Interstate lane closures to begin today

Monday, June 13, 2005 | 9:52 a.m.

Motorists traveling between Las Vegas and Southern California via Interstate 15 will run into lane closures in Baker, Calif., beginning today.

Lanes will be closed today from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Thursday from 6 a.m to 6 p.m. as part of the $54 million, 50-mile I-15 pavement rehabilitation project. The work will be suspended Friday through the weekend, however, because of the large numbers of weekend travelers headed to and from Las Vegas, officials said.

Terri Kasinga, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Transportation, encouraged drivers to plan ahead and take precautions.

"We hope people's vehicles are in good running condition and that they bring water," Kasinga said. "If they're traveling through construction areas they should reduce their speed and be prepared for delays."

Kasinga said the best time for travel may be the early morning before the heat and traffic. Even with all lanes open, weekend traffic between Las Vegas and Southern California will be heavy, she said.

She urged people to expect delays and to be sure to take any necessary medications with them in their vehicle.

"I can't tell you how many times we had calls last summer from people who were stuck in traffic and didn't take their medications with them," she said.

The Barstow project began in 2005. A similar 50-mile pavement rehab project at Baker, was completed last year, and a 25-mile project near Victorville is finishing now.

Kasinga said drivers must take care traveling through work zones, where traffic laws will be enforced.

"You're sometimes inches away from those traffic workers," she said. "We don't want anybody getting hurt, whether it's somebody in a car or working on that roadway."