Bakersfield council approves plan to connect EB Hwy 58 and NB Hwy 99

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — In an emergency Bakersfield City Council meeting Thursday afternoon, councilmembers approved a multi-million dollar plan to add on and off ramps connecting eastbound Highway 58 and northbound Highway 99.

The money for the project was acquired through a grant from Caltrans.

“On paper, it’s about 18 months to complete, if everything goes smoothly,” Louis Topete, assistant public works director said Thursday. “Especially with these type of projects.”

The contract for the latest Centennial Corridor project was awarded to Granite Construction for $27 million.

Topete said road closures or construction zones should not slow current traffic down by much.

Bakersfield Vice Mayor Andrae Gonzales is excited for the project to start.

“This is a huge step forward for the city of Bakersfield, the fact that we’re able to work on the 7th movement, this is a big deal for connectivity in the city,” Gonzales said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.