Caltrans announces environmental improvements agreement for Willits project

WILLITS, Calif. (KGO) -- Caltrans has announced an agreement on environmental improvements required for the controversial Willits bypass freeway project in Mendocino County.

Caltrans estimated the first phase of the freeway will cost $210 million.

The environmental damage from the construction is so severe that Caltrans allocated $54 million for environmental improvements to compensate.

Construction of the freeway has gone ahead, but much of the environmental improvement has been repeatedly delayed.

Caltrans says the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the regional water board have now agreed on a plan and federal officials will be touring the site soon to see if Caltrans is in compliance with their requirements.