Caltrans announces new plan to beautify Bakersfield

Caltrans is intensifying its efforts in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County to curb litter and beautify the area. 

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Caltrans announced a new 10-point action plan on Tuesday to beautify Bakersfield. 

What they’re saying: “Litter eradication restores beauty to our transportation system and reinvigorates community spirit by creating infrastructure that is functional, eco-friendly, and visually appealing,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Strategically deploying Caltrans maintenance crews and engaging the public to help prevent littering will work to aggressively clear trash and provide Kern County residents the clean highway roadsides they deserve and expect.” 

The plan: Here’s the 10-point plan that Caltrans will follow to beautify Bakersfield:

1. Addressing customer requests about litter, fence repairs, graffiti, and encampments
2. Repairing irrigation, clearing litter, and removing overgrown areas within landscaped freeways
3. Keeping key roadways and ramps clear of litter, weeds, brush overgrowth, graffiti and doing pavement and electrical repairs
4. Dedicating a coordinator to oversee beautification
5. Partnering with the City of Bakersfield and others to focus beautification efforts in and around downtown areas and roadways
6. Using social media to get the community involved
7. Keeping traffic moving with QuickMap push alerts to let drivers know about lane closures
8. Updating changeable message signs to highlight worker safety and beautification efforts
9. Ensuring construction areas stay clear of debris and litter
10. Using new sweepers