The new traffic signal at the junction of Routes 29 and 281 (Kit's Corner) in Lake County. Courtesy of the Department of Transportation.

NORTH COAST – Caltrans reports that it was hard at work throughout 2007 improving and maintaining State Highways.

Caltrans District 1 includes all state highways in Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino counties. Many projects were completed in 2007. Here are some highlights:

LAKE COUNTY, ROUTES 29 AND 281: KIT’S CORNER SIGNALIZATION

Caltrans completed a signalization project at the intersection of Routes 29 and 281 (Kit’s Corner) in Lake County. The traffic signal was activated on Thursday, Nov. 1, well ahead of schedule.

This project improves the movement of traffic through the intersection of Route 29, Route 281 (Soda Bay Road), and Red Hills Road. Fewer collisions involving turning vehicles are expected in the future due to this project.

Crews installing median barrier on Route 101 near Cushing Creek in Del Norte County. Courtesy of the Department of Transportation.

DEL NORTE COUNTY, ROUTE 101: CUSHING CREEK SAFETY PROJECT

A safety project on Route 101 near Cushing Creek in Del Norte County near Crescent City from 0.3 miles north of Mill Creek Access Road to 0.7 miles south of Hamilton Road was completed in July.

The project included a concrete median barrier (designed to prevent cross-median collisions), a speed detection and display sign for northbound motorists, and a new friction riding course to improve pavement traction.

The newly completed fishway at Chadd Creek near Route 101 in Humboldt County. Courtesy of the Department of Transportation.

HUMBOLDT COUNTY, ROUTE 101: CHADD CREEK FISH PASSAGE IMPROVEMENT

Caltrans, working with the California Department of Fish and Game and other partners, completed a project to improve fish passage at Chadd Creek on Route 101 near Redcrest.

This project was a double success, according to Caltrans. Not only was 1.5 miles of quality fish habitat restored, this project was also a great example of state and federal agencies working together for a common goal. Juvenile fish have already been seen using the new fish ladder.

A dozer working on the Calpella Rehabilitation Project on Route 20 in Mendocino County. Courtesy of the Department of Transportation.

MENDOCINO COUNTY, ROUTE 20: CALPELLA REHABILITATION

Caltrans rehabilitated a five-mile segment of Route 20 in Mendocino County. The contractor repaired 47 drainage systems, including culverts, and a minor slip-out. This project was largely complete in December 2007, though crews will be working alongside the highway until late January to finish project details.

Projects like this help keep highways safe and open, especially in the rainy season, Caltrans reported.

In addition, this area was repaved using rubberized asphalt concrete (RAC). RAC uses scrap tires which would otherwise go to a landfill, requires less aggregate (material such as gravel), and reduces traffic noise. Using RAC is one of the many ways that Caltrans works to help minimize impacts to the environment.

The past year has been a busy one for Caltrans, and 2008 promises to be just as busy. The Loleta Median Barrier Project on Route 101 in Humboldt County is expected to be complete in January. The Confusion Hill Realignment Project on Route 101 in Mendocino County is on schedule to be completed in 2009.

In addition, Caltrans maintenance crews will be patrolling highways all winter to meet the challenge of keeping vital roads open to the traveling public. Caltrans is ready to use its workforce when and where they are needed most.

Motorists can get the latest information on road conditions and chain controls by calling the Caltrans statewide toll-free number, 1-800-427-ROAD (7623), or by logging on to the Caltrans Web site at www.caltrans.ca.gov.

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