273 Detection Upgrade 2 (02-4K160)
Summary
SCH Number
2026060106
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 2
(DOT)
Document Title
273 Detection Upgrade 2 (02-4K160)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/3/2026
Document Description
The Department of Transportation proposes using state funds to upgrade traffic systems on State Route (SR) 273 from Post Miles (PM) 6.40 to 14.18 in Shasta County. The intersections on SR 273 and 3rd Street/Alexander Avenue in City of Anderson; and SR 273 and Breslauer Way in the City of Redding have video detection for the approaches east of the railroad tracks. Video detection cameras have a history of problems detecting bicycle traffic, issues with reliability, and false calls due to environmental factors such as shadows, wind shake, glare, fog, etc.
The project is located in Township 30N, Range 04W, Section 00 of the Cottonwood and Redding USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles.
Scope of work includes:
State Route 273 and 3rd Street/Alexander Avenue (40.459676, -122.314932)
• Remove existing analogue cameras for all approaches and westbound movements east of the railroad tracks and install a new, 2-camera IP system on existing signal pole luminaire mast arms (LMAs) as backup detection / remote monitoring / vehicle count edge processing.
• Install a microwave detection system for westbound movements east of the railroad tracks with the sensor on the existing signal mast arm (SMA), southeast of the intersection.
• Replace several existing pull boxes (PBs) in existing sidewalks.
State Route 273 and Breslauer Way (40.550674, -122.387348)
• Remove existing analogue cameras for northbound, southbound, and westbound movements east of the railroad tracks and install a new, 2-camera IP system on existing signal pole LMAs as backup detection / remote monitoring / vehicle count edge processing.
• Install a microwave detection system for westbound movements east of the railroad tracks with a sensor on the SMA in the southeast quadrant of the intersection.
• Replace several existing PBs and install additional conduits around the existing traffic signal cabinet area at Westside Road.
• Replace several additional existing PBs around the intersection.
Purpose and Need
The purpose of the project is to improve signal operations, reliability, and maintainability of traffic signals by upgrading the vehicle and bicycle detection systems.
The project is needed because the traffic signals at 3rd Street/Alexander Avenue and Breslauer Way would benefit from improved reliability if the traffic signals were upgraded with modern microwave and video detections systems. An upgraded, more accurate detection system allows Caltrans to rapidly upload traffic flow data and evaluate traffic conditions in real time as well as long-term planning.
Staging/Stockpiling
Parking, staging, and storage of equipment and materials are expected to take place within and outside Caltrans’ right-of-way in previously disturbed areas, as well as within the existing traffic lanes
Disposal/Borrow Sites
No disposal/borrow of materials are expected. If there is any excess material, it would be disposed of offsite at an approved disposal site.
Utilities
No utility work is anticipated.
Right of Way
Much of the proposed work is located outside of Caltrans right-of-way, which will require Encroachment Permits from the City of Redding and the City of Anderson as well as temporary construction easements.
Contact Information
Name
Eric L. Rulison
Agency Name
California Department of Transportation
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Anderson, Redding
Counties
Shasta
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
State Route 273 and 3rd Street/Alexander Avenue and State Route 273 and Breslauer Way
State Highways
273
Township
30N
Range
4W
Section
00
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301 - Existing Facilities, Class 1(c)
Reasons for Exemption
This project is exempt under Class 1(d), Section 15301 Existing Facilities as the project proposes to replace and upgrade existing vehicle and bicycle detection systems. The proposed work does not remove vegetation, increase impervious service, negatively impact plant, wildlife, waterways, cultural resources nor visual aesthetics.
County Clerk
Shasta
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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