Environmental Analysis

Environmental Process and Public Involvement
The Caldecott Improvement Project underwent extensive environmental review following both federal (the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)) and state (the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)) laws and regulations. The environmental analysis of the project evaluated short-term, temporary impacts of project construction as well as long-term, permanent impacts. Extensive public involvement was conducted throughout the environmental phase of the project.

Please click to view the Environmental Process Timeline .

A summary table of the environmental impacts and proposed mitigations can be found on page XXIV of the Executive Summary of the Final EA/EIR. Some mitigations include:

• Noise: work hour limitations, construction of temporary and permanent soundwalls, an enclosed concrete batch plant, ongoing noise monitoring to mitigate noise


• Vibration: pre-construction and post-construction surveys, along with vibration monitoring during construction


• Dust and Dirt: wetting down stockpiles, providing wheel washes and street sweeping services, sealing aggregate and cement silos


• Traffic: construction worker parking will be in the staging area or a remote location, equipment will not be parked along Caldecott Lane, construction traffic will be restricted to limited roads


• Community Outreach: keep the community informed through regular communication and outreach, establish a field office to handle construction related complaints

Setting the Standard for Agency Collaboration
In April 2004, the California Transportation Commission (CTC) authorized the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) to be the Traffic Congestion Relief Program (TCRP) implementing agency for the environmental phase of the project. Caltrans and CCTA determined that if both agencies joined resources and worked as a team, the project would be delivered more expeditiously and with better cost control. In summer 2004, the Caltrans, CCTA and its consultants joined forces to create a team that jointly prepared the various deliverables. The Alameda County Congestion Management Agency (ACCMA) also has an active role in this partnership. This collaborative, interagency partnership will likely become a model for jointly managing major transportation projects.

Lead Agencies for the Environmental Process
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Participating Agencies for the Environmental Process
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)
Alameda County Congestion Management Agency (ACCMA)
Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)