Middle-Mile Broadband Network – GLE 162
In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 156 to create an open-access middle-mile network to bring equitable high-speed broadband service to all Californians. SB 156 provides $3.25 billion to build the necessary infrastructure to bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions. The middle-mile is the physical infrastructure required to enable internet connectivity and is made up of high-capacity fiber lines that carry large amounts of data at high speeds over long distances between local networks and global internet networks. For additional background information, please refer to the California Department of Technology website (https://middle-mile-broadband-initiative.cdt.ca.gov/).
Project Description:
In Glenn County, in and near Willows, from the Route 162/Interstate 5 Separation to County Road P, Caltrans will install 1-2” HDPE conduit, a 288-strand fiber optic cable, pull vaults, splice vaults, and marker posts at vault locations. Additionally, flexible post delineators and metallic disk markers will be placed at set intervals between the vaults.
Need:
The lack of available middle-mile broadband infrastructure has been a major issue in connecting California’s unserved and underserved communities. The statewide open-access middle-mile network included in Senate Bill (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 these communities in providing critical statewide broadband infrastructure to enhance access to and increase the affordability of high-speed internet for all Californians.
Purpose:
This Middle-Mile Broadband Network project will install the broadband infrastructure along the State Highway System (SHS) and Interstate System necessary to connect to a third-party operated Last Mile Broadband Network which will bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions.
Funding:
Item 7502-062-8506 of the Budget Act of 2021 establishes funding for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of the statewide open-access Middle-Mile Broadband Network. All support costs are reimbursed by CDT under the Interagency Agreement 21-13900.
Cost Estimate:
| Construction Support Cost | $360,000 |
| Capital Cost | $3,934,000 |
| Total | $4,294,000 |
Schedule:
| Begin Construction | December 2024 |
| Complete Construction | December 2025 |
Project Contacts:
Alex Biaheza, Project Manager; 530-812-3257; alex.biaheza@dot.ca.gov
Megan Reese, Public Information Officer; 530-682-6145; megan.reese@dot.ca.gov
Traffic Alert: Broadband Infrastructure Work Continues on State Route 162 - Published January 27, 2025