Community Forums

bdpreece · 10-20-2021, 12:07 PM

Trying to find a way to avoid the HY 99, Hy58 traffic through Bakersfield CA. Has anyone taken highway 223 from I5 over to highway 58 to get to Tehachapi CA? We are 40 feet towing a full size pickup. Don't want to get into any tight spots.

RVThere · 10-20-2021, 12:41 PM

I just drove 99/58 two weeks ago through Bakersfield towing my Jeep with my 24 footer and had zero issues. In the past, I've driven my 40 foot Tour with a tow through town with no issues too.

I just use Google Maps to give me real time traffic and routing.

I guess after navigating through Philley/Baltimore/DC traffic many times in multiple motorhomes, Bakersfield was easy!

retnasaguy · 10-20-2021, 12:49 PM

bdpreece

Having lived in the general area I can say without reservation that 223 from I-5 up to 58 is a pleasant drive. Bakersfield National Veterans Cemetery is close to the junction of 223 & 58.
You will be confronted with a slow climb up to Tehachapi.
Should be a pleasant drive, watch for trucks.
Cheers

Skip426 · 10-20-2021, 01:19 PM

Through Arvin on 223 is my preferred route , 15 miles longer than through Bakersfield on the 58 , but about 40 mins quicker due to WAY fewer traffic lights.
Yes the climb is slow from the valley floor up to the 58 , but doable even with my old 300HP rig.

Glenn and Kathy · 10-20-2021, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Through Arvin on 223 is my preferred route , 15 miles longer than through Bakersfield on the 58 , but about 40 mins quicker due to WAY fewer traffic lights.
Yes the climb is slow from the valley floor up to the 58 , but doable even with my old 300HP rig.

If you are taking Hwy 99 to Hwy 58 in Bakersfield there are no traffic lights, it's freeway all the way. Going thru Arvin you will definitely hit traffic control. There is constant construction in the area, but pay attention and it shouldn't slow you down much if at all.

Glenn

vito.a · 10-20-2021, 02:21 PM

We took Hwy 58 through Tehachapi over the mountain into Bakersfield and then 99 up to Yosemite. A week later came back the same way. Yes, there is construction but not as bad as other areas. We are 42' plus another 20' towing a car.
Make sure you check your engine brake before the downhill.

If you have time you can disconnect your truck and visit the Knotty Pine café for breakfast. It's one of the best!

twogypsies · 10-20-2021, 04:01 PM

We've taken 99/58 with no issues in our 40' motorhome towing the Jeep.

bdpreece · 10-23-2021, 09:54 AM

Thanks for the replies. Feel better about trying 223 now that I have more information.

CamJam1 · 11-02-2021, 09:49 PM

Hwy 58 is now 4-lane all the way from Barstow to Bakersfield

and work is underway to connect it to I-5 via a new road called the Westside Parkway. The section shown in red is still under construction, but we took it in June and it now means only a few blocks of city traffic to get through the construction vs the miles of traffic lights we used to encounter getting from Hwy 99 to I-5. Even with the construction it was a big improvement.

https://www.google.com/maps/vt/data=...IWiMl9FIipwE6k

Presently the Westside Pkwy connects on the west with the Stockdale Highway, which is a straight shot to I-5 with only one or two traffic lights.

223 via Arvin is ok, but you can have lots of traffic to deal with on 58/99 before you get there. The Westside Parkway avoids most of that.

We're doing it again three weeks from now.