Span-6 Needles to Vidal Junction Middle Mile Broadband Network Project 08-25-6-BB-0155

The project involves the installation of approximately 47.45 miles of broadband fiber conduit along U.S. Route 95, stretching from Post Mile 57.10 near I-40 in Needles to Post Mile 9.65 at Vidal Junction in San Bernardino County, California. This middle-mile broadband infrastructure initiative aims to enhance regional connectivity by establishing a critical fiber backbone that supports future telecommunications services and digital equity efforts across rural and underserved areas. The work is being led by Caltrans, District 8 - San Bernardino/Riverside, with environmental planning oversight and project coordination managed by Kenya Amezcua, Senior Environmental Planner, and Kimberly Ferguson, Project Manager from Arcadian Infra. All activities will occur within the right-of-way of USR-95 in San Bernardino County, and the project is forecasted for future solicitation with no current solicitation number or set-aside details available. The posting date on the California Environmental Quality Act net portal is June 10, 2026, indicating the project is in the planning and environmental review phase. The primary point of contact for inquiries is Kenya Amezcua, reachable at 909-472-2632 or kenya.amezcua@dot.ca.gov, with additional project coordination supported by Kimberly Ferguson. The infrastructure development is intended to serve as a long-term public asset that enables private broadband providers to extend high-speed internet access to neighboring communities, promoting economic development and improved access to essential services.