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Interstate 40 Regrade Existing Median

Dan Gallagher, Associate Environmental Planner

  • San Bernardino County, California
  • District 08-SBd-40 (PM R125-R154.6)
  • EA 08-0R142/PN 0815000201

Project Description:

The proposed project consists of re-grading the existing nonstandard I-40 median cross slopes within the 30-foot clear recovery zone from existing, which vary from 2:1 to 6:1 or steeper, to 10:1 or flatter. The proposed improvements would require substantial fill material and modification of existing drainage facilities within the median. Drainage modifications and improvement work would consist of reconstruction of existing offsite drainage facilities by extending the storm drain in the median

The proposed project area extends along a 29.6-mile distance between PM 125.0 to PM 154.6 on U.S. I-40 in the unincorporated territory of San Bernardino County, California. The proposed project spans from approximately 16 miles west of the City of Needles to the California/Arizona State Line. It is located within the United States (U.S.) Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5-minute series topographic quadrangles of West of Flattop Mountain, Flattop Mountain, Bannock, Needles NW, Needles SW, Needles, Topock, and Whale Mountain.  The proposed project crosses through several Ranges and Townships.

Interstate 40 Regrade Existing Median Project

Public Notice of Availability of an Initial Study (with Mitigated Negative Declaration) 

What's Being Planned

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to regrade the existing median cross slopes within the 30-foot clear recovery zone (CRZ), from existing 6:1 or steeper gradient to 10:1 (or flatter) on Interstate 40 (I-40) from 4.5 miles of Homer Wash bridge near the Town of Ludlow (post mile [PM] R125.0) to the California/Arizona State Line (PM R154.6) in rural San Bernardino County.  Providing flatter slopes and upgrading existing highway roadside design features within the project limits is expected to reduce the number and severity of collisions in the median.  This would improve the roadway safety of the traveling public.

Why This Ad?

Caltrans has studied the effects this project may have on the environment. Our studies show it will not significantly affect the quality of the environment. The report that explains why is called an Initial Study (with Mitigated Negative Declaration). This notice is to tell you of the preparation of the Initial Study (with Mitigated Negative Declaration) and of its availability for you to read, and to also offer the opportunity to request a public hearing or to provide comments, and the intent to adopt this Mitigated Negative Declaration.

What's Available

Maps for the Initial Study (with Mitigated Negative Declaration) and other project information are available for review and copying at the following locations: 

  • Needles Branch Library, located at 1111 Bailey Avenue, Needles, CA 92363 (posted hours of operation for the Needles Branch Library: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 11 am to 7 pm; Thursday: 10 am to 6 pm; Saturday: 9 am to 5 pm; Fridays and Sundays: closed).
  • To view electronic copies of these documents go here.

Where You Come In

We’d like to hear what you think. If you would like to request a public hearing or have any questions or comments about the proposed project.  Please submit your comments via email to D8.0R142.Comments@dot.ca.gov or in writing, no later than October 5, 2018 to:

Dan Gallagher, Associate Environmental Planner
California Department of Transportation, District 8 
Environmental Studies D
464 West 4th Street, 6th Floor, MS 823
San Bernardino, CA 92401–1400

Please use “Interstate 40 Regrade Existing Median Project” in the subject line of the email. The date we will begin accepting comments is September 5, 2018.  Following the public and agency review and comment period, if there are no major comments, and the project is given environmental approval and funding is obtained, Caltrans will proceed with the project’s design.

Contact

For more information about this project please contact the Caltrans District 8 Office of Public Affairs at  (909) 383-4631. For individuals with sensory disabilities, this document can be made available in Braille, in large print, on audiocassette, or on computer disk. To obtain a copy in one of these alternate formats, write to Dan Gallagher, Associate Environmental Planner, 464 W. 4th Street, MS 823; or use the California Relay Service 1-800735-2929 (TTY to Voice), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice to TTY), 1-800-854-7784 (From or to Speech to Speech), or dial 711.

EA 08-0R142 (PN 0815000201)