CalTrans is debating whether to use some of the recent gas tax money to put in truck climbing lanes on State Route 58 from Bakersfield to Barstow.

Spokeswoman Florene Trainor says more cars are on the road in western Kern County, and the lanes would allow for freer flow of traffic over the hills. It would give room for struggling semis as well.

Engineers have begun mapping the lanes while a study on the project is expected to be done by July.

Kelli Pierce