The pace will pick up soon for postal workers at the US Post Office facilities on Franklin Parkway near Castaic.

After several studies to improve productivity and conserve expenses, mail processing at the Bakersfield Processing and Distribution Center will cease and all operations will shift to Santa Clarita.

The shift was one of eight changes made in California; including the elimination of mail processing in Long Beach and Pasadena with work shifted to the Los Angeles Processing and Distribution Center.

Studies have been conducted over the last five months and included opportunities for public comment. Once the transfers are completed, the mail processing operations at the eight facilities will cease. There will be no changes to any retail, business mail entry, or vehicle maintenance operations at these locations at this time.

The Postal Service has experienced a 25 percent decline in First-Class Mail volume since 2006, and receives no tax dollars for its operations, relying instead on the sale of postage, postal products and services.

“The decision to consolidate mail processing facilities recognizes the urgent need to reduce the size of the national mail processing network to eliminate costly underutilized infrastructure,” said Chief Operating Officer Megan Brennan. “Consolidating operations is necessary if the Postal Service is to remain viable to provide mail service to the nation.”

Specific dates have not been set for the transitions. Until specific dates are announced, residential and business mailers will continue to be served through the current facilities.

In December 2011, the Postal Service agreed to impose a moratorium on closing or consolidating Post Offices and mail processing facilities prior to May 15, 2012, to give Congress and the Administration the opportunity to enact an alternative plan.

This delay was designed to allow Congress sufficient time to enact comprehensive postal legislation. In the meantime, the Postal Service continued all necessary steps required for the review of these facilities, including public notifications, public input meetings and consideration of public comments.

The map below shows the delivery area of mail that will now be processed in the Santa Clarita center.

Click map to enlarge