Mojave road project closes South Kelbaker access and Kelso Dunes starting Nov. 16

Mojave National Preserve will begin a multiyear road-rehabilitation project on November 16 with a closure that cuts off South Kelbaker Road from Kelso to the preserve's southern boundary. The park's current conditions notice says Kelso Dunes, its primitive camping area and the Granite Pass/Kelbaker Boulders primitive camping area will also close until this first construction phase is complete.

The National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration plan work along roughly 42 miles of South Kelbaker and Kelso-Cima roads. Construction will proceed in phases through an expected 2029 completion, so the November closure is the first of multiple route changes rather than a one-time maintenance day. The agency warns that later closures can add substantial driving time across the preserve.

The project is intended to rebuild deteriorated pavement, widen shoulders, adjust alignments and sightlines, improve difficult curves and strengthen drainage against seasonal flooding and extreme heat. The NPS says construction planning also includes protections for desert tortoise habitat and other natural and cultural resources.

A virtual public meeting is scheduled for November 9 at 4 p.m. Pacific time, when park staff plan to explain construction phases, expected closures and travel effects. Before work begins, the conditions page still lists the main paved roads as open, but it separately notes rough pavement, potholes, washed-out shoulders and possible one-hour delays at the Kelbaker Road railroad crossing near Kelso Depot.