Nipomo interchange impact detailed
- Original SanLuisObispo.com article: Nipomo interchange impact detailed
The public soon will have a chance to look over and comment on an environmental report on the proposed Highway 101 interchange with an extended Willow Road in Nipomo.
The proposed interchange aims to relieve traffic congestion, including that around Tefft Street during peak hours, and help prepare for population growth in Nipomo.
The report by environmental consulting firm LSA Associates highlights potential environmental issues, including removal of 705 oak trees and damage to animal habitats, such as those of the California horned lizard, white-tailed kite and Cooper's hawk.
Reports such as these are required by state law. They are intended to outline how a public works project could affect the local environment and how to make up for or avoid potential ill effects.
LSA Associates details a plan for planting replacement oak trees from local acorns in the area around the project as well as planting native shrubs and flowers.
The county plans to extend Willow from the Nipomo Mesa, linking it to Highway 101 between the Thompson and Los Berros roads interchange and Tefft Street.
A freeway interchange at Willow would include on-and offramps and an underpass.
The idea of a Willow Road extension has been discussed since the 1950s, said county Project Manager Dale Ramey.
The county Board of Supervisors certified a previous environmental study under California Environmental Quality Act guidelines in May 2006.
The latest environmental study examined the project under federal guidelines of the National Environmental Policy Act, which is required when federal funding is used.
The county has $6 million allocated so far, Ramey said, and expects $4 million more to come from state and federal sources.
More funding could come from a local tax district, road-impact fees imposed on new development and a parcel tax.
Construction in the first phase of the project--which is the interchange--would begin in 2009 and cost an estimated $26 million.
The second phase would extend Willow west to Pomeroy Road and east to Thompson. That's expected to cost $20 million.
The county also is working toward acquiring several parcels of land in the project's right of way, and those expenses are included in the budget estimates, Ramey said.
Traffic flow has slowed during peak hours in Nipomo because of a growing population.
Nipomo's population increased from 7,109 in 1990 to 12,626 in 2000, according to the U. S. Census Bureau.
County planning estimates peg the town's population around 14,500 now, and the state Department of Finance estimates Nipomo will grow to at least 17,750 by 2020.
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WILLOW ROAD INTERCHANGE: HAVE YOUR SAYA public meeting regarding a recent environmental study of the proposed Highway 101/Willow Road interchange in Nipomo is set for 5 to 8 p. m. April 9 at the Nipomo Community Services District office at 148 S. Wilson St.
Comments can also be sent to Yvonne Hoffman at Yvonne_Hoffmann@dot.ca.gov. Copies of the environmental report are available for review at the Caltrans office at 50 Higuera St. in San Luis Obispo and the Nipomo Branch Library at 918 Tefft St.
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