CURRENT PROJECTS
Caltrans District 1 Projects Map Gallery
last chance grade on U.S.101
Want real-time updates on Last Chance Grade closures? Check https://lastchancegrade.com for the latest.
Caltrans has selected Alternative F, a 6,000-foot tunnel that bypasses area landslides and realigns the highway, in a move that is essential to advancing the Last Chance Grade Project efficiently. The proposed tunnel would be the longest constructed in Caltrans history.
Close collaboration with tribes, environmental groups, lawmakers, and other stakeholders resulted in a decision that maximizes long-term reliability. With construction estimated to cost around $2.1B in 2031 dollars, the tunnel avoids chronic landslides, coastal erosion, and the impacts of climate change while ensuring safety during seismic events. While the option presents challenges due to the sensitive environment and potential impacts on large-diameter, old-growth redwood trees, Caltrans is committed to delivering a successful project through partnership, community support, and collaborative mitigation efforts, exploring all avenues to stay on schedule while prioritizing quality, efficiency, and preservation.
Highway 197/199 Goods Movement Project
The project will upgrade portions of U.S. 199 and Route 197 in Del Norte County to allow industry-standard sized trucks while improving safety for all travelers with widening and improved sight distance.
Caltrans completed environmental review in 2013 following public outreach, including two public meetings. The project was later delayed, but cleared to move forward in 2023.
With several locations, work includes alignment adjustments, bridge construction, drainage improvements, pavement upgrades, and guardrail installation. Some areas will require rock excavation, blasting, and slope stabilization.
For more information, visit this site or take a look at the Fact Sheet linked below:
Caltrans District 1 – 197/199 Safe Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) Access
Dr. Fine Bridge Replacement
Caltrans will begin construction of Dr. Fine Bridge replacement on U.S. 101 north of Crescent City. The existing bridge was built in 1940 and is near the end of its useful life. The new replacement bridge will better accommodate vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles.
Construction is scheduled from fall 2022 to 2025. Road conditions during construction will vary from speed reduction and alternate routes and the existing bridge is demolished and the replacement bridge is built. For more information, click here.
Timeline
Circulation of Draft Environmental Document - October 1, 2019 to November 15, 2019
Final Environmental Document - March 2020
Completion of Final Design - April 2021
Begin Construction - Anticipated Fall 2022
End Construction - Anticipated 2025
Elk Valley Cross Road
In response to concerns expressed by elected officials and the public, the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission is studying a potential need for improvements along Elk Valley Cross Road, which provides access to homes, businesses, and schools, and connects Highways 101, 199, Lake Earl Drive and Elk Valley Road. The Elk Valley Cross Road Corridor Plan includes assessment of traffic hazards, conditions, and needs of Elk Valley Cross Road. The Corridor Plan includes Elk Valley Cross Road between U.S. 199 and Lake Earl Drive. A thorough study of the corridor and public input provides necessary information for future decisions.
Residents and community members most affected by this transportation corridor are invited to submit their experience, observations and opinions to the DNLTC. These areas are indicated in the map above, showing affected parcels and areas along the corridor, as well as traffic counts at intersections. This vital feedback allows the engineers to better understand the existing problems and recommend solutions for corridor use and improvement if warranted.
For a larger view of the map above, use this link: Map of Affected Parcels and Traffic Counts
The first Public Workshop was held on June 26, 2019. A second Public Workshop was held on February 27, 2020.
To view the project exhibits, click the clicks below.
Elk Valley Cross Road & US 101 Intersection
US Highway 101 Traffic Calming and Gateway Project
US Highway 101 is the primary arterial highway serving the Northern California and Oregon coasts, and as such is a key element in the national and statewide highway network. Drivers approaching Crescent City from the south on US Highway 101 travel approximately 70 miles from the nearest significant urbanized area (Arcata/McKinleyville), while drivers approaching from the north travel approximately 25 miles from Brookings (via US Highway 101) or 80 miles from Grants Pass (via US 199). As a result, there is a tendency for drivers arriving in Crescent
City to be acclimated to traveling at relatively high speed with little need to be aware of conflicting traffic, pedestrian, and bicyclist movements.
A number of projects have been identified to help improve driver, bicycle and pedestrian safety as well as provide visual cues to travelers that they are entering a community. Two main planning processes have been completed for this project, including the US Highway 101 Traffic Calming and Gateway Study in 2010 and the US 101 Crescent City Gateway Traffic Calming Project Project Study Report in late 2012. The Study document can be accessed by clicking the link below.