Council provides important infrastructure updates

Councilmember Philip Smith informed of progress updates for a truck-climbing lane to be added to the CA-58 Hwy from Keene to Caliente at the June 5 meeting. Mayor Pro-Tem Joan Pogan-Cord noted that Councilmember Smith has been dedicated to this project and has expressed the need for truck-climbing lanes on CA Hwy-58 for nearly 30 years as he has served on the City Council. CA Hwy-58 has become the second-most traveled highway in California.

State Senator Shannon Grove has previously stated verbal support, but Councilmember Smith reported that written commitment has been received for this project. Construction for the $200 million, 3.5 mile project is expected to begin in October 2025. Additionally, the California Department of Transportation Director of District 9, Senator Grove, Councilmember Smith, and Development Services Director Jay Schlosser will be meeting on a monthly basis throughout the project.

Jay Schlosser also provided updates on additional drainage infrastructure throughout Tehachapi. A notice of completion for airport storm drainage, with the motion carried in a 4-0 approval. Drainage infrastructure will be added to the Bailey Court area in the building of a new RV and mini-storage facility. This drainage infrastructure will affect one property owner who voted in approval for the drainage via mail ballot. The ballot results, approval of engineering, and approval to order a levy for the project were approved in a 3-0 adoption; Councilmember Keith Sackewitz was excused from participation in this measure.

In further updates, City Manager Greg Garrett announced that the Pinon St. expansion is nearing completion, and the road is projected to open in one to three weeks. One attendee noted the absence of curbs along the expanded street, to which Schlosser confirmed that there is drainage infrastructure in place to mitigate flooding along the expansion. Swails, or v-shaped ditches, have been built along either side of the expanded street, and an additional storm drain has been built on the south end of Dennison Road to collect water runoff.

The Tehachapi City Council meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. They are currently meeting at the Police Department Community Room, 220 W. C St.