Caltrans District 9 Middle-Mile Broadband Network Project
Project Information
In July 2021 Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 156 to create an open-access Middle-Mile Broadband 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 fiber optic infrastructure needed to enable internet connectivity. It is made up of high-capacity fiber lines that carry large amounts of data at high speeds over long distances. An open-access network gives providers and entities access to broadband infrastructure that will allow any networks to connect on equal economic and service terms.
The Middle-Mile Broadband Network Initiative aims to bring equitable high-speed broadband service to all Californians by developing the necessary infrastructure to bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions. The “middle mile” is the physical fiber optic infrastructure needed to enable internet connectivity. To achieve the overarching goal of constructing 10,000 miles of middle mile broadband infrastructure, the state of California identified approximately 270 individual broadband installation projects to be implemented through phased planning and construction. Each project would function independently to provide fiber cable infrastructure that serves individual communities, by connecting existing hubs and vaults. Potential users could subsequently connect to middle mile broadband infrastructure by installing “last mile” service, ultimately delivering broadband connectivity to the service area.
This project would include the installation of an underground Middle-Mile Broadband Network along approximately 37.4 miles of the State Highway System located in Kern County in District 9. This project extends along State Route 178 from 0.7 mile west of Fay Ranch Road to the west junction of State Route 14, then on State Route 14 from the south junction of State Route 178 to the north junction of State Route 178, then on State Route 178 from the east junction of State Route 14 to 0.05 mile west of Red Rock/Inyokern Road. Work will include the installation of subsurface Broadband conduit and fiber as well as the installation of underground vaults approximately every 2,400 feet.
Project Map
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Draft Environmental Document
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The Environmental Assessment is available to the public for review and comment: Caltrans District 9 Middle-Mile Broadband Network Project 09-39510 ArcGIS StoryMap and Draft Environmental Document (DED).
The public comment period will be open until Thursday, July 18, 2024. Comments must be received by the comment period deadline to be addressed in the Final Environmental Document.
To submit an official public comment:
- Visit the Caltrans District 9 Middle-Mile Broadband Network Project 09-39510 Public Comment Form
- Email Project Manager Dennee Alcala at Dennee.Alcala@dot.ca.gov.
- Mail written comments to California Department of Transportation, District 9, Attention: Dennee Alcala, Project Manager, 500 South Main Street Bishop, CA, 93514.
For More Information
- Dennee Alcala (Project Manager): (760) 874-4236
- Michael Lingberg (Public Information): (760) 920-0280
Title VI
For Title VI information, click here: Title VI Information