The Thomas Roads Improvement Program (TRIP) is a cooperative effort between the City of Bakersfield, County of Kern, Caltrans and the Kern Council of Governments. The program was named in honor of former Congressman William M. Thomas, who led the effort to secure $630 million for area road projects in the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA: LU).

TRIP projects have been identified as necessary to relieve the stress on outdated infrastructure, caused by years of rapid growth in population, interregional travel, and freight movement. The projects will facilitate regional mobility, economic growth and development, as well as reduce travel time through major transportation corridors.

The TRIP office is staffed with personnel from the City, County, Caltrans and Parsons, the program management consultant. The City, County and Caltrans serve as operational leads on various projects, but the entire team works cooperatively in the effort to accelerate schedules and move the projects toward completion.

SR178/Fairfax Interchange	Mohawk Street Extension	SR99/7th Standard Interchange