Merced County State Route (SR) 165 Intersection Control Improvement
Summary
SCH Number
2026010014
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 10
(DOT)
Document Title
Merced County State Route (SR) 165 Intersection Control Improvement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/2/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to improve traffic
safety and intersection control at the intersection State Route 165 and Willmott Road in the City of Los Banos, in Merced County at post mile 9.632. The District Traffic Safety Branch has determined a pattern of broadside collisions has been identified at the intersection due to motorists’ failure to yield. The proposed construction of a single lane roundabout at this location will include ground disturbance, clearing of vegetation, and the disposal and removal of treated wood waste and road striping/paint. Construction will occur during the day and local roads will have a detour around the project location. Upgrades will be made to utilities and drainage. There is anticipated right of way partial take of three residential properties.
Contact Information
Name
Jonathan Coley
Agency Name
Caltrans
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Los Banos
Counties
Merced
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
State Route 165 and Willmott Road
Zip
93635
State Highways
165
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2; 14 CCR 15302
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project will replace the facility (the intersection) with a new facility (the roundabout) of same size and function. The project will reconstruct an intersection into a roundabout. The structure proposed, the roundabout, will be of similar capacity and purpose as the previous structure, an unprotected intersection. The proposed project would have “no effect” on any protected species listed by the state or federally. There are no historic properties within the project vicinity and no potential to impact historical resources. In addition, there are no hazardous material impacts
Attachments
Final Document(s) [Approved_Certified draft environmental documents]
Notice of Exemption
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