California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Route 190

Unconstructed Portion

Unconstructed from Quaking Aspen to Route 395 on a route adopted 10/20/1965. Portions of the route were adopted as a conventional highway on 4/15/1964. Rescinding the route was recommended on 6/25/1982, but nothing ever happened. District 9 recommends deletion of the route.

The 2013 Traversable Highways report notes:

For the portion between Quaking Aspen to the Tulare-Inyo County Line, no local roads adequately fit the description of a traversable highway. Mountainous terrain. Route adoption was 10/20/65. No recommendation.
For the portion from the Tulare-Inyo County Line to US 395: This area of Route 190 within Dist 9 is in mountainous terrain. There is no road in existence today. The Route was adopted as a conventional highway April 15, 1964. On January 4, 1982 Project Development prepared a report recommending the recession of the conventional route adoption. On June 25, 1982 the CTC passed a resolution "Notice of Intention to Consider Rescinding Conventional Adoption." Nothing has taken place since District completed a Route Recycle Report..The District recommends this portion of Route 190 be deleted from the State Highway System.

One 1953 map shows the routing between Wonoga Peak and Lone Pine as what is now Horseshoe Meadows Road, Tuttle Creek Road, and Whitney Portal Road. The map implies that the Route 136 routing was used, but doesn't make it explicit. According to the Traversable Highways report, there are no local roads that adequately fit the description of a traversable highway. This is mountainous terrain. There are no plans to construct this.

In June 2017, the CTC approved the following SHOPP allocation: Tulare 06-Tul-190 0.0/8.0 $16,900,000 Route 190: Tulare County, from west of Route 99/Route 190 Separation to west of Road 184. Outcome/Output: Rehabilitate deteriorating pavement and realign new traveled way and shoulders to meet current standards. The project is necessary to improve safety and ride quality. Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-13-61; August 2013.

In October 2021, the CTC authorized relinquishment of right-of-way, consisting of collateral facilities (5 segments), in the county of Tulare along Route 190 at Road 120 and Road 152 (06-Tul-190-PM 0.39/4.45). The City, by Resolution No. 2021-0604 dated July 27, 2021, agreed to waive the 90-day notice requirement and accept title upon relinquishment by the State.
(Source: October 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.3c)

Route 190/Road 152 Roundabout E of Tipton (~ TUL 4.465)

SR 190 Roundabout Caltrans is exploring creating a roundabout on this route at the intersection of Route 190/Road 152 (Bliss Lane) east of Tipton. Other potential/planned roundabout locations in the San Joaquin Valley include Route 145/Jensen near Kerman, Route 168/Auberry Road in Prather, Route 43/Route 137 in Corcoran, Route 216/Route 245 in Woodlake, Route 190/Road 284 east of Porterville, and Route 155/Browning Road in Delano. A 2007 study of 55 roundabouts in the U.S. found a 35% reduction in accidents and a 90% reduction in fatal accidents when intersections with stop signs or signals were converted to roundabouts. It costs about the same to build a roundabout as to put up traffic signals, and they need significantly less maintenance than traffic signal intersections -- about 60% to 90% less, depending on how much landscaping work is required.

In December 2014, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project that will construct a roundabout at the intersection of Route 190 (Avenue 144) and Road 152 (Bliss Lane, Tulare County Sign Route J15). The project is programmed in the 2014 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. The total estimated cost is $6,333,000 for capital and support. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2016-17. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2014 State Highway Operation and Protection Program.

In August 2016, the CTC approved $3,290,000 in funding for Route 190 near Tipton, from 0.4 mile west of Road 152 to 0.7 mile west of Road 160. Outcome/Output: Construct roundabout, sidewalk, curb and gutter and reconstruct 1.0 mile of Route 190 and 0.5 mile of Road 152 to increase safety and reduce the number and severity of collisions.

In May 2017, it was reported that work was expected to begin this month on the second roundabout on Route 190. That roundabout will be constructed at Route 190 and Road 152 and work on that $2.2 million project will take about four to six months and preclude improvements to the highway all the way to Route 99. It was at that busy rural intersection which three people died in a horrific crash on Aug. 2, 2011. Two of those killed were teenagers in a Tulare County probation van, while the third was the driver of a large pickup which apparently ran the stop sign and drove into the path of the van which was eastbound on Route 190.
(Source: Recorder Online, 5/8/2017)

Rockford Road Roundabout (06-Tulare-190 PM 11.3/11.5)

In March 2020, the CTC amended the following project into the 2018 SHOPP: 06-Tul-190 11.3/11.5 PPNO 7033 ProjID 0619000232 EA 1A310 Route 190 near Porterville from 0.1 mi W to 0.1 mi E of Rockford Road. Construct roundabout. Total cost: $10,100K. BC 3/30/2024. Construction and R/W acquisition not yet programmed. The CTC also approved the following financial allocation: 06-Tul-190 PM 11.3/11.5. PPNO 7033. ProjID 0619000232. EA 1A310. Route 190 near Porterville, from 0.1 mile west to 0.1 mile east of Rockford Road. Construct roundabout. (Concurrent Amendment under SHOPP Amendment 18H-015; March 2020.) Financial allocation: PA&ED $1,400,000
(Source: March 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1a) #24, 2.5b.(2a) #19)

The 2020 SHOPP, approved in May 2020, included the following Collision Reduction item of interest (carried over from the 2018 SHOPP): 06-Tulare-190 PM 11.3/11.5 PPNO 7033 Proj ID 0619000232 EA 1A310. Route 190 near Porterville, from 0.1 mile west to 0.1 mile east of Rockford Road. Construct roundabout. Programmed in FY23-24, with construction scheduled to start at the end of March 2024. Total project cost is $10,100K, with $4,950K being capital (const and right of way) and $5,150K being support (engineering, environmental, etc.).
(Source: 2020 Approved SHOPP a/o May 2020)

