2005 Press Releases

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CALTRANS MOVES FORWARD WITH STATE ROUTE 46 WIDENING PROJECT

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Kern Council of Governments are pleased to announce the approval of the Negative Declaration/Finding of No Significant Impact (ND/FONSI) for the State Route 46 Four-Lane Widening Project in San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties. Approval of this environmental document is a significant milestone in the progress of this project, and allows the Department to continue with the next phase which consists of completing the construction contract documents and acquiring the necessary right of way.

This environmental document encompasses the limits of three projects; two in Kern County and one in San Luis Obispo County. These $260 million projects will widen State Route 46 from a 2-lane conventional highway to a 4-lane expressway from junction of State Routes 41 and 46 (referred to as the “Wye”) to just east of the Interstate 5 Interchange. The improvements to the route will reduce congestion, improve traffic operations, and improve safety for motorists. In addition, the completion of these projects will facilitate the movement of goods and services and enhance the farm-to-market shipping opportunities for the region.

Based on the current schedule, it is anticipated that construction on the first phase could begin sometime in 2010. Actual start of construction is dependent upon the availability of funding for construction and right of way acquisition.

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