Bakersfield Development News

KernCOG Presents 2026 Regional Transportation Plan Highlighting Maintenance and Major Projects

The Kern Council of Governments (KernCOG) presented the 2026 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) to the Bakersfield City Council. The RTP is a federally and state-required long-range transportation plan for Kern County, developed every four years. KernCOG gathered input from approximately 10,500 residents on how to allocate $14 billion in gas tax funds over the next 20 years. The plan prioritizes maintaining existing infrastructure, with $7.95 billion allocated for road maintenance. Major projects benefiting Bakersfield include the rehabilitation of Highway 99 from California Avenue to White Lane and the seventh and eighth movements of State Route 58. Discussions also included the potential closure of the southbound 99 Stockdale Highway off-ramp due to the eighth movement construction, the need for a Westside Beltway (now termed West Urban Corridor), and beautification efforts along Highway 99. Public comments on the RTP are due July 2nd, with adoption planned for August.