INDEPENDENCE, INYO COUNTY — October 22, 2026. Travel through Independence and the approach south of Manzanar National Historic Site will continue to be shaped by the Manzanar Pavement Project during the week of October 26–30. Caltrans’ new District 9 notice details final striping, more asphalt work and temporary reduced speeds on U.S. Highway 395.
What changes near Independence
Caltrans says crews will begin laying permanent striping within Independence on Monday, October 26. The agency reports that all southbound traffic has already shifted back to newly paved southbound lanes from the south end of town to approximately 2.5 miles south of Manzanar National Historic Site.
Crews also plan one more layer of asphalt on the northbound lanes south of Independence, along with intermittent lane closures. Work is scheduled Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; drivers may encounter delays.
Know the different posted speeds
The state bulletin describes a 55-mph reduced limit in the project zone and 25 mph within Independence. Both numbers appear because work zones and populated streets have different driving conditions; motorists must obey the actually posted limit for their current location rather than one number from a summary.
Visitors to Manzanar should check access separately
The work is relevant to motorists traveling to or beyond Manzanar National Historic Site, but the Caltrans road bulletin is not an announcement that the historic site has closed. Visitors should confirm park operating information with the National Park Service while using Caltrans for the highway.
Project funding cited by the transportation agency includes $44.64 million from federal infrastructure funds and $5.78 million in state SB 1 support. These numbers describe the broader project, not an extra $50 million for next week’s striping alone.
Where this information comes from
The precise work zone and scheduled dates are from the Caltrans District 9 traffic bulletin dated October 22, 2026, covering the week of October 26–30. The bulletin is a plan, not a real-time closure notice. Road conditions, start times and closures may change due to storms, incidents and equipment. Before leaving, check Caltrans QuickMap or the state highway condition line 1-800-427-7623. Slow for workers and respect all temporary signs.
Local editor’s note: This report does not claim eyewitness verification or a current full road closure. Corrections with documentation can be sent to california58com@gmail.com.
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