Caltrans to Close I-5 Lanes Near Lebec for Grapevine Rehab Work

Overnight lane closures scheduled April 6-7, followed by 24/7 lane reduction through May 2026.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:35am

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the grand scale of the Grapevine section of Interstate 5 with sweeping, smooth gradients and sleek, streamlined forms, capturing the impact of the upcoming lane closures on this vital transportation corridor.The Grapevine, a critical transportation corridor, faces extended lane closures as Caltrans begins major rehabilitation work on Interstate 5.Bakersfield Today

Caltrans has announced upcoming lane closures on Interstate 5 near Lebec, California as part of the Grapevine Rehab Project. The closures will begin with overnight lane reductions on April 6-7, followed by a longer-term 24/7 lane reduction starting April 8 that will remain in place through the completion of the project in early May 2026.

Why it matters

The Grapevine section of I-5 is a critical transportation corridor connecting Southern and Central California. These lane closures will cause significant traffic delays and congestion for drivers traveling through the area, impacting both commuters and commercial traffic.

The details

Caltrans said crews will be constructing crossover lanes, prompting closures of the No. 1 lane in both directions near Grapevine Road and the Lebec Road Overcrossing. The initial overnight closures on April 6-7 will run from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. each night, with a 0.5 mile lane reduction segment. Starting April 8, the No. 1 lane of northbound and southbound I-5 will be closed 24/7 in the same 0.5 mile segment near Grapevine Road and Lebec Road Overcrossing.

  • The overnight lane closures are scheduled for Monday, April 6 and Tuesday, April 7 from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
  • The longer-term 24/7 lane closure is set to begin on Wednesday, April 8 at 9 p.m. and continue through the end of the project in early May 2026.

The players

Caltrans

The California Department of Transportation, the state agency responsible for maintaining and improving the state's highway system.

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What’s next

Caltrans said the operation is expected to be completed in early May 2026, but closures may continue for longer periods if necessary due to weather or other uncontrollable events.

The takeaway

These extended lane closures on a critical section of I-5 will cause significant traffic disruptions for both commuters and commercial vehicles traveling through the Grapevine area. Drivers should plan for delays and consider alternate routes if possible during the duration of this Caltrans rehabilitation project.