PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration
Announcement of Opportunity for Public Hearing
I-40 Bridge and Rock Slope Protection Replacements near Needles, CA
Located in San Bernardino County
Project Name: Interstate 40 (I-40) Bridge and Rock Slope Protection Replacements
What Is Being Planned: The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to restore rock slope protection (RSP) at Ardis Ditch Bridges (PM R118.66, Bridge # 54-0201 L/R), Tank Tower Ditch Bridges (PM R119.50, Bridge # 54-0202 L/R), and Homer Wash Bridges (PM R120.47, Bridge # 54-0203 L/R), and to replace Woods Wash Bridges (PM R104.89, Bridge # 54-0802 L/R) on Interstate 40 (I-40) West of the City of Needles in San Bernardino County. This project will preserve the structural integrity of the identified bridges. Caltrans is the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Why This Notice: Caltrans has studied the effects this project may have on the environment. The studies show the project will not significantly affect the quality of the environment. The report which explains why is called an Initial Study with Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration (ISMND). This notice is to tell you of the preparation of the ISMND, of its availability for you to read, and to offer the opportunity for a public hearing. The document tells you why the project is being proposed, what alternatives have been considered for the project, how the existing environment could be affected by the project, the potential impacts of each of the alternatives, and the proposed avoidance, minimization, and/or mitigation measures.
What Is Available: The Proposed ISMND and other project information, such as associated maps and technical studies, is available for review and copying at the Caltrans District 8 Office (The Rosa Parks Memorial Building, 464 West 4th Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401) on weekdays from 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Electronic copies are also available at the State Clearinghouse (SCH) website or by email upon request to Vivian.Ho@dot.ca.gov.
Where You Come In: Do you have any comments about processing the project with an ISMND/EA or disagree with the findings of the study? Would you care to make any other comments on the project? Would you like a public hearing? Please submit your comments or request for a public hearing in writing no later than April 21, 2025, via e-mail to: Vivian.Ho@dot.ca.gov or:
Vivian Ho, Acting Senior Environmental Planner
California Department of Transportation
464 West Fourth Street, Mail Station 827
San Bernardino, CA 92401-1400
Please include “I-40 Bridge and RSP Replacements” in the subject line. The date we will begin accepting comments is March 21, 2025. If there are no major comments or requests for a public hearing, Caltrans will proceed with the project’s design.
Contact: For more information about this study or any transportation matter, 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, call or write to Vivian Ho, Acting Senior Environmental Planner, 464 W. 4th Street, 6th Floor MS-827, San Bernardino, CA 92401; (909) 292-6694; or use the California Relay Service 1 (800) 735-2929 (TTY to Voice), 1 (800) 735-2922 (Voice to TTY), 1 (800) 854-7784 (Spanish and English Speech to Speech), or dial 711.