In March 2022, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding 06-Tul-190, PM 11.31/11.51. PPNO 7033. Rockford Road Roundabout. Construct a roundabout at the intersection of Route 190 at Rockford Road in Tulare County.The project is located on Route 190 from postmile 11.31 to 11.51, in Tulare County. The proposed project would construction a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Rockford Road and Route 190 in Porterville. This project is currently programmed in the 2020 SHOPP for a total of $8,700,000 which includes Plans, Specifications and Estimate, Right of Way (capital and support), and Construction (capital and support). Construction is estimated to begin in 2023-24. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope as programmed by the Commission in the 2020 SHOPP.
(Source: March 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(1))

Also in March 2022, the CTC approved the following pre-construction financial allocation: 06-Tul-190 11.3/11.5. PPNO 06-7033; ProjID 0619000232; EA 1A310. Route 190 Near Porterville, from 0.1 mile west to 0.1 mile east of Rockford Road. Construct roundabout. (Concurrent consideration of funding under Resolution E-22-15; March 2022.) Allocation: PS&E $1,550,000; R/W Sup $850,000.
(Source: March 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #11)

In June 2023, the CTC amended the following project in the 2022 SHOPP: 06-Tul-190 11.3/11.5. PPNO 06-7033; ProjID 0619000232; EA 1A310. Route 190 Near Porterville, from 0.1 mile west to 0.1 mile east of Rockford Road. Construct roundabout. Note: Increase R/W capital because an increase in acquisition and Title/Escrow fees. Increase construction capital because of included installation of flashing beacons and lighting at the roundabout. Allocation Changes ($ × 1,000): R/W Cap ~~$750~~ $950; Const Cap ~~$4,200~~ $4,441; Total ~~$10,100~~ $10,541.
(Source: June 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1d) #52)

In October 2023, the CTC approved for consideration of funding the following project for which a Negative Declaration (ND) and an Addendum have been completed: Route 190 in Tulare County. Construct a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Route 190 at Rockford Road, in Tulare County. (06-Tul-190, PM 11.31/11.51; PPNO 7033). The project is currently programmed in the 2022 SHOPP for a total of $10,541,000, which includes Right of Way (Support and Capital) and Construction (Support and Capital). Construction began in 2023-24. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope as programmed by the Commission in the 2022 SHOPP. A copy of the ND has been provided to Commission staff. The Commission approved the project for future consideration of funding on March 17, 2022, under Resolution E-22-15. Since the approval of the ND, there have been changes to the project and an Addendum was prepared pursuant to CEQA. These changes include adjusting the project limits to account for the replacement of existing flashing beacons, and thus the project limits have changed to SR 190, PM 11.2 to PM 11.6. The project changes do not meet the criteria outlined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 to prepare a Subsequent ND. The Department subsequently completed an Addendum to the ND pursuant to CEQA. The Department has approved this project for construction. This approval and the Addendum will satisfy the environmental requirements for this stage of the planning process.
(Source: October 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(4))

In August 2025, the CTC was informed of the following SHOPP Safety sub-allocation by Caltrans: $6,324,000. 06-Tul-190 11.3/11.5. PPNO 06-7033; ProjID 0619000232; EA 1A310. Route 190 Near Porterville, from 0.1 mile west to 0.1 mile east of Rockford Road. Construct single-lane roundabout with pedestrian crossings and drainage improvements. This project will improve safety and reduce the number and severity of collisions. CEQA - ND, 11/18/2021; Re-validation 03/26/2025. NEPA - CE, 11/18/2021; Re-validation 03/26/2025. Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-23-142A; October 2023. Fourteen month allocation time extension for CONST and CON ENG approved under Waiver 24-125; August 2024. Allocation Date: 05/23/25. Pre-Construction Phase: Budgeted (Actual, if different): PA&ED $1,400,000 ($804,179); PS&E $1,550,000 ($1,301,411); R/W Sup $850,000 ($536,355). Construction Phase - Programmed (Allocation, if different): CON ENG $1,350,000; CONST $4,441,000.
(Source: August 2025 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5f.(3) #6)

Porterville Intersection Improvements Project. (06-Tul-190, PM 13.1/17.3)

In March 2024, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding the following project for which an ND and Addendum has been completed: Porterville Intersection Improvements Project. (06-Tul-190, PM 13.1/17.3, EA 0Q432). The Department proposes to provide operational and intersection improvements along Route 190 at five locations. Location one will include construction of a roundabout at Westwood Street at Route 190. Location two will include construction of an auxiliary lane along westbound Route 190 from Jaye Street to northbound Route 65 on-ramp by adding 1,300 feet of travel way and shoulder. Location three includes construction of a right-turn lane on Route 190 eastbound off-ramp onto Main Street and upgrading ramps. Location four includes construction of a roundabout at Piano Street at Route 190. Location five includes construction of a roundabout at College Avenue and Plano Street. The project is currently listed in the 2023-24 SHOPP Minor Program for $1,250,000 (Construction Capital). The total project cost which includes Right of Way (Support and Capital), and Construction (Support and Capital) is $17,599,000. Tulare County Association of Governments Measure R funds for $9,925,000 (Capital) are being combined with Minor Program funds for constructing this project. Since the completion of the Environmental Document, there have been changes to the scope and an Addendum was prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These changes include proposing a child project that would construct locations 1, 2, and 3, between PM 13.1 and PM 16.6 prior to the parent project constructing locations 4 and 5 between PM 16.6 and PM 17.3. The project changes do not meet the criteria outlined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 to prepare a Subsequent ND. As a result, the Department completed an Addendum to the ND pursuant to CEQA.
(Source: March 2024 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(1))

In December 2024, the CTC amended the following project into the 2024 SHOPP: 06-Tul-190 13.1/16.6. PPNO 06-8106; ProjID 0619000026; EA 0Q432. Route 190 In and near Porterville, from 0.4 mile west of South Westwood Drive to 0.1 mile east of South Main Street. Construct roundabouts, turn lanes, channelization, and signalized intersections. (Additional contribution: $5,070,000 RW Cap and $10,100,000 CONST from Tulare County Association of Governments). Concurrent COS allocation under Resolution FP-24-43; December 2024. PA&ED: N/A; R/W: N/A; RTL: 1/15/2025; BC: 9/1/2025. Allocation ($ × $1000): PA&ED $0; PS&E $70; R/W Sup $230; Con Sup $2,000; R/W Cap $0; Const Cap: $1,450; TOTAL $3,750.
(Source: December 2024 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1a) #16)

