CalTrans has scheduled lane closures on northbound State Route 99, in Tulare County this weekend.

Northbound State Route 99 will be down to one lane from Elk Bayou to Avenue 200 on Saturday, March 23rd and Sunday, March 24th between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

This closure will also include the northbound State Route 99 off-ramp to Avenue 200 on both days of operation.

Closures may continue for longer periods of time each day if necessary, due to delays caused by weather or uncontrollable events that may occur during maintenance.  These scheduled closures will occur, weather permitting.

Motorists can expect delays and are encouraged to take an alternate route if possible.  California Highway Patrol officers will be on site, helping with traffic control. 

Don't forget: “Slow for the Cone Zone.”

Tulare County Association of Governments staff will present to city councils in February and March to generate public input on a proposed amendment to Measure R, the sales tax for roads, bikes and buses.

The Clean Air category (transit, pedestrian paths, bikeways) may be amended because projections indicate that additional revenue may be available. Each city and the County has had the opportunity to request funding for additional projects.

“Deciding how to spend this projected additional funding requires an amendment to the plan that voters approved,” explained Ted Smalley, executive director of TCAG. “So, input from the residents of Tulare County is required in order to change it.”

Public meetings will be held:

• Tuesday, Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m., Porterville City Council meeting, Porterville City Hall, 291 N. Main St.

• Tuesday, Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m., Dinuba City Council meeting, Dinuba City Hall, 405 E.

California has had its first taste of cold, wet weather, and while people prepare for holiday travel, the oncoming winter season and the onslaught of more rain and snow, the California Office of Traffic Safety wants to remind motorists of the importance of staying safe and alert when driving in dangerous conditions.

"The coming weeks are sure to bring heavy holiday traffic and more wet weather, so exercising extreme caution when hitting the roadways is incredibly important," Christopher J. Murphy, Director of the California Office of Traffic Safety said.

The following tips are designed to help California drivers safely navigate wet, snowy and icy roadways during the holiday travel time: