Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-26-6-BB-0405 for Frontier Communications Project 5415999 on State Route 395 in Modoc County from post mile 23.832 to 24.187
Summary
SCH Number
2026090824
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 2
(DOT)
Document Title
Caltrans Encroachment Permit 02-26-6-BB-0405 for Frontier Communications Project 5415999 on State Route 395 in Modoc County from post mile 23.832 to 24.187
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/18/2026
Document Description
Frontier Communications proposes the installation of approximately 2,087 linear feet of fiber optic cable within the Caltrans Right of Way (ROW) along State Route 395 in Modoc County from post mile (PM) 23.832 to 24.187 near Alturas. The project aims to upgrade the existing copper plant with a more reliable fiber optic network. The project can be broken into two separate segments. Segment one begins near an existing utility pole located outside of Caltrans’ ROW. The utility pole is located approximately 1,635 linear feet southwest of the intersection of Pencil Road and State Route 395 near PM 23.832. The project enters Caltrans’ ROW near 40.501883, -120.525225 via horizontal directional drilling (HDD) and traverses southeast beneath State Route 395 for 87 linear feet to a proposed bore pit/handhole located near 41.501664, -120.525099. The project then travels north along State Route 395 for approximately 1,583 linear feet to a proposed 2’x3’ handhole at the intersection of Pencil Road and State Route 395 located near 41.503353, -120.519772. The project continues north for another 322 linear feet to another proposed 2’x3’ handhole located near 41.503621, -120.518755, PM 24.187. Segment two begins at a proposed handhole located near 41.503353, -120.519772 at the intersection of Pencil Road and State Route 395. The project will travel beneath State Route 395 towards Pencil Road for approximately 95 linear feet, exiting Caltrans’ ROW near 41.503614, -120.519783. Of the 2,087 linear feet of fiber optic cable to be installed, approximately 182 linear feet will be bored, and the remaining 1,905 linear feet will be trenched.
Construction will be staged off of the shoulder of the highway and will require the closure of the shoulder as construction progresses down the ROW. Equipment to be used for the construction of the cable includes a backhoe, HDD machine, vacuum machine, truck and trailer with cable reels to place and splice the cable.
Ground disturbances are anticipated at two (2) bore pit/handhole combinations, one (1) handhole and 1,905 linear feet of trenching. Ground disturbances associated with the construction of the project will be approximately 19,350 square feet or 0.44 acres.
Caltrans will issue an encroachment permit (02-26-6-BB-0405) for the proposed work.
Contact Information
Name
David DeMar
Agency Name
Caltrans District 2
Job Title
Branch Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Sammy Rodriguez
Agency Name
R3XGROUP (Authorized Agent for Frontier Communications)
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
near Alturas
Counties
Modoc
Regions
Northern California
State Highways
395
Other Location Info
State Route 395 in Modoc County from post mile 23.832 to 24.187
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Minor Alterations to Land (Section 15304)
Reasons for Exemption
The California Department of Transportation has determined that the project is categorically exempt in accordance with Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) Class 4. Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Examples include, but are not limited to:
• (f) – Minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored.
The project would not have a significant effect on the environment.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.