Highway 395 & 14 CLOSURES 9/19 Check road conditions

Question

On approximately noon 9/19 there are currently two major road closures because of flooding and possible roadway damage

Highway 395 is closed between Redrock-Randsburg Road and the Highway 14 interchange is currently closed

Highway 14 is closed between approximately Red Rock turnoff and Jawbone.

This means that travel from Los Angeles, including LAX, and from Riverside to the eastern Sierra towns is severely impeded and the usual route to Lone Pine and farther north is stopped

There is a long circuitous detour that goes north of Bakersfield to Lake Isabella to Highway 14.

The Highway 395 closure means that traffic from Riverside / San Bernadino to the eastern Sierra may also have to detour through Bakersfield

Caltrans is working on it and will update on FB ( Caltrans district 9).

If you have to catch a plane at LAX or other southern California airports today, tonight, or even tomorrow you need to make plans now and keep watching the Caltrans site to update any road openings in this area

There is also rain possible this afternoon and evening, so don't could on dry roads tonight.

Answer

As of noon on 9/19, there are significant road closures affecting travel in the California Desert region, particularly along Highway 395 and Highway 14, due to flooding and potential roadway damage. These closures impact anyone traveling from Los Angeles, Riverside, or surrounding areas to the eastern Sierra towns.

Current closures:

Highway 395 is closed between Redrock-Randsburg Road and the Highway 14 interchange.
Highway 14 is closed between approximately the Red Rock turnoff and Jawbone.

This means the usual routes to Lone Pine and destinations farther north are currently blocked. Travelers from Riverside, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles may experience severe delays, and those trying to reach airports such as LAX should plan carefully.

Detour options:

A circuitous detour north of Bakersfield via Lake Isabella to Highway 14 is currently the main alternative.
Traffic from Riverside/San Bernardino to the eastern Sierra may also need to detour through Bakersfield.

Important considerations:

Caltrans is actively working on clearing and assessing the closures; updates are posted on the Caltrans District 9 Facebook page.
Rain is expected this afternoon and evening, so road conditions may worsen. Travelers should not assume roads will be dry tonight.
If you have flights to catch today, tonight, or tomorrow, it is essential to monitor the Caltrans site and adjust plans immediately.

In summary, travel through Highway 395 and Highway 14 in the eastern Sierra region is currently hazardous and disrupted. Only attempt travel if absolutely necessary, and be prepared for long detours through Bakersfield and other alternate routes. Continuous monitoring of official updates is strongly recommended.