LACMTA, Caltrans to host public hearings on High Desert Corridor

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will host a series of public hearings this month to receive input on a Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement for the High Desert Corridor. The hearing dates are Nov. 5, 6, 12 and 13.

In addition, LACMTA and Caltrans will accept public comments until Dec. 2 on the document, which studies potential impacts along the 63-mile corridor that connects State Route 14 in Los Angeles County with U.S. Highway 395, Interstate 15 and State Route 18/Bear Valley Road in San Bernardino County.

Transportation officials aim to improve the corridor's safety and reliability, while finding ways to connect residential, commercial and industrial areas in the Antelope Valley and Victor Valley. Major elements under study include a new highway/expressway, tollway, high speed-rail feeder service, potential green energy production and/or transmission facilities, and a bikeway, LACMTA officials said in a press release.

The Draft EIR/EIS considers four build alternatives and the legally required "no build" alternative. The Draft EIS/EIR may be viewed online.