In December 2024, the CTC approved the following pre-construction-phase SHOPP allocation: $300,000. 06-Tul-190 13.1/16.6. PPNO 06-8106; ProjID 0619000026; EA 0Q432. Route 190 In and near Porterville, from 0.4 mile west of South Westwood Drive to 0.1 mile east of South Main Street. Construct roundabouts, turn lanes, channelization, and signalized intersections. (Additional contribution: $5,070,000 RW Cap and $10,100,000 CONST from Tulare County Association of Governments) Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-24-17; March 2024. Concurrent Amendment under SHOPP Amendment 24H-006; December 2024. Allocation (Programmed, if different): PS&E $70,000; RW Sup $230,000.
(Source: December 2024 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #4)

In January 2025, the CTC approved the following SHOPP Construction Phase allocation: $3,475,000. 06-Tul-190 13.1/16.6. PPNO 06-8106; ProjID 0619000026; EA 0Q432. Route 190 in and near Porterville, from 0.4 mile west of South Westwood Drive to 0.1 mile east of South Main Street. Construct roundabouts, turn lanes, channelization, and signalized intersections. (Additional contribution: $5,070,000 RW Cap and $10,100,000 CONST from Tulare County Association of Governments) CEQA - ND, 6/27/2017; Re-validation 11/26/2024. NEPA - CE, 6/27/2017; Re-validation 11/26/2024. Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-24-17; March 2024. Pre-Construction Phase: Budgeted (Actual, if different): PS&E $70,000 ($6,032); R/W Sup $230,000 ($170,254). Construction Phase - Programmed (Allocation, if different): CON ENG $2,000,000; CONST $1,450,000
(Source: January 2025 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(1) #9)

Prospect Street to Porterville Improvements (~ TUL R14.956 to TUL 19.063)

Rte 190 Porterville In October 2016, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding a project in Tulare County that will construct median barriers on Route 190 in the city of Porterville (between South Prospect Street and the Eastern Porterville City Limits). The project is programmed in the 2016 State Highway Operation and Protection Program. The total programmed amount is $7,023,000 for capital and support. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2017-18. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2016 State Highway Operation and Protection Program.

In May 2017, it was reported that the Prospect-Porterville was about to start. This project will complete the improvements made from Porterville to just past Poplar. Those improvements include the installation of turn lanes, shoulder widening and new pavement. That project is scheduled to begin in August or September 2017 and is expected to take more than a year and cost around $21 million.
(Source: Recorder Online, 5/8/2017)

In July 2018, it was reported that the median construction project was continuing, with a series of detours near Porterville College, The construction project to replace a mile-long section of oleanders in the highway’s median with concrete barriers and other upgrades has been going on since May 2018. The project, which includes installation ofconcrete barriers in the median of Route 190 and upgraded crash cushions on the Route 65 and Route 190 cloverleaf, is expected to finish in October.
(Source: $$ Recorder Online, 7/3/2018)

In January 2012, the CTC approved $5.75 million for an asphalt-overlay project on Route 190 in Tulare County near Lake Success. The upgrade fromthe Tule River Bridge (~ TUL 20.002) to Road 284 (~ TUL 21.1) will improve pavement quality and increase service life.

Route 190/Road 284 Roundabout (~ TUL 21.09)

In May 2012, it was reported that Caltrans was holding meetings on the intersection of Route 190 and Road 284. Two build alternatives and a no-build alternative are under consideration. The alternatives include a single-lane rural roundabout or a traffic signal with a protected left turn.

In April 2017, there was an update on the Route 190/Road 284 roundabout. The intersection is located in unincorporated Tulare County, just east of the city of Porterville and the unincorporated community of East Porterville. Route 190 is a two-lane road. Before the roundabout was installed the intersection had been controlled by stop signs on Road 284; traffic on Route 190 did not stop. About twelve miles east of the intersection, along Road 284, is the Eagle Mountain Casino. The roundabout intersection is where casino patrons (some of whom may be inebriated or otherwise impaired) make a left turn from a small road onto the bigger road to get to Porterville, the nearby good-sized city (population 55,000). Before the roundabout was installed, drivers turning from Road 284 onto Route 190 stopped, then turned left to enter uncontrolled highway traffic moving at high speeds. According to Caltran’s environmental studies for the roundabout, the intersection was indeed deadly. From 2007 to 2010 there were eleven collisions reported: “six broadside-type collisions, two head-on, one hit object, one rear-end, and one overturn.” Caltrans found that crashes, happening at a rate that was “higher than the statewide average for similarly designed intersections,” were caused by “drivers either failing to slow down or not stopping at the . . . intersection.” Caltrans studied two alternatives: a roundabout, for an estimated $1.7 million, and a signalized intersection that would cost about $2.1 million. The roundabout was the preferred alternative due to “greatest project benefits in regard to safety.” Caltrans District 6 Information Officer Christian Lukens reported that the actual roundabout ended up costing more than the initial estimate because aesthetic features were added, as was an extended truck apron in the central island to accommodate oversize loads. During the planning phase, in response to community input, Caltrans adjusted the design, especially working with the locals to ensure the facility would handle the occasional oversized truck. The new facility opened to the driving public on February 21, 2017.
(Source: Streetsblog, 4/20/2017)

