Months of roadwork in Mojave National Preserve in California have ended for the Cima Road, which will reopen on November 6.

The freshly paved and improved Cima Road is safer to visitors and offers a more enjoyable scenic driving experience thanks to the addition of vehicle turnouts, wider turns, and clearly defined road shoulders, according to park staff.

Over the last year, 18 miles of Cima Road underwent major roadway rehabilitation and safety improvement projects including road realignment, culverts, tortoise fencing, and other betterments to increase the road's resiliency from monsoon events.

“We are thrilled to reopen Cima Road ahead of the holiday season. It's a great time of year to visit Mojave National Preserve and Cima is now a safe, smooth, modern road that enhances scenic driving, safety, and the overall visitor experience,” said Mojave Superintendent Ray McPadden. “I'd like to thank our Mojave National Preserve staff, regional team members, and Federal Highways Administration for helping make this happen.”

With $24 million of federal funding and assistance from the Federal Highway Administration, the preserve has been able to improve a network of paved roads including Essex Road, Black Canyon Road, North Kelbaker Road, and Kelso-Cima Road.

The installation of five miles of tortoise fencing along Cima Road is expected to reduce mortality of the federally listed desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) from motor vehicles impacts.

Cima Road connects to Interstate-15 at exit 272 and ends at the intersection of Kelso-Cima Road and the Morning Star Mine Road located within the preserve. Popular destinations primarily accessed from Cima Road include Cima Dome, WWI White Cross Memorial, and Teutonia Peak Trailhead.

Join park staff for a ribbon cutting ceremony November 6 at 10 a.m. near the park entrance sign on Cima Road. A ranger-led hike up Teutonia Peak will follow the ceremony.