Process & Schedule
Identifying, planning, and constructing an alternative route at Last Chance Grade is a complex and lengthy process. Caltrans will need to conduct a variety of studies and analyses to support decision making throughout the process and secure stakeholder and community agreement along the way.
Below is a potential timeline that shows the sequence and timing of key project milestones under the assumption that the most expensive alternative with the lengthiest construction schedule (of those alternatives selected for further study in 2021) is selected at the end of the Environmental process.
2015:
- Community workshops (Jan)
- Stakeholder Group process (May)
- Final Feasibility Study completed (June)
2016:
- Project Study Report completed
- Potential Funding Sources identified
- Permitting process for geotechnical studies initiated
2017-2018:
- Initiate Preliminary Geotechnical Investigations
- Expert Risk Assessment
- Updated Economic Impact Study
- Value Analysis Study Report
2018-2025:
- Project is funded, approved, and Environmental Document process initiated (6 years)
- Alternatives Analysis with Stakeholder Input
- Ground surveys
- Botanical studies (2 years)
- Geotechnical studies
- Traffic studies
- Highway preliminary design
- Tunnel and Structures preliminary design
- Wetland delineations
- US Fish and Wildlife Service Biological Assessment and Biological Opinion
- National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Biological Assessment and Biological Opinion
- Other studies and analysis
- CEQA/NEPA Public Workshops and Comment period
2025-2030:
- Design and Permitting Phase
2030-2037:
- Construction begins (5-8 years)
2038:
- Alternative route open for the public
Below is a detailed project timeline graphic (click on the image to enlarge).
The most current reports and summaries of meetings are updated regularly and are available in the Document Library.
