California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Route 197

197/199 Safe STAA Access Project (01-DN-197, PM 3.2/4.5; 01-DN-199, PM 20.5/26.5; PPNO 01-1161)

Route 197 and US 199 Improvements In December 2012, the CTC reviewed a draft EIR related to improvements on Route 197 and US 199 and had no comments. The project will improve spot locations on Route 197 and US 199 in Del Norte County so that two Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) trucks passing in opposite directions can be accommodated. Within the project limits, Route 197 and US 199 are rugged, two-lane conventional highways with tight curves and steep-cut slopes providing narrow traffic lanes with narrow shoulders (if shoulders exist). Route 197 is the designated route for the movement of extralegal truck loads between US 101 and US 199 because it avoids traversing Jedediah Smith Redwoods Park. Known as North Bank Road, Route 197 was built in the 1930s. US 199 in the project limits traverses the Middle Fork Smith River and was built in the early 1920s and is a tightly curved alignment with spectacular views. The proposed work consists of roadway widening, shoulder widening, roadway curve improvements, bridge replacements and culvert replacements. The project will bring Route 197 and US 199 into compliance with federal and state legislations regarding access for STAA trucks. It is split into four projects: Ruby 1 (EA 48110, Route 197 PM 4.5) is fully funded in the SHOPP Minor A Program. It would lengthen the curve and increase shoulder width. Culverts and drainage would be adjusted. The total estimated cost is $2,499,000. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2013-14. Ruby 2 (EA 45490, Route 197, PM 3.2 to 4.0) is fully funded in the SHOPP Minor A Program. This would improve the existing road curve, roadbed elevation, and roadway width. Different alternatives have slightly different roadway and shoulder widths. The total estimated cost is $3,400,000. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2014-15. Patrick Creek Narrows (PPNO 1047) will improve US 199 from Post Mile 20.5 to 20.7, Post Mile 23.9 to 24.3, and Post Mile 25.55 to 25.65. Most of these involve improving curves and slight roadway widening. It would also replace the existing Middle Fork Smith River bridge with either an upstream or downstream alternative, or rework the existing bridge to allow large trucks to cross. The project is programmed in the 2012 STIP. The total estimated cost for capital and support is $21,302,000. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2012-13. The Narrows and Washington Curve (PPNO 1073) will improve US 199 from Post Mile 22.7 to 23.0 (Narrows), and from PM 26.3 to 26.5 (Washington Curve). These involve lane widening and curve improvement. The project is programmed in the 2012 SHOPP. The total estimated cost for capital and support is $6,750,000. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year 2015-16. For these four projects, there are a total 12 build alternatives being proposed as well as the no build alternative

In June 2013, the CTC accepted the environmental document for Ruby 1, Ruby 2, Patrick Creek Narrows, and Narrows and Washington Curve.

In September 2020, it was reported that the Crescent City Harbor District added support to the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission for a project to bring Route 199 and Route 197 up to 1982 trucking standards. Harbor commissioners unanimously approved a resolution reaffirming their support for the project, which has been stalled when Friends of Del Norte, the Environmental Protection Information Center and the Center For Biological Diversity obtained an injunction in 2014. The Harbor District’s vote comes about two weeks after a federal judge in the case awarded intervenor status to the Del Norte Local Transportation Commission. According to a staff report, the Local Transportation Commission argued that it is local elected officials, not the litigants, who represent the public. The Del Norte Unified School District Board of Trustees has also unanimously declared their support for the STAA 197/199 project, stating that widening the road is also essential for school buses. The $34 million project includes widening three curves on US 199 and replacing a bridge that was built in 1924. It also consists of widening two curves on Route 197 near Ruby Van Deventer County Park. Caltrans’ goal is to make the project safer for trucks meeting the 1982 Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) standard. The project has been paid for with state and federal dollars since 2008 and was about to enter the construction phase when Friends of Del Norte, EPIC and Center For Biological Diversity initiated a lawsuit that stalled the project in 2014. The three conservation groups argued that allowing for the larger STAA trucks would increase, rather than decrease the risk to safety on the two roads. The three groups are also concerned about the possibility of a hazardous material spill impacting the Smith River. However, restricting the travel of trucks carrying hazardous materials down US 199 and Route 197 could circumvent that argument.
(Source: Wild Rivers Outpost, 9/1/2020)

