022-10-12. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
  8. MORGEN, SAM. "Progress reported for Centennial Corridor, but much remains to be done". The Bakersfield Californian. Retrieved 2021-04-24.
  9. MAYER, STEVEN (13 February 2023). "Connecting highways 99 and 58 via the Centennial Corridor a detailed strategy". The Bakersfield Californian. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
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