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UPDATE: Highway 178 back open after boulder closes lanes

Caltrans crews working to remove 12-foot by 8-foot boulder and repair road damage
Large boulder blocks Highway 178 at the mouth of the canyon
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and last updated

UPDATE: 11/21 3:25pm
According to CHP Bakersfield, Highway 178 is back open following a rockslide.

ORIGINAL STORY
Highway 178 remains closed at the mouth of the canyon after multiple rockslides deposited massive boulders across both lanes, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The closure began around 3 a.m. when a large boulder the size of an entire lane blocked the roadway. Additional slides have since occurred, creating more obstacles for crews working to clear the highway.

According to Caltrans reports, one boulder measures 12 feet by 8 feet and weighs approximately 40,000 pounds. The rock slides have also created a 2-foot-deep depression affecting both eastbound and westbound lanes.

The slides have also damaged guardrails in the area. Caltrans has set up hard closures at both ends of the canyon and will provide updates as the situation develops.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.


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