The stoplight in Kettleman City known to cause miles-long backups for people going to or from the coast will get a complete transformation over the next two years.

In April 2026, Caltrans will begin the work of changing the stoplight at Highway 41 and Bernard Drive into a roundabout. The transportation agency grades the intersection in the crossroads town as an “F” for its ability to handle traffic conditions.

The agency predict a roundabout would increase traffic service to a “B” level.

“Due to the lack of storage length for U-turn and left-turn movements, long queues are formed on Bernard Drive and northbound State Route 41 for vehicles heading back to Interstate 5,” the Caltrans report states. “This has caused a higher likelihood of collisions to occur and increased delay time. Furth

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