197-199 Safe STAA Access In March 2022, it was reported that a federal judge had lifted the injunction that prevented Caltrans from completing road improvements on two highways which, at many points, run directly alongside the wild Smith River. Specifically, U.S. District Judge James Donato lifted the nearly decadelong injunction after finding Caltrans’ revised plans for improvements on US 199 and Route 197 did not violate the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Plaintiffs Friends of Del Norte, an environmental group based in the state northwesternmost county, sued Caltrans claiming plans for improving the highways posed a threat to the salmon that inhabit the 25-mile river. The project had been intended to facilitate the movement of large trucks. But in 2014 the judge found "serious questions about the adequacy of the reviews and consultation process that Caltrans and National Marine Fisheries Service conducted under the Endangered Species Act.” At the time, the court found “contradictions and critical gaps in reasoning” in the two agencies’ assessments of the project's effects, and even whether a formal consultation was required under the Endangered Species Act. Two species of endangered salmon, coho and Chinook, inhabit the river along with cutthroat and steelhead trout, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Rather than appealing, Caltrans launched a second round of consultations with the Fisheries Service, which resulted in a revised evaluation of the project’s potential effects.
(Source: Missoula Current, 3/4/2023)

In December 2023, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding the following project for which a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and Addenda have been completed: 197/199 Safe STAA Access Project. Route 197 and US 199 in Del Norte County. Construct improvements at spot locations on Route 197 and US 199 to reclassify the routes as part of the Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) truck route network and to comply with federal and state legislation and regional programs, plans, and policies to allow STAA access. The project involves curve adjustment and widening lanes and shoulders, in Del Norte County. (01-DN-197, PM 3.2/4.5; 01-DN-199, PM 20.5/26.5; PPNO 01-1161) The project is located on Route 197 from PM 3.2 to PM 4.5, in Del Norte County. The Department proposes to construct improvements at spot locations on Route 197 and US 199 to reclassify the routes as part of the Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) truck route network and to comply with federal and state legislation and regional programs, plans, and policies to allow STAA access. The project involves curve adjustment and widening lanes and shoulders. The project is currently programmed in the 2022 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). The total programmed amount, which includes Right of Way (Support and Capital), and Construction (Support and Capital) is $60,000,000. Construction is estimated to begin in 2028-29. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope as programmed by the Commission in the 2022 SHOPP. A copy of the FEIR has been provided to Commission staff. The Commission approved the project for future consideration of funding on June 11, 2013, under Resolution E-13-46. Since the approval of the FEIR, there have been changes to the project and Addenda were prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The first Addendum was prepared on January 31, 2013, after culvert drainage work was determined not to impact jurisdictional waters of the U.S. or waters of the State, and therefore would not require a 1600, 401, or 404 permit. The second addendum was prepared on August 17, 2017, because of a lawsuit, and the project was put under an injunction in May 2014. Accordingly, in May 2014, the Department began the process of re-initiation of Endangered Species Act and Magnuson- Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service by preparing a new Biological Assessment (BA). The Department submitted a new BA on March 30, 2017, and received a Letter of Concurrence on June 28, 2017, as described in the Addenda. The project changes do not meet the criteria outlined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15162 and Section 15163 to prepare a Subsequent or Supplemental FEIR. The Department subsequently completed Addenda to the FEIR pursuant to CEQA. The Department has approved this project for construction. This approval and the Addenda will satisfy the environmental requirements for this stage of the planning process.
(Source: December 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(2))

In December 2023, the CTC approved the following SHOPP preconstruction-phase allocation:. $4,420,000. 01-DN-197 M3.2/4.5. PPNO 01-1161; ProjID 0123000202; EA 0N290. Route 197 Near Crescent City, from Kaspar/Keene Road to Ruby Van Deventer County Park; also on US 199, from 0.7 mile north of Patrick Creek Bridge to 1.1 mile north of Siskiyou Fork Road (PM 22.7/26.5). Improve cross slope, widen roadway, improve drainage, replace guardrail, install rockfall wire mesh, and construct retaining walls. Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-13-46; June 2013. Concurrent addendum for the previously approved Future Consideration of Funding under Resolution E-23-156A; December 2023. Programmed (Allocation, if different): PS&E $4,348,000; R/W Sup $72,000.
(Source: December 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2) #1)

