Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-26-6-BB-0286 for the ADF-F12-CD2-UG4
Summary
SCH Number
2026070929
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 2
(DOT)
Document Title
Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-26-6-BB-0286 for the ADF-F12-CD2-UG4
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/23/2026
Document Description
The proposed work involves placement of temporary traffic control devices and signage, installation of approximately 1,304 feet of underground high-density polyethylene (HDPE) conduit with fiber optic cable, and installation of four 3-foot by 5-foot by 2-foot pull vaults within the Caltrans right-of-way along State Route 97 (PM L0.00–L0.188) in Siskiyou County. Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) will be the primary installation method. If HDD is infeasible due to subsurface conditions, rock saw or trenching methods may be used, subject to Caltrans approval.
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
Weed
Counties
Siskiyou
Regions
Northern California
Other Location Info
State Route 97 in Siskiyou County from post mile L0.00 to L0.188
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
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