American Dark Fiber DN 197 Broadband Permit - 0575

American Dark Fiber, in coordination with the California Department of Technology, proposes installation of underground and aerial fiber-optic broadband infrastructure within Caltrans right-of-way (ROW) along State Route (SR) 197 in Del Norte County, California. Underground conduit installation would include 1.25-inch and 2-inch high-density polyethylene conduit with fiber-optic cable. Methods of conduit installation would include trenching and horizontal directional drilling (HDD)/boring, to be conducted in accordance with the traffic control plan. Trenched installations would be minimized, inspected daily, and temporarily covered or fenced where backfilling cannot occur immediately. HDD and boring methods would be used to avoid environmentally sensitive areas and cultural resources where identified. Work would also include aerial installation of fiber-optic cable on existing utility poles, including make-ready work, messenger strand, and associated anchors. Temporary traffic control devices and signage would be used to minimize traffic disruptions. Fiber-optic markers would be installed at vault locations and as specified along the conduit path. All work would take place within Caltrans right of way. Purpose: This Middle-Mile Broadband Network project will install the broadband infrastructure along the State Highway System (SHS) necessary to connect to a third-party operated Last Mile Broadband Network which will bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions. Need: In July 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 156 to create an open-access middle-mile network to bring high-speed broadband service to all Californians. The lack of available middle-mile broadband infrastructure has been a major issue in connecting California’s communities. The statewide open-access middle-mile network included in SB 156 is a foundational investment to ensure every Californian has access to broadband Internet service that meets the connectivity needs of today, and well into the future. This project intends to support providing critical statewide broadband infrastructure to enhance access to and increase the affordability of high-speed internet for all Californians.