In August 2025, the CTC agenda contained a "Future Consideration of Funding" item related to this project, but it was withdrawn prior to the meeting. The agenda item indicated that a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and Addendum had been completed. The project was described as: 197/199 Safe STAA Access Project: Route 197 and US 199 in Del Norte County. Improve spot locations to allow reclassification of the corridor as part of the 1982 federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) network of truck routes. Specifically, the project would include curve lengthening, shoulder widening, culvert extensions and replacements, installation of new culverts and drainage inlets, roadbed elevation changes, upgrades to local road approaches, widening of existing lanes (to accommodate STAA standards), installation of retaining walls, concrete barriers, and a rockfall mitigation system and sand trap. (PPNO 1161). It noted that the CTC accepted the FEIR and approved the project for future consideration of funding on June 11, 2013, under Resolution E-13-46. The CTC then considered CEQA Addenda dated January 13, 2014, and August 17, 2017 and approved the project future consideration of funding on December 7, 2023, under Resolution E-23-156A. Since the approval of the FEIR and addenda, there have been changes to the project and another Addendum dated June 17, 2025, was prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Specifically, the 2025 Addendum addresses minor design modifications to meet updated design standards pertaining to safety and best management practices, including updated guardrail types, changes to cut and fill along road shoulders, changes to cut slopes, changes to identified areas for riparian revegetation efforts, inclusion of bio-strips and bioswales for treating stormwater runoff, and increased culvert sizing. Further, the Addendum addresses changes to the environmental setting as a result of the Smith River Complex wildfire, as well as updated botanical surveys and special status animal species and corresponding updated avoidance and minimization measures to reflect current best management practices. Resources in the project area that may be impacted by the project include animal species and threatened and endangered species. Potential impacts associated with the project can all be mitigated to below significance. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15162, no Subsequent FEIR is required for the project because new information and changes in circumstances, project description, impacts, and mitigation are not substantial and do not involve new significant impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified impacts. As a result, the Department completed an Addendum to the FEIR pursuant to CEQA.
(Source: August 2025 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(3) #1)

Rte 197 / Rte 199 STAA Improvements - May 2026 In August 2025, the CTC approved the following construction phase allocation for a 2024 SHOPP project: $60,035,000. 01-DN-197 M3.2/4.5. PPNO 01-1161; ProjID 0123000202; EA 0N290. Route 197 Near Crescent City, from Kaspar/Keene Road to Ruby Van Deventer County Park at two locations; also on Route 199, from 0.5 mile south of Lado Del Rio Drive to 1.1 mile north of Siskiyou Fork Road (PM R15.1/26.5) at various locations. Improve cross slope, widen roadway, improve drainage, replace guardrail, install rockfall wire mesh, and construct retaining walls. CEQA - EIR, 04/10/2013; Re-validation ~~06/17/2025~~ 08/08/2025. NEPA - FONSI, 04/10/2013; Re-validation 06/17/2025. Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-13-46; June 2013. Addendum for the previously approved future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-23-156A; December 2023. ~~Concurrent addendum for the previously approved future consideration of funding under Resolution E-25-52A; August 2025.~~ As part of this allocation request, the Department is requesting to extend the completion of CONST and CON ENG an additional 25 months beyond the 36 month deadline. Two month allocation time extension for CONST and CON ENG approved under Waiver 25-95; June 2025. SB1 Baseline Agreement approval under Resolution SHOPP-P-2324-07B; May 2024. Pre-Construction Phase: Budgeted (Actual, if different): PA&ED $0 ($0); PS&E $4,893,000 ($4,556,804); R/W Sup $272,000 ($178,568). Construction Phase - Programmed (Allocation, if different): CON ENG $8,538,000; CONST $46,300,000.
(Source: August 2025 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(1) #1)

In May 2026, it was reported that work has begun on this project. This project will upgrade a few tight and narrow spots on Route 197 and US 199 so industry-standard size STAA trucks can use the corridor, improving goods movement without causing a major jump in truck traffic or higher speed limits. Wider lanes, wider shoulders, longer curve radii and better sight distance are designed to make the roadway safer for all travelers, including STAA trucks. The targeted improvements, amending only 1.7 miles of roadway, also include bridge work, drainage improvements, pavement upgrades, guardrail installation and slope stabilization. Delays started in May 2026, with full closures anticipated during July and August. Full closures will be needed for worker and traveler safety during operations such as rock blasting and slope stabilization and will reduce the project timeline by about four years.
(Source: Caltrans District 1 on FB, 5/21/2026)