In December 2023, the CTC approved amending the following project into the 2022 SHOPP: 09-Iny-190 13.5/68.8; PPNO 09-2733; ProjID 0924000007; EA 40100; Route 190 Near Bishop, from 3.7 miles east of Route 395 to 7.7 miles west of Wildrose Canyon Road. Clear flood debris from roadway, reconstruct damaged roadway embankment and fill erosion gullies, grade eroded dirt shoulders and reestablish roadside geometry, reconstruct damaged pavement and drainage systems, rebuild washed out roadway embankment and pavement washouts, repair damaged concreted rock slope protection and damaged rock slope protection, and perform traffic control. Note: On August 20, 2023, tropical storm Hilary brought heavy rains that caused extensive flooding which caused numerous partial and full pavement washouts, deposition of rock and mud flood debris onto the roadway, shoulders, and into drainage courses, erosion of dirt shoulders and roadway embankment up to 12 feet deep, partial and total destruction of drainage systems, plugged culverts, damaged earthen flood control dikes, long erosion gullies at the edge of pavement on steep, high fill slopes, damaged concreted rock slope protection and damaged rock slope protection, which has led to a long-term full road closure to the traveling public. This project will clear flood debris from roadway, reconstruct damaged roadway embankment and fill erosion gullies and grade eroded dirt shoulders. Allocation ($ × $1000) PA&ED $0; PS&E $0; R/W Sup $0; Con Sup $3,375; R/W Cap $0; Const Cap $13,500; TOTAL $16,875. FY23-24.
(Source: December 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1a) #22)

Olancha Bypass (approx 395 INY 34.215) (approx 190 INY 9.925)

Olancha Widening In 2007, the CTC did not recommend funding construction of the Olancha and Cartago Expressway ($107,600K total cost; $59,000K requested) from the Corridor Mobility Improvement Account (CMIA). However, the minutes from the 11/08 meeting of the Inyo County Local Transportation Commission discussed the five options for US 395's realignment (either expansion or a movement west). The main problem is the proximity of the LA Aqueduct.

In February 2016, it was reported that discussions of the Olancha Bypass continue. The Caltrans preferred alternative is a bypass of the community that has Olancha residents in an uproar. Although the bypass alternative seems to be the much safer option, Olancha residents don't want to lose the business highway traffic brings into the already struggling town. Olancha residents claim the bypass alternative is unfair because the other towns on the US 395 corridor in Inyo country (Bishop, Big Pine, Independence, Lone Pine) got to keep the highway running through town. If the bypass alternative is chosen the current alignment will be turned into a combination of a local road and an extension of Route 190, a major state route taking year round visitors to Death Valley National Park. The bypass routing would be to the west, close to the base of the Sierras, which would give travelers a beautiful view. The extension of Route 190 would be to the south, through Olancha, terminating at an intersection with the newly aligned US 395.
(Source: Inyomono395 @ AAroad, February 2016)

In August 2017, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding 09-Iny-395 PM 29.2/41.8 Olancha/Cartago Four-Lane Project: This project in Inyo County will construct two new lanes (one new lane in each direction) on a portion US 395 near the town of Olancha. The project will increase safety and the Level of Service. The project is not fully funded. The project will be funded from State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds and is currently programmed in the 2016 STIP for an estimated $16.6 million Right of Way (capital and support). Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2020-21. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2016 STIP. A copy of the FEIR has been provided to Commission staff. Resources that may be impacted by the project include community impacts, noise, water quality, air quality, cultural resources, paleontological resources, hazardous waste, aesthetics, and biological resources. Potential impacts associated with the project can all be mitigated to below significance. As a result, an FEIR was prepared for the project. Note that this appears to be distinct from the once-proposed Olancha Bypass.

395 Olancha Bypass In January 2018, the CTC approved a request from the California Department of Transportation’s (Department) to adopt US 395 in Inyo County from INY 29.9 to INY 41.9 as a controlled access highway, redesignate a segment of superseded US 395 as Route 190 and, upon construction completion of the new controlled access highway, relinquish the remaining portion of the superseded US 395 to Inyo County. The Department proposes to adopt this 12.14 mile section of US 395 to construct a new expressway within the adoption limits, which will improve safety for the traveling public, raise the level of service, and provide a continuous four-lane facility in Inyo County. A final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act was approved by the Department on March 7, 2017 and by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on May 26, 2017. The Department approved a project report on June 27, 2017 recommending construction of the new US 395 expressway on a new alignment and redesignation of a portion of the superseded segment as Route 190. The remaining portion of the superseded highway will be relinquished to Inyo County after project construction completion.

Within the proposed adoption limits, U.S. Highway 395 is currently a two-lane undivided conventional highway. It traverses gently sloping terrain at elevations between 3,600 and 3,900 feet as it passes through the communities of Olancha and Cartago. Olancha is sparsely developed with a few businesses, a post office, and one service station. Cartago is located about three miles north of Olancha and is primarily a residential community. There are a few businesses and residences adjacent to the highway, but in general, the highway corridor is rural in nature. This project will connect the four-lane divided expressway segments at both ends of the adoption limits.

The existing highway generally consists of two 12-foot lanes and 8-foot paved shoulders within 100 feet of right of way. There are no shoulder improvements such as curb, gutter or sidewalk throughout this section of the highway. There is no median and approximately 50 percent of the highway is barrier striped to prevent passing. There are undivided passing lanes for both northbound and southbound traffic north of Cartago. The posted speed limits vary from 65 mph outside of the communities to 55 mph within the communities. In addition to the intersection with Route 190, there are six other public road connections and numerous other private roads and access points to the existing highway within the project limits.

Due to the numerous access points and limited sight distances along US 395, passing zones are limited. There is also a mixture of slower recreational and commercial vehicles, local residential and business traffic, and faster through traffic. The limited passing opportunities and mixed traffic has led to queuing within the communities, driver frustration, and frequent unsafe passing maneuvers. In 2006, shoulders were widened and the posted speed limit reduced within the communities, but the fatal accident rate remained at 1.29 times the statewide average. This section of highway is currently operating at Level of Service (LOS) D and is projected to fall to LOS E within the 20-year planning period.

The proposed route adoption will allow the Department to construct the expressway on a new alignment. It will eliminate traffic congestion and significantly increase safety for the traveling public by separating opposing traffic, removing passing restrictions, and controlling access points. Finally, the new expressway will provide route continuity on US 395 and will complete the construction of four-lanes throughout the US 395 corridor in Inyo County.

