WILLOWS, Calif. — Caltrans reported that the Willows Broadband project will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 14, with construction on State Route 162 in and near Willows in Glenn County to install new broadband infrastructure.

This project will lay the groundwork to provide better internet access for communities that currently have limited or no high-speed internet. Work will include installing underground conduits, placing fiber optic cables, and adding vaults and markers along the highway to support the network.

This project is part of the statewide Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, led by the California Department of Technology, or CDT.

Established by Senate Bill 156 in July 2021, the initiative focuses on building an open-access middle-mile network — high-capacity fiber optic lines that transmit large amounts of data over long distances.

This backbone infrastructure enables local internet service providers to deliver affordable, high-speed internet to homes, businesses, and community institutions, enhancing connectivity for unserved and underserved communities.

The project is funded by the California Department of Technology as part of the Middle-Mile Broadband Network program. Construction is scheduled to finish by May, with an estimated cost of $3.93 million.

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. Caltrans reminds motorists to “Be Work Zone Alert” and slow in construction zones for the safety of travelers and crews performing these improvements.