Derec contacted 17 News. He says Highway 178 through the Kern River Canyon had three passing lanes until recently. He says now there are none.
A new sign at the mouth, west of the canyon warns eastbound drivers that there is a "no passing zone for the next 14 miles." But, there are no signs telling slower drivers to use turnouts or allow others to pass.
Derec wants to know who made those decisions and why?
Jose Camarena with Caltrans says the last paving job on State Route 178 through the canyon re-striped the entire ten-mile length as double yellow "no passing" in order to increase the level of safety for all drivers between Lake Isabella and Bakersfield.
The project started in July 2011 and was completed at the end of August 2011.
Only one passing opportunity was removed and all existing turnouts and related signs were left in place. Existing turnouts still allow for the passing of slower moving vehicles.
