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1300+The City of Bakersfield has announced that 18th Street between L and O Streets will be closed to traffic starting Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The closure is part of the 18th & 19th Streets Corridor Improvement Project, which began in April.
Closure Details
City officials expect the work to wrap up by Friday, November 6.
Most work will take place during the day. The road is expected to reopen to traffic after each daily work shift.
Access to nearby businesses and residences will be maintained throughout the project. Detours will be set up at the nearest intersecting streets.
The City also noted that work may be postponed or rescheduled without notice because of bad weather or other unforeseen conditions.
Plan Ahead for Delays
Drivers should expect slowdowns around the downtown core. Officials recommend using alternate routes or leaving extra travel time.
A few simple habits can help:
- Check your route before you leave.
- Avoid the L to O Street stretch during daytime work hours.
- Give yourself a few extra minutes, especially during commute times.
Safety Around Work Zones and Detours
Detours push more vehicles onto side streets that may not usually handle heavy traffic. Frustrated or rushed drivers make more mistakes, and the risk goes up for people on foot.
Pedestrians heading to downtown businesses should use marked crosswalks and stay alert near closed lanes and barricades. Drivers should slow down and watch for people crossing, even where traffic patterns have changed.
Under California Vehicle Code section 21950, drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians in a crosswalk. Construction detours do not change that duty.
Common Detour Hazards
Changed traffic patterns can lead to:
- Last-minute lane changes near barricades
- Drivers missing temporary signs
- Distracted driving while checking GPS
- Vehicles turning into crosswalks without looking
Many collisions near detours happen because of these everyday mistakes.
If You Are Hurt in a Crash Near a Construction Zone
Crashes in and around work zones can involve several parties, such as other drivers, contractors, or entities responsible for road conditions. Working out who is at fault takes careful investigation.
California follows a pure comparative negligence rule. That means you may still recover compensation even if you were partly at fault, though your recovery can be reduced by your share of responsibility. In most personal injury cases, California gives you two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
After a crash, take these steps:
- Call 911 and get medical attention.
- Take photos of the scene, including signs, barricades, and road conditions.
- Collect contact details from witnesses and other drivers.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before getting legal advice.
Learn More About Your Rights
If you or a loved one was hurt in a Kern County crash, our experienced personal injury lawyers can explain your options at no cost.
Contact Attorney Jeff for a Free Consultation
Attorney Jeff offers free consultations and handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless your case is successful. If you were injured in a crash, contact our law offices today to talk through your next steps.
You can also read our recent coverage of local pedestrian safety:
- Pedestrian Hospitalized After Being Struck by Truck on Highway 99 in Bakersfield
- State Senator Announces $1.8M in Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Oildale
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.