A draft project report was approved in September 2010 to evaluate five alternatives. Their environmental impacts were evaluated in an Initial Study/Environmental Assessment circulated end of 2010. Focused studies performed for the preferred alternative determined that mitigation of cultural impacts to insignificant levels may not be possible. As a result, the environmental document was elevated to a Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (EIR/EA) which allowed the Department to discuss the potential cultural impacts and evaluate the preferred alternative. The Draft EIR/EA was circulated from August to October 2015, after which the preferred alternative was selected.

The portion of the existing highway between the intersection with Route 190 and the southern intersection with the new expressway is proposed to be redesignated as Route 190. A concurrent Commission’s action to approve the redesignation of this portion of US 395 as Route 190 is on the January 2018 Commission agenda. This action will reestablish the terminus of Route 190 at US 395. The remaining portion of the superseded highway between the intersection with Route 190 and north of the community of Cartago will be relinquished to Inyo County after project completion. The superseded highway will continue to provide a local route that preserves the existing uses and access along the existing corridor. The project will also construct or reconstruct a couple other county roads, all of which will be relinquished to Inyo County.

This project has been jointly funded by the Inyo County Local Transportation Commission, Mono County Local Transportation Commission, Kern Council of Governments, and the Interregional Improvement Program. Due to shortfalls in the programming available for the 2016 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), the Construction Capital and Construction Support components were deprogrammed. Funding for the Construction Capital and Construction Support components have been restored in the proposed 2018 STIP. The estimated total cost of the project, including construction and right of way costs escalated to the year of construction, is $138,819,000. The project is scheduled to start construction in September 2020.The Department and Inyo County have agreed with the public road openings proposed for the new expressway and intend to execute a Controlled Access Highway Agreement following the Commission’s approval of this route adoption. Currently, the Department and Inyo County are negotiating the terms of the relinquishment agreement. Inyo County has agreed in principle to accept the relinquishment of the facilities.
(Source: CTC Agenda, January 2018, Agenda Item 2.3a(1))

The 2018 STIP, approved at the CTC March 2018 meeting, appears to restore funding from this, moving the total from $11,420K to $41,487K, including an additional $23,495K in FY21-22, presumably for construction. The project is near Olancha and Cartago, south of the Los Angeles Aqueduct Bridge to south of the Ash Creek Bridge. Widen 2 lane conventional highway to 4 lane expressway. There also appears to be additional funding for this from the Kern and Mono County shares.

In March 2020, the CTC approved the 2020 STIP, which appears to continue the programmed funding for PPNO 0170 "Olancha-Cartago 4-lane expressway (RIP 25%)" in both Inyo and Kern counties. This funding includes $17,992K in prior year funding, and 23,495K in FY21-22 for Inyo and $4,498K in prior year funding and 9,295K in FY21-22 for Kern. It also included PPNO 0170 Olancha-Cartago 4-lane expressway (IIP 40%), in the Interregional portion of the STIP with no change in programming: $17,992K in prior year funding. and $49,615K in FY21-22.
(Source: March 2020 CTC Agenda, Item 4.7, 2020 STIP Adopted 3/25/2020)

In April 2020, it was reported that Caltrans was in the final stages of design and right-of-way acquisition for the Olancha-Cartago 4-Lane project. The project will upgrade 12.6 miles of the current two-lane highway to a four-lane access-controlled expressway. The new alignment will begin four miles south of Olancha to four miles north of Cartago and will close the gap between the existing four-lane sections to the north and the south. Preconstruction activities include utility verification and relocation, vegetation removal and/or relocation, staking the new alignment, installing desert tortoise exclusion fence, and other various preliminary items. This $83 million-dollar project is jointly funded by Inyo and Mono Counties’ Local Transportation Commissions, Kern Council of Governments, and Caltrans with State Transportation Improvement Program funds. Project completion is tentatively scheduled for late 2023.
(Source: Sierra Wave Media)

In October 2020, the CTC was given notice of a proposed amendment to the US 395 – Olancha and Cartago 4-lane Expressway project in Inyo county (PPNO 0170) (EA 21340/21341) (INY 29.200/41.800), to separate out a portion of the mitigation work ( ~~$2,920,000~~ $3,058,000) into a new project, identified as the Olancha and Cartago Expressway Desert Tortoise Exclusion Fence project (PPNO 0170B). This project had extensive and complex environmental challenges, which culminated in successfully achieving environmental clearance in June 2017, after efforts for over 10 years, with an Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment. During the design phase, the archaeological pre-mitigation work needed to be completed. A separate archaeological pre-mitigation project for $5,000,000 was programmed for this project, which was allocated by the Commission in May 2018. In addition, avoidance and mitigation measures are required to protect the Desert Tortoise. The avoidance and mitigation fencing are required to be completed prior to pre-construction activities such as geo-tech investigations, geo-tech boring, geo-archeology coring, archeological data recovery and utility relocation. In addition, the fence must be in place prior to commencing construction activities such clearing and grubbing vegetation, culvert installation, roadway construction and bridge construction. The funding for the fencing was identified and budgeted in the Right of Way (R/W) component. R/W funding for the project was programmed in 2014 and was done as a lump sum allocation per STIP Guidelines. It had been the standard practice to execute the construction of the fencing through a service contract with R/W funds. However, in December 2018, there was a policy change that no longer allows R/W capital funds to be used in that manner, and a contract is necessary to construct the fencing requiring the work to be split and delivered separate from the main project construction. The Desert Tortoise Exclusion Fence project cost is ~~$2,920,000~~ $3,058,000. The proposal is to separate the cost and scope of the fence from the construction capital of the main project. This separate project would be able to begin ahead of the major construction contract. With a separate project to address the fencing, it reduces the risk of delays to the main project. The current estimated construction capital cost of the main project remains on budget. The right of way cost estimate for the main project is currently under budget with potential cost savings to be reported at time of construction allocation. By having the fencing in place, allows the construction to proceed without delays. This change to separate out the fencing cost, from the construction capital, allows the project to proceed, mitigates the risk of delays since the original process of implementing as a service is no longer feasible. It should be noted that the new alignment can be cleared at any time after the fence is constructed, and the Desert Tortoise fencing would not be the critical path for the prime contractor. In December 2020, the amendment (with a corrected amount for the fencing) was voted upon.
(Source: October 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1b.(1); December 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(2))

