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SR 70 Widening and Interchange at Ophir Road
| | What is the Project?
In January of 1999 and November of 2000, two Project Study Reports (PSR) were completed identifying deficiencies in the existing facility. The 1999 PSR addressed only environmental issues and was intended to identify programming of funds to complete an appropriate environmental document for a conceptual interchange and freeway extension project. The PSR concluded in November of 2000 investigated alternatives for a project to address facility deficiencies.
A project currently referred to as the "Ultimate" project involves the extension of the existing State Route 70 from just south of SR 162, south to north of Palermo Road, for a total length of approximately 3 miles, to include an interchange at Ophir Road and SR 70, an over crossing at or near Georgia Pacific Way, and relocation of existing frontage roads Pacific Heights Road and Feather River Boulevard. Several alternatives were reviewed with the middle alternative being selected as a preferred alternative by the Project Design Team (PDT). The selection of this alternative was highly contingent upon the avoidance of environmental concerns with respect to wetlands and vernal pools and also lends itself to more efficient construction from a temporary staging and traffic handling standpoint.
Why is the Project being done?
The existing facility does not currently meet minimum standards for Median Width, Horizontal Alignment and Vertical Alignment. The current stopping sight distance is for 50 mph. When combined, all of these factors bring into question the compliance of this facility with other design standards.
What is the current status of the project?
In November of 2005 Caltrans completed a CEQA Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and NEPA - Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) as required.
Due to the extremely high total cost of this alternative (approximately $50 million), BCAG, Caltrans, the City of Oroville and Butte County began looking at alternatives that were more affordable yet met the Purpose and Need for the Project.
As of April 2006, BCAG and Caltrans are working to deliver Phase One of this "Ultimate" project which will include the extension of four lanes of State Route 70 from State Route 162, through Georgia Pacific Way to north of Ophir Road (Spring of 2009). The remainder of the project will be pursued in phases as determined by funding availability.
Within the physical limits and footprint of this project Caltrans has constructed a signal Safety Project at Georgia Pacific Way and State Route 70 and is planning the construction of a Safety Signal Project at Ophir Road and State Route 70 (Fall 2007). Signalization and access control at these two locations can significantly decrease conflicting movements commonplace to at grade intersections .
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| | Questions or comments:
Should you have any questions or comments regarding the project please call or e-mail Jon Clark, Executive Director or Andy Newsum, Project Manager at 530-879-2468. | |
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