Dorris News: State Fiber Network Plans 72,300 Feet of Underground Broadband Along Highway 97

DORRIS NEWS | ORIGINAL 2026 LOCAL REPORT

A state-supported broadband project along Highway 97 between Dorris and Macdoel entered formal Caltrans environmental review in June 2026. The Caltrans District 2 filing proposes approximately 72,300 feet of underground conduit and fiber-optic cable, together with 25 underground vaults, as a section of California’s middle-mile internet network.

What is planned along the highway

The June 8 CEQA record describes work between State Route 97 post mile 36.153 and 49.823. Crews would generally remain within existing transportation rights-of-way and use underground conduit, with roadway crossings accomplished by boring where practical. Temporary signs, minor vegetation removal, bore pits and erosion control are also included in the scope.

The difference between middle-mile and home internet

Middle-mile fiber provides backbone capacity that later internet-service providers may connect to last-mile networks serving residences and businesses. It is not the same as a household receiving a new service offer or a guarantee of lower monthly bills. Residents should distinguish backbone construction, last-mile deployment and actual retail availability.

Why the project matters in rural Siskiyou County

Small, dispersed communities often lack the redundant communication routes available in larger cities. A new fiber corridor could improve future options for internet service, schools, health providers and emergency communications. Those potential benefits depend on the full network being completed and connected to providers rather than the environmental filing alone.

What Dorris residents should monitor

Residents can request work schedules, locations of traffic controls, the planned connection points for local providers and information on any future household access projects. Caltrans’ Notice of Exemption supports permitting for the corridor, but it is not a certificate that all 72,300 feet are installed. Dorris News will report verified construction and service milestones separately.

Official verification and sources

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