In December 2020, the CTC approved an allocation of $3,058,000 for the State-Administered STIP Olancha and Cartago Expressway Desert Tortoise Exclusion Fence project (PPNO 0170B ProjID 0914000036 EA 21341) (395 INY 29.200/41.800), on the State Highway System, in Inyo County, programmed in 2021-22. These funds are for installation of Desert Tortoise Exclusion Fencing.
(Source: December 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5c.(5))

In May 2021, the CTC approved an allocation of $92,966,000 for the State-Administered STIP Olancha and Cartago Expressway project (PPNO 0170), on the State Highway System, in Inyo County, programmed in 2021-22. The allocation is divided as follows: $83,116,000 from the Budget Act of 2020, Budget Act Items 2660-301-0042 and 2660-301-0890 for construction and $9,850,000 for construction engineering. Allocation time extensions for other projects programmed within the current, fiscal year have allowed for sufficient capacity to become available to fund this advanced project allocation. Details: 09-Iny-395 29.2/41.8. PPNO 09-0170; ProjID 0900000030; EA 21340. Olancha and Cartago Expressway. US 395 near Olancha and Cartago, south of the Los Angeles Aqueduct Bridge to south of the Ash Creek Bridge. Widen 2 lane conventional highway to 4 lane expressway. (Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-17-53; August 2017.)
(Source: May 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5c.(5))

In July 2022, it was reported that ground was broken on the Olancha-Cartago 4-Lane Project. The Olancha-Cartago 4-Lane Expressway project will pass west of the town of Olancha and the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Once the alignment crosses Olancha Creek, the project will cross the Los Angeles Aqueduct and continue north through Cartago along the existing highway to meet up with the four-lane section of US 395 to the north of Cartago. The northbound and southbound lanes will be separated by a 100-foot unpaved median. As of July 2022, crews were placing rebar on the footing for the bridge abutments and wingwalls on the south side of the Los Angeles aqueduct; excavation for the bridge abutments on the south side of the Los Angeles Aqueduct was completed in June 2022 and excavation begun for the abutments on the north side. Drainage system installation continues throughout the project.
(Source: District 9 Project Page, July 2022)

In May 2023, it was reported that workers working on the Olancha-Cartao project have found buried human remains on the project's stretch of US 395. These bonds were missed by earlier archaeological surveys required to start construction of the $69.7-million Caltrans project to convert 12.6 miles of US 395 from a two-lane road to a safer four-lane expressway. Tribal leaders say, more than 30 tangled human skeletons had been unearthed at the site near the Inyo County community of Cartago, many of them adorned with artifacts: glass beads, abalone shells and arrowheads. As a result, tribal historic preservation officers are demanding that the California Department of Transportation halt construction and realign the project to avoid the gravesites. The project got off to a rocky start when it was proposed in 1997, with many tribal leaders warning that nearly every slope, sage plain and shoreline in the region held evidence of Indigenous people who knew it as a kingdom of irrigated villages and plentiful game surrounded by canyons and crags sculpted by storms and flash floods. Caltrans in April offered a proposal to curve the disputed section of highway around the burial site. But it wouldn’t move the highway far enough away to satisfy tribal leaders, who are calling for a clearance of at least half a mile to a mile. The tribes insist they are not against the highway improvement project. The problem is that it was approved for construction, they say, without their consultation. Finally, in mid to late May 2023, Caltrans announced that it has “halted all construction activities in the area in question,” including its search for human remains.
(Source: Los Angeles Times, 5/9/2023)

In June 2023, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding 09-Iny-395, PM 29.2/41.8 Olancha/Cartago Four-Lane Project. Widen and realign US 395 to four lanes, in Inyo County. (FEIR Addendum) (PPNO 0170) (STIP). The project is located on US 395 from postmile 29.2 to postmile 41.8, in Inyo County. The Department proposes to widen a two-lane conventional highway to a four-lane expressway. The project is currently programmed in the 2020 STIP for a total of $134,827,000, which includes Construction (Support and Capital). Construction began 2021-22. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope as programmed by the Commission in the 2020 STIP. A copy of the FEIR has been provided to Commission staff. The Commission approved the project for future consideration of funding on August 17, 2017, under Resolution E-17-53. Since the approval of the 2017 FEIR, CEQA addendums were prepared to address the modifications to utility relocations, the addition of fiber optic utility infrastructure as part of the Broadband Middle Mile Network effort, and the addition of a Global Navigation Satellite System (Real Time Network) survey station. Additionally, on September 22, 2020, the western Joshua tree gained protection under CESA as a candidate species to be listed as threatened or endangered. The Department subsequently completed Addendums to the FEIR pursuant to CEQA. The Department has approved this project for construction. This approval and Addendums will satisfy the environmental requirements for this stage of the planning process.
(Source: June 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(2) Item 9)

