San Benito U.S. Route 101 Pavement Rehabilitation

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 5 is implementing the San Benito U.S. Route 101 Pavement Rehabilitation project (EA 05-1J840). The project involves the rehabilitation of 30.290 lane miles of pavement along a 7.55-mile section of U.S. Route 101, extending from the Monterey-San Benito County line to the San Benito-Santa Clara County line. Key deliverables include the application of a 0.15-foot rubberized hot mix asphalt overlay, the restoration of 28 culverts across 12 locations, and the installation of a wildlife undercrossing with directional fencing and escape ramps. Additionally, the scope includes upgrading concrete barriers, metal beam guardrails, and end treatments to meet Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware standards, as well as replacing one traffic census station and repairing two others. Construction is expected to begin in July 2030 with an anticipated completion date of January 2034. The project has undergone environmental review under CEQA and NEPA, resulting in a Mitigated Negative Declaration. Mitigation measures are in place to protect biological resources, specifically special-status species such as the western burrowing owl, Monterey hitch, and central California coast roach, and to manage risks associated with abandoned oil and gas wells. The project is funded through the Roadway Preservation Program for delivery in Fiscal Year 2029-2030 and adheres to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and ADA accessibility requirements.