Second District Supervisor Roger Rodoni announced his optimism this week regarding recent Caltrans discussion regarding a number of projects slated for the southern portions of Humboldt County in the near future.

Rodoni, who is the county’s representative to Caltrans’ North District External Advisory Liaison, commented on the trucking restrictions caused be the narrow stretch of U.S. Highway 101 at Richardson Grove State Park.

“Because of the Richardson Grove bottleneck, Humboldters pay more for our bread and butter,” stated Rodoni in a news release.

Following a recent meeting with Caltrans to discuss the upcoming Richardson Grove realignment project, Rodoni announced the following information:

• The project is currently undergoing technical studies, revealing few environmental impacts.

• Caltrans is planning an open house in February to accept public input from the public input and a Technical Advisory Group will be formed.

• No old-growth redwood trees are anticipated to be taken from the area.

• Caltrans will work with the State Parks and the California Conservation Corps to redesign a trail for pedestrian and bike use.

• Industry-standard trucks will be able to pass through U.S. Highway 101 at Richardson Grove.

• Environmental studies are expected to be completed this spring.

According to the news release from Rodoni, the following southern county projects were also discussed, including the $9.5 million “Redcrest Sink” project scheduled to be completed this summer, the $15 million Van Duzen River Bridge project expected to reopen the bridge in June, the $22 million Alton Interchange project expected to start this summer, the Loleta median project that is on track to open near the end of January, the Confusion Hill Bypass project scheduled to be finished in late 2009 and the $200 million Willits Bypass project due to start in 2010.

“Each of these projects offers significant benefits to the people of Humboldt County,” Rodoni stated. “When we can get our goods here cheaper, travel safer, and still maintain our natural beauty, everyone wins.”

For more information on Caltrans and their projects, visit the Web site at www.dot.ca.gov/dist1/d1projects.