Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-26-6-BB-0201 for the ADF-F12-CD2-UG3

Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-26-6-BB-0201 for the ADF-F12-CD2-UG3

American Dark Fiber, in coordination with the California Department of Technology, proposes installation of approximately 42,882 feet of underground high-density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit with fiber-optic cable and fifty-four 36-inch-wide by 60-inch-long by 24-inch-deep vaults within Caltrans right-of-way along State Route 97 in Siskiyou County, California. The project extends between post miles 36.156 and R16.262. Installation activities would include placement of temporary traffic control devices and signage, horizontal directional drilling (HDD) as the primary construction method, and installation of conduit and vaults within the existing Caltrans public right-of-way. If HDD is infeasible due to subsurface conditions, including hard rock such as lava rock, rock saw trenching or conventional trenching methods may be used, subject to Resident Engineer and Caltrans approval. Temporary work areas of approximately 3,000 square feet may be established at HDD entry and exit locations for equipment staging and construction activities. Construction access would occur from existing roadways, shoulders, pullouts, and previously disturbed areas within the Caltrans right-of-way. No in-water work is proposed. Although portions of the project occur adjacent to freshwater emergent wetlands at Grass Lake, all work and staging activities would remain within the existing Caltrans right-of-way and outside sensitive habitat areas to the maximum extent practicable. All impacts would be minimized and disturbed areas restored in accordance with project requirements. 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.

Macdoel

Siskiyou

Northern California