Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-25-6-BB-0100 for the ADF-D4-CD2-SEC2-UG1
Summary
SCH Number
2026030031
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 2
(DOT)
Document Title
Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-25-6-BB-0100 for the ADF-D4-CD2-SEC2-UG1
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/2/2026
Document Description
This project would include the installation of approximately 10,000-miles of broadband
infrastructure throughout California within the State Highway System, including
Interstate routes.
Due to the varied topography and locations of the 10,000-mile broadband infrastructure across the State of California, the design would be dependent on project site features. Work would include the installation of subsurface broadband conduit and fiber, the installation of network repeater hubs at approximately 50-mile intervals, as well as the installation of vaults (Pull, Splice, and Buried) at various locations.
All work will take place within 30-feet of highway rights-of-way except where not
feasible. The areas of project impact in most areas will be limited to the existing paved
surfaces, disturbed shoulders, and maintained Caltrans right-of-way.
Purpose: This Middle-Mile Broadband Network project will install the broadband
infrastructure along the State Highway System (SHS) necessary to connect to a third party operated Last Mile Broadband Network which will bring internet connectivity to
homes, businesses, and community institutions.
Need: In July 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB)156 to create an open-access middle-mile network to bring high-speed broadband service to all Californians.
The lack of available middle-mile broadband infrastructure has been a major issue in
connecting California’s communities. The statewide open-access middle-mile network
included in SB 156 is a foundational investment to ensure every Californian has access to broadband Internet service that meets the connectivity needs of today, and well into the future. This project intends to support providing critical statewide broadband infrastructure to enhance access to and increase the affordability of high-speed internet for all Californians.
Contact Information
Name
David DeMar
Agency Name
Caltrans District 2
Job Title
Branch Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Mark Hines
Agency Name
American Dark Fiber, LLC
Job Title
Not Specified
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Cities
near Paynes Creek, Mineral, and Mill Creek
Counties
Tehama
Regions
Northern California
Other Location Info
State Route 36 in Tehama County from post miles 48.473 to 51.423, 63.092 to 63.355, and R75.055 to R75.223
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code Section 21080.51
Reasons for Exemption
Senate Bill 156 (chaptered July 21, 2021) added section 21080.51 to the California Public Resources Code (PRC) to exempt by statute Middle Mile Broadband Network projects. As such, Caltrans has determined that the project is exempt by statute in accordance with PRC Section 21080.51. The project would have no significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.