By Spencer Shepard
Highway 178 is closed in both directions at the mouth of the Kern River Canyon after a large boulder fell onto the roadway early Friday morning.
The first report came in at 2:56 a.m., when Caltrans notified dispatch that a boulder the size of an entire lane was blocking the highway. CHP confirmed the closure minutes later and began shutting down both ends of the canyon.
By 4:45 a.m., dispatch notes showed the situation had worsened. Emergency vehicles were no longer able to pass, and crews reported that the rock was now blocking both lanes. Caltrans arrived on scene shortly after 3:30 a.m.
CHP’s most recent update at 5:34 a.m. stated that Highway 178 remains fully closed to all traffic. The boulder is located near Powerhouse No. 1.
Caltrans has not given an estimate for reopening. Heavy equipment will be needed to break apart or remove the rock.
This story will be updated as crews continue working in the canyon.
