Update on Route 5 Corridor

Update on Route 5 Corridor

Report submitted by member Mike Bullock, Transportation Chair of the Sierra Club.

At a recent meeting of Coastal Commission a package was approved unanimously. It includes rail double tracking, the lagoon improvements, bike and hiking facilities, and highway expansion (from a nominal 8 lanes to a nominal 12 lanes, for 27 miles).

However, the attached Atkins-Kehoe letter was recognized and several Commissioners referred to it and its advocacy for not necessarily building the final two lanes. Therefore, I feel a case could be made that what was approved was a nominal 10-lane freeway, with an option for two more lanes, if they are required.