Widening of Existing US 395 Project

The Widening of Existing US 395 Project, Contract 2, is an infrastructure initiative managed by Caltrans District 8 in San Bernardino County. The project spans approximately seven miles of US-395, from post mile R4.0 to PM 11.2, extending from 0.4 mile north of Interstate 15 to State Route 18 / Palmdale Road. A key component of this project is the amendment to Incidental Take Permit No. 1927-ITP-2025-004-06-A1, issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on July 6, 2026. The amendment specifically addresses the management of western Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia), which are protected under the California Endangered Species Act and the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA). The authorized scope includes the removal of 12 additional western Joshua trees, the relocation of 2 additional trees, and the avoidance of 9 additional trees. To ensure environmental compliance, the project must adhere to a Mitigation Reporting or Monitoring Plan and additional mitigation measures mandated by the CDFW.