In June 2023, the CTC approved a request for an additional $7,800,000 in Construction Support for the STIP Olancha and Cartago Expressway project on US 395, in Inyo County, to complete the construction contract. This project (09-Iny-395 29.2/41.8, PPNO 09-0170; ProjID 0900000030; EA 21340) is located on US 395, in and near Olancha and Cartago, from south of the Los Angeles Aqueduct Bridge to south of the Ash Creek Bridge, in Inyo County. The project will convert the two-lane conventional highway into a four-lane expressway. In March 2012, the project was programmed for $5,900,000 in Construction Support in the STIP, $3,103,000 from the Interregional Improvement Program (IIP) and $2,797,000 from the Regional Improvement Program (RIP), for allocation in Fiscal Year 2020-21. In March 2014, the project was amended to increase the programmed amount to $8,100,000 in Construction Support, $4,260,000 from the IIP and $3,840,000 from the RIP based on the refinement of the resources needed when the Project Approval and Environmental Document phase was completed. In March 2018, the project was further amended to increase the programmed amount to $9,850,000 in Construction Support, $5,180,000 from the IIP and $4,670,000 from the RIP, based on the escalation of the resources to the year of allocation. In May 2021, the project was allocated for $9,850,000 in Construction Support in the STIP, $5,180,000 from the IIP and $4,670,000 from the RIP. In October 2021, the project was awarded, and construction began in January 2022, with a planned 500 working days. The remaining funds are currently at $1,836,000 in Construction Support. The project is 40 percent complete with 235 working days remaining. The planned Construction Contract Acceptance is scheduled for August 2024. The Department is requesting supplemental funds in the amount of $7,800,000 in Construction Support from the IIP, to complete the construction contract. Total revised amount $84,310,100.
(Source: June 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5e.(9))

The project realized cost increases due to previously undiscovered archeological resources and storm issues that caused staging delays, regrading of areas, and rework of drainage. These events and changes have resulted additional work. The project is located in an environmentally sensitive area for biology and tribal/archeological resources. Extensive tribal coordination, outreach, and consultation have been and continue to be conducted throughout project development and construction. Unanticipated finds of archaeological and tribal cultural resources, including burials, necessitated additional surveys, monitoring, treatment, avoidance measures, and security services which increased costs. These additional resources amount to $2,700,000. Due to the extent of newly discovered archeological resources, the northbound lanes were realigned to avoid the resources, resulting in redesign and additional utility work. These additional resources amount to $900,000. Adding to the delay were the severe Winter storms in 2023 that caused damage to the drainage systems and surrounding rough grading and work stoppages, resulting in delays in critical path items and delaying the project by three months. An emergency project is underway, under a Director’s Order, to repair the storm damage that occurred to drainage systems in the area and on this project. The contractor on this project was brought in to perform the emergency storm damage repair work. The resource mitigation and the emergency damage repair work will delay paving and related construction activities. An additional 175 working days will be needed to complete the project. This will result in the project being completed in three construction seasons as opposed to the two seasons that were originally planned. The project will need additional resources in the amount of $4,200,000 to complete the remaining activities to close out the project.
(Source: June 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5e.(9))

In May 2024, the CTC approved a request for an additional $33,200,000 (39.9% increase) in Construction Capital and $5,100,000 (51.8% increase) in Construction Support for the STIP Olancha and Cartago Expressway project on US 395, in Inyo County. (EA 21340, PPNO 0170). The project had challenges resulting in significant delays due to extreme weather events, including an exceptionally rare summer storm, an intense winter season, and Hurricane Hilary. Additionally, archeological resources encountered surpassed what was anticipated, requiring further studies, engagement with tribal groups, and adjustments to the road design. As a result of these challenges, the project needed to reconstruct drainage systems, regrade the roadway, and undertake additional work, leading to an increase in the number of working days required to complete the project. As a result of extreme weather events in 2023 that included an intense summer storm, Hurricane Hilary, and a very wet winter season, the project suffered major storm damage. To address damages caused by these events, the project required additional funding to rework damage to multiple drainage facilities and reconstruct damaged embankment areas along the 12.6-mile project limits. In addition, the project is located in an environmentally sensitive area for biological and tribal/archeological resources. Extensive tribal coordination, engagement, and consultation have been and continue to be conducted throughout project development and construction. Archeological sites were anticipated on the project with a State Historic Preservation Officer approved treatment plan that was developed and implemented to handle sites on a case-by-case basis. Site treatments, when encountered, were developed in coordination with the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the project to determine avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures. During roadway excavation, the sites encountered exceeded what preliminary environmental studies and exploratory testing anticipated. Due to the extent of resources encountered during construction, it was determined that exposed areas required 24/7 tribal security until the sites were mitigated and protected. The concentration of sites discovered during construction led to a full work shutdown on a two-mile section of the project from June to October 2023. Tribal engagement during this period resulted in the complete redesign of 12 lane-miles of roadway to avoid, minimize, and mitigate archeological impacts. This work shutdown in the area also impacted the critical path of the contractor’s work and added additional delays to the contract. These impacts to construction costs affected prices for time-related overhead, time delays, lump-sum bid items, tribal security, and site treatment. It also affected the quantities for earthwork, aggregate base, hot mix asphalt, drainage systems, and other time-related impacts due to the delay. These delays and redesign in construction of the roadway will amount to an increase of $33,200,000 in capital costs. The number of archeological sites encountered during construction exceeded what was anticipated following initial tribal consultations. Additional tribal engagement and archeological support was required to develop and construct a redesigned roadway that minimized and/or avoided the archeological resources. Project delays and the redesign of the roadway to address cultural resources require an additional 390 working days to complete the project. In addition, support efforts were and will continue to be required to identify, protect, and appropriately treat sites, and engage with Tribal partners. This additional work requires $5,100,000 in support costs to finish the project. The funding will be used to continue engineering and construction support activities as described above and to cover archeological activities due to the increased number of working days.
(Source: May 2024 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5e.(17))

In October 2024, it was reported that Southbound US 395 traffic would switch onto the new southbound lanes of the Olancha Cartago 4-Lane Expressway Project . With this switch, Caltrans will open a new road connecting the new southbound lanes to old US 395 and Route 190. Southbound traffic would use one lane of the new expressway as far as Crystal Geyser Road, and then would use the full two-lane expressway. Northbound traffic will remain on the existing lanes of US 395 through Grant, Olancha, and Cartago, although the segment between US 395 and N Haiwee Road would be northbound traffic only. A second traffic switch planned for November 2024 will move northbound traffic to the new northbound lanes.
(Source: Caltrans, 10/3/2024)

In November 2024, it was reported another switch occurred. Northbound traffic was switched to the new expressway as far as Crystal Geyser. Traffic then switched to one of the SB expressway lanes to Owens Lake Operations Access Road. The segment from N Haiwee Road S to US 395 was closed to both directions; it will likely reopen after the expressway is completed in 2025 and a new connection with US 395 constructed.
(Source: Caltrans, 11/23/2024)

