Interstate 5 Middle Mile Broadband Network Project 10-25-X-XX-0172
Summary
SCH Number
2026090135
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 10
(DOT)
Document Title
Interstate 5 Middle Mile Broadband Network Project 10-25-X-XX-0172
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/2/2026
Document Description
Arcadian, in coordination with the California Department of Technology and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), proposes to install underground broadband infrastructure, consisting of conduit, fiber optic cable, vaults, and markers on Interstate 5 (I-5) between post mile (PM) 39.572 and PM 49.819 in San Joaquin County 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
Jonathan Coley
Agency Name
Dept. of Transportation- Caltrans Dist. 10
Job Title
Branch Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Thorton
Counties
San Joaquin
Regions
Northern California, Unincorporated
State Highways
Interstate 5
Other Location Info
From Post Mile 39.752 to Post Mile 49.819
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
PRC 21080.51
Reasons for Exemption
This project is a linear broadband deployment in the Caltrans right-of-way or right of way of a public road that meets all conditions of Section 21080.51, and the project is statutorily exempt from CEQA. Environmental specialist reviews have occurred, and this project would not cause a significant impact to the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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