Appendix A Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts)

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Natural Environment Study (Minimal Impacts) 1. Introduction The City of Santa Ana (City), in conjunction with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 12, proposes to widen Fairview Street between 9th Street and 16th Street, including replacing the Fairview Street bridge crossing over the Santa Ana River (Project) in Santa Ana, California. The purpose of the project is to reduce congestion and improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety on Fairview Street between 9th Street and 16th Street, consistent with the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways and the City's General Plan Circulation Element. South of 9th Street, Fairview Street provides three lanes in each direction which are reduced to two lanes in each direction north of 9th Street, across the existing four - lane bridge, to 16th Street. The Fairview Street segment between 9th Street and 16th Street is the only constraint for Fairview Street to be built out to its planned width of six lanes. This condition causes a traffic "bottleneck" during peak hours. In addition, there are no sidewalks, bikeways, or lighting on the existing bridge. Pedestrians and bicyclists currently use the roadway shoulder to cross the bridge. Within the project limits, Fairview Street is bordered by single-family residences and a few commercial properties. 1.1. Project History 1.1.1. Project Purpose and Need The Project Area has a history of traffic congestion; however, the Project would improve traffic flow and alleviate congestion in this area. The Project would also increase pedestrian safety at Fairview Street bridge by constructing new barrier rails, sidewalks, bicycle lanes, a raised median, and lighting on the proposed bridge structure. 1.1.1.1. PURPOSE The purpose of the Project is to improve pedestrian/bicyclist safety and traffic flow on and in the vicinity of Fairview Street bridge. The following goals/objectives have been identified for the Project: • Provide for adequate vehicular capacity and greater pedestrian and bike safety on Fairview Street bridge; and • Make the Fairview Street bridge design and capacity consistent with the Orange County Master Plan of Arterial Highways and the City of Santa Ana (City) General Plan Circulation Element. ................................................................................................................................. . Fairview Street Improvements from 9th Street to 16th Street and Bridge Replacement Project