California Department of Transportation District 1
Caltrans > District 1 > Construction Projects > 197/199 Safe STAA Access > Purpose and Need
 

These projects propose to provide safe STAA access on Routes 197 and 199 while minimizing environmental impacts. Project Benefits A) Mobility/Economic: Communities with routes that restrict STAA access are at an economic disadvantage because cargo must be unloaded and transferred to shorter trucks, making the movement of goods more expensive. These projects are the final locations requiring widening on Routes 197 and 199 which will allow safe STAA vehicle access. These projects will remove the remaining STAA restrictions and the economic disadvantages they cause to Del Norte County. B) Operational and Geometric Improvements: Widening will provide additional roadway width for trucks and reduce the potential for off-tracking and related collisions. The proposed curve improvements and widening will enhance sight distance and increase safety. Improved sight distance allows drivers time to see what is ahead, make timely decisions and avoid unexpected objects in the traveled way.