Tehachapi Sinkhole DDO
Summary
SCH Number
2026041007
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 9
(DOT)
Document Title
Tehachapi Sinkhole DDO
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/22/2026
Document Description
The project consists of emergency repair of a sinkhole along State Route 202 in Kern
County near Tehachapi, approximately 0.1 miles south of Red Apple Avenue. The
sinkhole developed adjacent to the roadway shoulder due to erosion caused by a
separation at a joint in an existing 72-inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) culvert.
Work includes traffic control, excavation to determine the extent of subsurface voids,
sealing the failed culvert joint, and backfilling the sinkhole and associated voids with
suitable material (e.g., clean soil or controlled low strength material). Additional work
may include minor roadway or shoulder restoration as needed to return the facility to a
safe operating condition
Caltrans has determined that the project will have negligible impacts on environmental
resources, with no anticipated adverse environmental effects.
Contact Information
Name
Heather Elder
Agency Name
California Dept of Transportation
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Tehachapi
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
State Highways
202
Other Location Info
Post Mile 9.3
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
PRC 21080[b](2); 14 CCR 15269
Reasons for Exemption
This project is categorically exempt under CEQA pursuant to Section 15269
(Emergency Projects) because it involves the emergency repair of a failed culvert
and associated sinkhole to maintain safe roadway operations. Immediate action is
required to prevent further erosion and potential roadway failure, and the work is
limited to restoring existing infrastructure with no expansion of use.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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