Fresno Advocates Have Their Day in Court Tomorrow (1/9) in Effort to Stop Massive Highway Expansion - Streetsblog California

"The $140 million project, announced in February 2023, would rebuild the American Avenue and North Avenue interchanges, converting them from partial to full interchanges and more directly connecting Highway 99 to local roads serving the small communities of Calwa and Malaga. Plaintiffs argue the project violates state (CEQA) and federal (NEPA) environmental laws because agencies failed to disclose how the expansion would increase truck traffic, worsening air quality and harming public health. Caltrans argues, as it often does, that this highway expansion will reduce emissions,"

"When Caltrans first approached communities in southwest Fresno about the project, it was presented as a series of safety improvements at the interchanges. At public meetings residents pressed for bicycle and pedestrian safety features to be included, according to community members. The project Caltrans ultimately put forward, opponents say, bears little resemblance to what was originally pitched. Instead of improving local safety, critics argue the project will increase truck access to residential neighborhoods and encourage additional warehousing and truck traffic."

A proposed $140 million project would rebuild the American Avenue and North Avenue interchanges, converting them from partial to full interchanges and connecting Highway 99 more directly to local roads serving Calwa and Malaga. Plaintiffs contend state (CEQA) and federal (NEPA) laws were violated because agencies did not disclose how the expansion would increase truck traffic, worsen air quality, and harm public health. Caltrans maintains the expansion will reduce emissions. The project was initially presented as safety improvements; residents requested bicycle and pedestrian features. Opponents say the final proposal increases truck access, encourages warehousing, and omitted analysis of a nearby 2,940-acre industrial park. A July ruling found the City of Fresno violated state law by failing to consider increased truck traffic.

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