In December 2024, it was reported that the Route 190 connector within the Olancha-Cartago 4-Lane Expressway Project was open to the traveling public. However, no map showing this connector had yet been published, so it is unclear if this connector is intended to replace the section of old US 395 S of Haiwee Road. There have been no changes to the route adoption previously made, and if the new connector was to be officially part of Route 190, that would likely require CTC action.
(Source: Caltrans, 12/19/2024)

According to the District 9 PIO, upon completion and close out of the Olancha-Cartago 4-Lane Project, the postmile database will be updated to redesignate the Route 190 connector and the stretch of old US 395 from Route 190 in Olancha to the new connector on the southern end of the project as Route 190/Business Route 395. The PIO also confirmed that the stretch of US 395 from the southern connector to the southern end of the project is being permanently removed.
(Source: Email from Michael Lingberg, District 9 PIO, 1/8/2025)

In April 2012, the CTC authorized SHOPP funding on Route 190, in Inyo County, 09-INY-190 R65.9/R66.5 Near Panamint Springs, from 8.0 miles east of Panamint Valley Road to 10 miles west of Wildrose Road. $1,018,000 to realign roadway to allow the construction of a shoulder catchment area for falling rocks and minimize the potential of traffic collisions.

In December 2023, the CTC approved amending the following project into the 2022 SHOPP: 09-Iny-190 68.8/128.0. PPNO 09-2734; ProjID 0924000008; EA 40110. Route 190 Near Bishop, from 7.7 miles west of Wildrose Canyon Road to 5.5 miles east of West Dante View Road. Clear flood debris from roadway, reconstruct damaged roadway embankment and fill erosion gullies, grade eroded dirt shoulders and reestablish roadside geometry, reconstruct damaged pavement and drainage systems, rebuild washed out roadway embankment and pavement washouts, and perform traffic control. Note: On August 20, 2023, tropical storm Hilary brought heavy rains that caused extensive flooding which caused numerous partial and full pavement washouts, deposition of rock and mud flood debris onto the roadway, shoulders, and into drainage courses, erosion of dirt shoulders and roadway embankment up to 7 feet deep, plugged culverts, and damaged earthen flood control dikes, which has led to a long-term full road closure to the traveling public. This project will clear flood debris from roadway, reconstruct damaged roadway embankment and fill erosion gullies, grade eroded dirt shoulders and reestablish roadside geometry, reconstruct damaged pavement and drainage systems, rebuild washed out roadway embankment and pavement washouts, and perform traffic control. Allocation ($ × $1000) PA&ED $0; PS&E $0; R/W Sup $0; Con Sup $2,750; R/W Cap $0; Const Cap $11,000; TOTAL $13,750. FY23-24.
(Source: December 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1a) #23)

Panamint Springs / Towne Pass Curves Project (09-Iny-190, PM 69.2/69.8)

Panamint Realingment In June 2017, the CTC authorized for future consideration of funding a project that realigns approximately 0.6 mile of Route 190 (09-Iny-190, PM 69.2/69.8) within Death Valley National Park near Towne Pass near the town of Panamint Springs in Inyo County. The project will be funded from State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) funds and is programmed in the 2016 SHOPP for an estimated $6.7 million construction (capital and support) and Right of Way (capital and support). Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 2018-19. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2016 SHOPP. A copy of the MND has been provided to Commission staff. The project will result in less than significant impacts to the environment after mitigation. The following resource areas may be impacted by the project: cultural resources and visual/aesthetics. Avoidance and minimization measures will reduce any potential effects on the environment. These measures include, but are not limited to, disturbed areas will be recontoured and revegetated, and a historic context shall be developed for future use in evaluation of the Eichbaum Toll Road. As a result, an MND was completed for this project.

In August 2018, the CTC approved a $4.2 million project on Route 190 in Death Valley near Panamint Springs that will realign curves and widen shoulders to reduce the number and severity of collisions.
(Source: Mojave Desert News, 8/21/2018)

Two-Way Left Turn Lanes near Furnace Creek (09-Iny-190 96.8 /111.6)

March 2026 review of the DRAFT 2026 SHOPP identified the following new project: 09-Iny-190 96.8 /111.6. PPNO 09-2722; ProjID 0921000045; EA 39040. Route 190 Near Furnace Creek, from 3.6 miles east of Scotty's Castle Road to 0.1 mile west of Badwater Road. Rehabilitate pavement and drainage systems, construct two-way-left-turn- lane with paved shoulders, and upgrade Transportation Management System (TMS) elements. (Long Lead Project). Note: Complex and lengthy environmental consultation and permitting is nee Death Valley National Park location. Allocation ($ × 1,000): PA&ED $2,797; ⊘PS&E $2,867; ⊘R/W Sup $793; ⊘Con Sup $3,402; ⊘R/W Cap $1,463; ⊘Const Cap $24,800; TOTAL $36,122. Begin Const: 12/16/2029. “⊘” indicates phase not authorized.
(Source: Caltrans SHOPP Page: DRAFT 2026 SHOPP PROPOSED, State Highway Operation and Protection Program, Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2029-30 (PDF), January 31, 2026; March 2026 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 4.7)

In March 2026, the CTC approved the following 2026 SHOPP pre-construction phase (environmental support) allocation: $2,797,000. 09-Iny-190 96.8 /111.6. PPNO 09-2722; ProjID 0921000045; EA 39040. Route 190 Near Furnace Creek, from 3.6 miles east of Scotty's Castle Road to 0.1 mile west of Badwater Road. Rehabilitate pavement and drainage systems, construct two-way-left-turn lane with paved shoulders, and upgrade Transportation Management System (TMS) elements. Note: Complex and lengthy environmental consultation and permitting is needed due to Death Valley National Park location. Pre-Construction Phase Allocation ($ × $1000): Budgeted (Actual, if different): PA&ED $2,797.
(Source: March 2026 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(3) #24)