Grapevine (Wheeler Ridge) Weigh Station Information
Thanks for the picture, Maurice!
State: California Scales and DOT
Highway: I 5 - sb
Location: Lebec (Kern county- between callbox 5-112 and 5-126)
Exit Before: Premium Content
Exit After: Premium Content
Address: 32829 Interstate 5, Lebec, CA 93243
Phone: Premium Content
PrePass: yes
Parking: Exit 219 has a TA and a Petro north of the truck scale. There is a rest area at callbox 5-13 and exit 205 has a Flying J truck stop south of the scale.
Information
This truck scale never closes it seems- if you see it closed, take a picture to commemorate the event. The weigh station also has a very active inspection bay.
There are two truck stops and a lot of truck parking at the exit just north of the truck scale, so there is no excuse for crossing the scale with any logbook or safety violations. Both the Petro truck stop and the T.A. travelcenter have truck repair and tire shops.
There are plenty of truck services. There is even a Starbucks coffee just across the street from the Petro within walking distance. There is a Blue Beacon truck wash, as well. If you are out of hours, you should be able to find parking. Even if things are full, there is usually room at the Petro for some "creative" parking.
If you can't find parking at the truck stops, you can park at the Wheeler Ridge weigh station. Officers there say they would rather that tired truckers park and sleep than drive tired. They won't bother a trucker who is sleeping.
Be aware of high wind potential in the area. We have seen trucks blown over as they were pulling into the Petro parking lot. California will shut traffic down on the Grapevine if the winds are strong enough.
The Grapevine weigh station sits just at the bottom of the so-called Grapevine hill on the north side. When you leave the scale, you'll be starting up the grade in no time. Trucks are restricted to the right two lanes on the Grapevine, and if you pull out into the third lane to pass slower trucks, you'll have people yelling at you on the radio. For good reason, too. The fine is hefty- though I think they mainly yell at you because they are jealous of the rate your truck is pulling the hill!
If your paperwork is in order and your truck is inspection-proof, we suggest heading up the Grapevine and parking at the Flying J in Gorman/Lebec. The temperature tends to be cooler up there.
Alternate Route Information
Premium Content Alternate Route Information for this location is available to Premium Members.
Comments
Do you have something to say? Know more about this truck scale or any alternate routes? Leave us a comment!
Russellmania
March 9, 2008
If you have PrePass you want to make sure you pass under the automatic vehicle identification (AVI) reader on the right when you approach this coop. That's the rectangular device that hangs out above the lane directly over the weigh in motion (WIM) sensor embedded in the pavement. The one on the left hasn't been working for quite some time and will not trigger your transponder. You won't get any light at all and will have to go into the scale. Besides, it makes sense to always stay in the right lane when coming up on a coop because you never know whether you're going to get a red light and the truck in the right lane is going to get the green which can become problematic in a hurry.
tweety bird
December 15, 2007
I just went by there and they were closed! I don't remember the last time I saw them shut down! They were in there (a truck was parked on the scale and a highway patrol car was in there) but they were certainly NOT business as usual! Usually they have a backup of trucks crossing the scales and lining up for inspection!
