Los Banos, CA (September 5, 2025) – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) issued a significant traffic advisory detailing a series of upcoming rest area, lane, ramp, and highway closures affecting areas in Los Banos, and across Merced County. Motorists are encouraged to stay informed and consider alternate routes.
Local Impact – Los Banos Area (SR-165)
- Pavement and Bridge Work on SR-165
One-way traffic controls are in effect overnight in various sections near Los Banos:- Charleston Avenue to Almond Drive (bridge work):
Sunday, September 7 → Monday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 10 → Friday, September 12, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. - Scripps Drive → Santa Barbara Avenue (pavement):
Sunday, September 7 → Monday, September 8, 10 p.m.–6 a.m. - Santa Fe Grade Road → Overland Avenue (pavement):
Monday, September 8 → Tuesday, September 9, 10 p.m.–6 a.m. - Los Banos Sports Park → Santa Fe Grade Road (pavement):
Tuesday, September 9 → Wednesday, September 10, 10 p.m.–6 a.m. - Scripps Drive → Santa Fe Grade Road (pavement):
Wednesday, September 10 → Friday, September 12, 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
Expect 5 to 10 minute delays; alternate routes are recommended.
- Charleston Avenue to Almond Drive (bridge work):
- Extended Pavement Rehabilitation Project on SR-165
Starting Wednesday, September 3, Caltrans crews will perform overnight work (10 p.m.–6 a.m., Sundays–Thursdays) on SR-165 between Almond Drive and Santa Fe Grade Road, lasting approximately 85 working days—with completion expected in late November 2025. Activities will include resurfacing with hot-mix asphalt, installing shoulder backing, signage, and rumble strips. Updates will be shared via weekly advisories and social media.
Other Notable Closures in Merced County
State Route 140 (SR-140)
- One-Way Traffic for Utility Work
Between SR-33 West and Kniebes Road, and separately from Linden Avenue to Fourth Avenue:
Monday, September 8 → Friday, September 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. - Special Event Closure
Saturday, September 13, a full closure between SR-33 West and Sixth Avenue/Fourth Street from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. due to an event.
State Route 99 (SR-99)
- Ramp Closures
On Wednesday, September 10, northbound SR-99 at the Applegate Road Overcrossing will have full on- and off-ramp closures between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
State Route 59 (SR-59)
- Bridge Work (16th Street)
Ongoing lane and shoulder closures on both directions of the 16th Street Bridge: February 10 → December 31, 2025, 8 p.m.–11 p.m. nightly. - Full Southbound Closure
From West Olive Avenue/Santa Fe Drive to Cooper Street, nightly 9 p.m.–5 a.m., Sunday, September 7 → Friday, September 12.
Interstate 5 (I-5)
- John C. Erreca Rest Area (Southbound)
Closed since April 4, 2022, and remaining closed through September 30, 2025. Alternative: Coalinga–Avenal Rest Area at the Fresno–Kings County line. Caltrans
Drivers can expect 5 to 10-minute delays in the affected zones. Use of alternate routes is strongly recommended wherever possible. All schedules are subject to potential changes due to traffic incidents, weather, material/equipment availability, or other unforeseen construction challenges.
For real-time highway conditions and updates, visit QuickMap at quickmap.dot.ca.gov. Caltrans urges motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” for the safety of both workers and travelers.
