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. Furthermore, the existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities do not conform to the provision of complete streets and should be upgraded to accommodate safer pedestrian crossings.”

Project to Be Completed By March 2027

Funding for the $9 million project largely comes from federal sources — about $8.2 million. Caltrans finished its design earlier this year after getting environmental clearance at the end of 2021.

The agency expects to have it completed by March 2027. Drivers will be able to take a permanent road along Dana Circle as a detour while construction takes place.

The roundabout in general eliminates many of the threats of direct collisions, Caltrans reports. While the number of fatal collisions at the intersections is lower than the statewide average, injury accidents there occur at a higher rate.

Kettleman City sees a huge amount of traffic because it is where Highway 41, which is the main route between the Valley and Central Coast, and Interstate 5 intersect,

KMPH reported on the development earlier this week.