SR-1 Wildlife Crossing
Summary
SCH Number
2026060358
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 5
(DOT)
Document Title
SR-1 Wildlife Crossing
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/9/2026
Document Description
Caltrans Geotechnical Design proposes a geotechnical site investigation for the SR-1 Wildlife Crossing, located on State Route 1 (SR-1) at PM 5.11 in Santa Cruz County. Trenchless culvert installation requires a subsurface investigation to evaluate subsurface site conditions by drilling vertical borings, performing in-situ soil testing, and confirming soil and rock conditions for use in design. A total of six borings will be advanced: five through pavement into soil and rock, and one through a dirt road in the median into soil and rock. The proposed borings would be four to six inches in diameter and extend between 30 and 40 feet below the ground surface, depending on the location. Once the borings are completed, each hole will be backfilled following appropriate procedures. Typically, the backfill material is a neat cement and/or bentonite (clay).It may take up to three weeks to complete the investigation. Work is anticipated to occur at night. Drilling activities will occur during dry weather only, June through October. Precautions during drilling will be employed to minimize the potential for equipment leaks or drilling fluid spillage. All borings will be drilled within State Right-of-Way (ROW), accessible from the northbound and southbound travel lanes of SR-1, the median, or in the paved or unvegetated shoulder.
Contact Information
Name
Dianna Beck
Agency Name
Caltrans District 5
Job Title
Senior Environmental Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Watsonville
Counties
Santa Cruz
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
State Route 1, Postmile 5.11
Zip
95076
State Highways
SR-1
Airports
Watsonville Municipal Airport
Waterways
Gallighan Slough, Harkins Slough
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed geotechnical site investigation has been reviewed and would have no significant environmental impacts. Appropriate avoidance and minimization measures for biological and visual resources will be implemented.
County Clerk
Santa Cruz
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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