REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
June 23, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the National Trails Highway at Bridge 85 (Lamego Ditch) Replacement Project
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
1. Certify that the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the National Trails Highway at Bridge 85 (Lamego Ditch) Replacement Project, located in Chambless area (State Clearinghouse No. 2026031253), has been completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, has been reviewed and considered prior to approving the Bridge 85 (Lamego Ditch) Replacement Project, and reflects the independent judgment of the Board of Supervisors.
2. Adopt the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration for the National Trails Highway at Bridge 85 (Lamego Ditch) Replacement Project, located in the Chambless area.
3. Adopt the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the National Trails Highway at Bridge 85 (Lamego Ditch) Replacement Project, located in the Chambless area, as provided in Section 4.0 of the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration.
4. Approve the National Trails Highway at Bridge 85 (Lamego Ditch) Replacement Project, located in the Chambless area, as defined in the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration.
5. Direct the Department of Public Works to file the Notice of Determination in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The National Trails Highway at Bridge 85 (Lamego Ditch) Replacement Project (Project), located in the Chambless area, is funded with Discretionary General Funds allocated to the Department of Public Works (Department) in the 2014-15 through 2016-17, 2018-19, 2024-25, and 2025-2026 recommended budgets for the National Trails Highway Bridge Program (NTH). The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has approved the Project as a Bridge Investment Credit, which will be applied as a future local match for Federal Highway Bridge Program funds for NTH. Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the Department’s 2025-26 Road Operations budget (6650002000 H15282) and will be included in future recommended budgets as necessary.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The County proposes to replace Bridge No. 85 (Lamego Ditch Bridge) along National Trails Highway (Route 66), near the unincorporated community of Chambless. The existing bridge does not meet current structural design and safety standards and requires replacement to improve safety and maintain reliable access along this corridor.
The Project includes demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new two-lane bridge, along with associated roadway improvements within the existing alignment. Temporary construction access and detours may be required during construction.
The County serves as the lead agency for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. Under CEQA, environmental review must be completed prior to construction. The County’s environmental consultant, Dokken Engineering, prepared a draft Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) and a Notice of Intent/Notice of Availability for the proposed IS/MND, which was circulated for review by state agencies for a period of 30 days beginning on April 3, 2026, through the Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse On April 3, 2026, the Notice of Intent was also distributed to responsible and trustee agencies, interested stakeholders, and nearby property owners.
All potential environmental impacts were assessed, and mitigation measures will be incorporated, where necessary, to reduce impacts to less than significant levels. These measures are summarized in the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) contained in Section 4.0 of the IS/MND, titled “Summary of Mitigation Measures.”
Following Board of Supervisors approval of the final IS/MND and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, the County will proceed with final design, permitting, right-of-way coordination as needed, and construction implementation.
The Project supports the County and Chief Executive Officer’s goals to promote safe and sustainable infrastructure, enhance public safety, and improve mobility for residents in unincorporated areas.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on May 19, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Eduardo Mora, Administrative Analyst, 387-4376) on June 5, 2026.