2 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY NOVEMBER 9-15, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of availability of DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT/ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT and ANNOUNCEMENT of OPEN FORUM HEARINGS (Study Results Available) Scenic Route 68 Corridor Improvements Project WHAT IS BEING PLANNED? WHERE YOU COME IN? CONTACT SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WHAT’S AVAILABLE? WHY THIS PUBLIC NOTICE? The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to improve intersection operations to reduce vehicle delay, reduce the rate and severity of collisions between vehicles as well as with wildlife, and improve bicycle and pedestrian access on an approximately 9-mile stretch of State Route 68 in Monterey County, from highway post mile 4.8 to post mile 13.7 (west to east). The project proposes to modify the design of nine intersections from Josselyn Canyon Road to San Benancio Road and provide five new underground culverts for wildlife to cross under the highway. Two build alternatives are being evaluated: Alternative 1 would convert the nine intersections into roundabouts, eight of which would be converted into single-lane roundabouts and one into a two-lane roundabout. Alternative 2 would include expanded signalized intersections with adaptive signal control technology and enhanced lane channelization to provide auxiliary through lanes and additional right and left turn lanes. Both alternatives would provide improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities, replacement lighting, replacement drainage facilities, and relocated utilities where necessary. Temporary construction easements would be required to access nearby properties for construction activities where necessary. Because the proposed work would encroach upon wetlands, the project is being evaluated to determine if there are any practical alternatives to avoid this encroachment or, if not, to ensure that all practical measures are taken to minimize harm to the wetlands. The proposed work may affect historic properties eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Caltrans is evaluating alternatives to determine if the project can avoid adversely affecting the property(ies) or, if not, if adequate mitigation measures can be incorporated into the project plans. Have the potential impacts been addressed? Do you have information that should be included? Your comments will be part of the public record. If you wish to comment, submit your written comments by Monday, January 8, 2024, to Caltrans Environmental Planning, Attention: Matt Fowler, Senior Environmental Planner, 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401, or by email at sr-68@dot.ca.gov. Several public hearings are planned to be held during the public review period for the draft environmental document to provide an overview of the proposed project and the draft environmental document, allow you to ask questions about the analysis in the environmental document, and provide your comments. For more information or to request a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Assessment, please contact Matt Fowler, Senior Environmental Planner, at 805-779-0793 or by email at matt.c.fowler@dot.ca.gov. For information on other state highway projects, please visit the Caltrans District 5 website at https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me-district-5/ or contact the Caltrans District 5 Public Information Office at 805-549-3138 or by email at info-d5@dot.ca.gov. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, individuals who require accommodation (American Sign Language Interpreter, accessible seating, documents in alternative formats, etc.) are requested to contact the Caltrans District 5 Public Information Office at info-d5@dot.ca.gov or by phone at 805-549-3138. Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD) users may contact the California Relay Service line at 1-800-735-2929, Voice Line at 1-800-735-2922, or contact the California Relay Service Teletype Voice Line by dialing 711. Volume 1 of the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment is available for review and can be downloaded from the following website: https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5/ The report is also available for review in printed format at the following locations: The technical environmental studies are available upon request. Please contact Matt Fowler, Senior Environmental Planner, 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401, by email at matt.c.fowler@dot.ca.gov or by telephone at 805-779-0793. • Monterey Public Library · 625 Pacific Street, Monterey, California 93940, during operating hours • El Gabilan Library · 1400 North Main Street, Salinas, California 93906, during operating hours • Cesar Chavez Library · 615 Williams Road, Salinas, California 93905, during operating hours • Transportation Agency for Monterey County Offices · 55-B Plaza Circle, Salinas, California 93901, during operating hours • Caltrans District Office · 50 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, California 93401, on weekdays during operating hours Caltrans has studied the effects this project may have on the environment. Our studies show it will significantly affect the quality of the environment. The report that explains why is called an Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment. This notice is to inform you of the preparation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report/ Environmental Assessment and of its availability for you to read. Three open forum hearings will be held to give you an opportunity to talk about certain design features of the project with Caltrans’ staff before the final design is selected. Open Forum Hearings will be held as follows to discuss the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment: • Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca Hospitality Pavilion · 1021 Monterey Salinas Highway, Salinas, California 93908 • Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Armory Police Activities League · 100 Howard Street, Salinas, California 93901 • Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Monterey Conference Center · 1 Portola Plaza, Monterey, California 93940 BEGIN CONSTRUCTION PM 4.8 END CONSTRUCTION PM 13.7 Del Rey Oaks Fort Ord National Monument Monterey NOT to SCALE
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