[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 210 (Monday, October 30, 2000)]
[Notices]
[Page 64740]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-27756]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Highway Administration


Environmental Impact Statement: Santa Rosa, Sonoma County; 
California

AGENCY: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of Intent.

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SUMMARY: The FHWA is issuing this notice to advise the public that an 
Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared for a proposed highway 
project in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. C. Glenn Clinton, Team Leader, 
Project Delivery Team, Federal Highway Administration, 980 9th Street, 
Sacramento, California 95814-2724, Telephone: (916) 498-5020.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FHWA, in cooperation with the California 
Department of Transportation (Caltrans), will prepare an environmental 
impact statement (EIS) for a proposal to construct a median widening to 
accommodate a high occupancy vehicle lane (HOV) through the City of 
Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California. State Route 101, completed in 
the 1960's, is a major link in the interregional road system, and the 
most important north-south route within Sonoma County. The level of 
service (LOS) on the 4.5 kilometer (2.7 mile) stretch of four lane 
freeway through downtown Santa Rosa between the Route 12/101 
interchange and the Steele Lane Interchange has deteriorated, leading 
to traffic delays. This is caused by accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and 
principally by congestion. A recent study by Caltrans' Office of 
Highway Operations shows that LOS on this section is at the lowest 
level. This is indicated by traffic at roadway capacity, when speeds 
may drop to zero with high densities. Average speed is less than 25 
miles per hour with considerable delays. The continued maintenance and 
operation of Route 101 as an efficiently operating mainline facility 
will be further impacted by increasing congestion if steps are not 
taken to improve its operation.
    Alternatives currently under consideration are: (1) Widening into 
the median to accommodate HOV lanes in each direction, as well as 
auxiliary lanes, ramp widening, alteration or replacement of the bridge 
spanning Santa Rosa Creek and modification of intersection at ramp 
termini and (2) not constructing the project. If this project is 
approved, construction will begin in late 2004 and continue through 
2007. The primary objective for this proposed project is to improve the 
travel times, increase safety, and reduce congestion on a major 
regional connector.
    Because this project has been under consideration for several 
years, a previous scoping meeting was held on October 27, 1999, to 
present project proposals to the public. Since the decision to prepare 
an Environmental Impact Statement was made, a new scoping meeting has 
been scheduled for November 29, 2000, as is required by the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The new public meeting will be held at 
Santa Rosa Middle School, between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m., so that the 
public may review the alternative under consideration and provide 
written comments if desired. A public hearing will be held later in the 
environmental process, after the Draft Environmental Impact Statement 
is completed.

    Issued on: October 24, 200.
C. Glenn Clinton,
Team Leader, Program Delivery Team, North Sacramento, California.
[FR Doc. 00-27756 Filed 10-27-00; 8:45 am]
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