State Route 58 Widening Project - Bakersfield Freeways

Chapter 1 Introduction
1.2.1. Project Phasing
Construction is expected to be done in three phases. The first phase would be from
Calloway Drive to SR 99. The second phase would be from Allen Road to Calloway
Drive. Construction on the first two segments is expected to start in early 2014 and be
completed in mid-2015. The grade separation at the San Joaquin Valley Railroad
would be constructed as a final phase, with construction projected to start in 2025 and
end in 2027. Construction for all phases is expected to be completed within this
project’s 20-year horizon.
The roadway would be open through all phases of construction. No detours are
expected to be necessary. During construction of the grade-separation, a temporary
route on the north side of the roadway would be provided during construction to allow
traffic to continue to use SR-58. The temporary route would be located next to the
roadway and would use property that would be bought as part of the project.
Relocation/reconstruction of utilities and drainage facilities within the proposed ROW
would include power poles, underground utilities, and storm drains. Utility relocations
are expected to be accomplished without interrupting service. Drainage improvements
would include installation of operational BMPs.
1.2.2. Avoidance and Minimization Measures
Standard Avoidance and Minimization Measures for the San Joaquin kit fox (such as
pre-construction surveys, worker environmental awareness training, and construction
monitoring) will be implemented. In addition to the standard Avoidance and
Minimization Measures, the project proposes to incorporate structural design elements
that are intended to facilitate safe kit fox crossing and to reduce the potential for
unintentional vehicular strike. The structural design elements would include limited
median height, low-level landscaping, avoidance of current movement corridors (i.e.,
canals and railways), and warning signs. The proposed project would also avoid the
use of fencing. These design elements will be addressed in more detail in
Section 4.1.1.5. The specifics of these structural elements will be finalized during the
project’s final design phase by the City of Bakersfield and Caltrans and submitted for
review and approval by the USFWS.
State Route 58 Widening Project Biological Assessment 7