Last Chance Grade Permanent Restoration Project Draft EIR/EIS and Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation

The Last Chance Grade Permanent Restoration Project, managed by Caltrans District 1 in Eureka and the California Transportation Commission, focuses on the permanent roadway restoration and realignment of US Highway 101 in Del Norte County. Located approximately 10 miles south of Crescent City between post miles 12.7 and 16.5, the project involves the construction of a tunnel bypass to ensure long-term roadway stability. Key activities include extensive geotechnical investigations to characterize the local geology and identify critical sites for tunnel portals and bridge abutments, which involves the operation of 29 mud rotary drill sites and related construction activities. The project is governed by the California Environmental Quality Act and the Public Lands Review Act, with environmental compliance documented through an Environmental Impact Report and a Draft Section 4(f) Evaluation. Official Notices of Determination were issued and approved in August and September 2026, confirming the adoption of required mitigation measures and a Statement of Overriding Considerations. Primary points of contact for the project include Stephen Umbertis, Senior Environmental Planner, and Cherry Zamora, Associate Deputy Director of Environmental Policy.