SR 91/71 Interchange Improvement Project
Focus:
Environmental Compliance
Biological Services
Challenges
The construction project started in Dec 2022 and is expected to conclude in mid-2025. Once completed, the new interchange will improve safety, reduce weaving between lanes and rear-end collisions, expand access to other modes of travel, and enhance traffic flow by replacing the single-lane loop connector with the two-lane direct connector.
Innovative Solutions
Endemic, as a biological and stormwater consultant to the prime contractor, prepared the Natural Resource Protection Plan (NRPP) that identified and outlined species protection measures and implementation plans in compliance with all permits, licenses, agreements, and certifications (PLACs) as well as environmental laws and regulations. Sensitive and regulated species for this project included:
● Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica)
● Least Bell’s Vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus)
● Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia)
● Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii)
● Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae)
● Raptors, Non-game and Migratory Birds
● Brand’s phacelia (Phacelia stellaris)
● San Diego ambrosia (Ambrosia pumila)
● San Miguel savory (Clinopodium chandleri)
Endemic also prepared a Bat Avoidance and Monitoring Protection Plan (BAMPP) that will minimize impacts on bats during construction activities in the project. Our habitat restoration activities have included re-contouring streambeds and banks, de-compacting soils, installing native seed, cuttings, or container stock, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance.
Project Details
Location
Riverside County, Corona, CA
Status
In Progress