TRAFFIC ADVISORY 
Rest Area & Highway Lane Closures 
Interstate 5 and State Routes 59, 99 & 165 
(John C. Erreca Rest Area is Open) 

October 10, 2026 – Merced County – The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will perform various closures on Interstate 5 (I-5), and State Route 59 (SR-59), SR-99, and SR-165 for maintenance and construction operations. Work is scheduled to occur as follows:

INTERSTATE 5

• Full closure at the intersection of Hwy. 165 and American Ave. in Hilmar on Friday, October 16th, 2026, from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. for a private event.
• Long-Term full closure of the southbound and northbound John C. Erreca Rest Areas on I-5 for sewer work beginning Thursday, April 1, 2026. No current ETO.

o ALTERNATE LOCATIONS: Motorists traveling southbound are advised to use the Coalinga-Avenal Rest Area (Fresno/Kings County line).

STATE ROUTE 59

• One way traffic control on SR-59 from Jem St. to Sandy Mush Rd. for shoulder work on October 14 and 15, 2026 from 7:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.

STATE ROUTE 99

• One-way surface street traffic control on SR-99 at the East Atwater Overcrossing for utility work beginning Monday, October 12, through Friday, October 16, 2026, from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

STATE ROUTE 165

• Full closure at the intersection of Hwy. 165 and American Ave. in Hilmar on Friday, October 16th, 2026, from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. for a private event.

Motorists should expect 5-10 minute delays and use alternate routes whenever possible.

This work is scheduled to take place as listed, but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment, and/or construction related issues.

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert.

For the latest road information, visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov & dot.ca.gov. 

Source: Caltrans