Kern County, CA – Drivers traveling through the Grapevine are urged to plan for continued delays today as multiple lanes remain closed on Interstate 5 southbound, impacting a critical corridor between Kern County and Los Angeles County.
According to the California Highway Patrol Fort Tejon–Grapevine division, only the two far-left lanes of I-5 southbound are currently open. The remaining left lanes are expected to stay closed for approximately one to two more hours as emergency crews continue working at the scene.
Traffic has been described as heavy through the area, with congestion stretching for miles at times. CHP officials are advising motorists to slow down, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid aggressive driving behaviors while traveling through the affected stretch of highway.
The Grapevine section of I-5 serves as a major route connecting Southern California with the Central Valley, and even partial lane closures can quickly lead to significant backups, particularly during daytime travel periods. Drivers heading south are encouraged to allow extra travel time or consider delaying trips if possible.
CHP also reminded drivers to minimize distractions, avoid weaving through traffic, and follow posted instructions from law enforcement and traffic control personnel on scene. Emergency crews and personnel remain actively working in the area to manage traffic flow and address the incident causing the closure.
No estimated time for full reopening has been confirmed beyond the current one- to two-hour window, and conditions may change depending on on-scene developments.
Motorists can check real-time traffic conditions through Caltrans, CHP traffic updates, or navigation apps before heading into the Grapevine.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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