Related Links

San Jose, Calif. – Through continuing efforts to conserve the biological habitats and protection for unique natural resources in southern Santa Clara County, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced today that each agency followed important environmental requirements during the construction of the recently completed SR 152/156 Improvement Projects. With the assistance of the California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, VTA and Caltrans protected many sensitive species including the California Tiger Salamander, the California Red-Legged Frog and the San Joaquin Kit Fox.

“Protecting these species involved construction teams that include trained biologists and was a key part of the project’s work to reduce and mitigate any impact on endangered species,” said Caltrans District Division Chief for Program Management South, Gene Gonzalo. “This team, including expert biologists are trained to recognize the habitats, work with the regulatory agencies, and provide input on the ways to safeguard both animal and plant life.”

Wildlife protection was effectively demonstrated in two ways.  First, a “wildlife exclusion fence,” was installed six inches below the surface and kept animals out of work areas.  In addition, animal crossings were built below the SR152/156 flyover ramp and these trails still provide the area’s animals, like the San Joaquin Kit Fox, a safe route under the highway.

 

Future work includes continuing efforts to protect each species.  VTA has plans to conserve and manage approximately 15 acres of suitable wildlife habitat in the region. Funding will buy land for habitats as close as possible to the project sites, purchase credits at a conservation bank, or contribute funds to the Santa Clara Valley Habitat Conservation Plan, earmarked for the future purchase of land.    

Also along this project corridor, some mature oak trees required removal. These trees will be replaced at a ratio of five-to-one -- increasing the local population of native oaks.

“Building large transportation projects that pay attention to important natural conservation techniques demonstrate VTA’s commitment to being environmentally responsible,” said Michael T. Burns, VTA General Manager.

 Go To Top

About VTA
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is an independent special district responsible for bus, light rail and paratransit operations; congestion management; specific highway improvement projects; and countywide transportation planning. As such, VTA is both an accessible transit provider and multi-modal transportation planning organization involved with transit, highways and roadways, bikeways and pedestrian facilities.

For more information about VTA services, call VTA Customer Service at (408) 321-2300, (408) 321-2330 (TDD only). Or, log on to www.vta.org.