FONSI for Rehabilitation of South Kelbaker and Kelso-Cima Roads

This finding of no significant impact (FONSI) documents the decision of the NPS to select the preferred alternative (selected alternative)(Alternative 2). The statements and conclusions reached in this FONSI are based on consultations, documentation and analysis provided in the environmental assessment (EA) and the associated decision file.

Public comments for the EA were received from April 9-May 8, 2025, and were considered prior to issuing the decision document. A response to comments is also included in the FONSI.

The selected alternative (Alternative 2) includes rehabilitating approximately 42 miles of Kelso-Cima and South Kelbaker Roads to improve safety and visitor access. The roadway improvements will include treatments, such as restriping pavement, adding mumble strips, widening shoulders, paving with asphalt concrete (asphalt), installing low-water crossing features, and adding exclusion fencing to keep desert tortoises and other small animals off the roads. Alternative 2 also includes reduction of the speed limit, installation of speed limit and other traffic signs, radar speed feedback signs or roadway striping and markings as appropriate, and additional signage to address safety issues and improve the visitor experience.

The selected alternative will include approximately 37 pullouts, about 1 per mile, on either side of the project corridor. Each pullout will include a 14-foot-wide paved lane with pavement markings and asphalt curbing; pullouts will be approximately 14 feet wide and 200 feet long and within previously disturbed areas. The exact number of pullouts will be determined during final design. The pullouts will provide safe areas for resting, scenic viewing, emergency stops, and law enforcement.

The selected alternative will include several improvements along the project corridor related to visitor use and experience, including at Granite Pass and near the entrance to the Preserve on South Kelbaker Road. The NPS will provide a larger pullout area with space for future interpretive signage near the viewpoint at Kelso Dunes to allow visitors to enjoy the scenic vistas, take photographs, rest, and make unplanned emergency stops. At Granite Pass, the NPS will improve the existing parking area, install a concrete pad for future restroom facilities, provide accessibility features, add new signs, and expand the existing viewpoint to improve safety of ingress and egress for visitors. The NPS will relocate the existing entrance sign for the Preserve to the area near Interstate 40 toward the end of the project area. The entrance sign will be located in the new welcome area for visitors that will also include a paved, striped parking area near the Preserve entrance, a concrete sidewalk along the perimeter edge, and additional informational signage.

The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), in coordination with the NPS, will decommission and remove the existing 60-foot guyed wire communications tower at Cima Junction and replace it with a self-supporting tower not exceeding 65 feet. The new tower will sit on a subterranean mat foundation and be enclosed by a 45-by-50-foot safety fence. Ground equipment may include a generator and enclosure, with utilities determined during final design. An access road will be built and graded to connect with Kelso-Cima Road, providing safe construction and maintenance access. All work will remain within previously disturbed and surveyed areas.

Background:
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Western Federal Lands, the National Park Service (NPS) prepared an environmental assessment (EA) to examine alternative actions and environmental impacts associated with the proposed project to rehabilitate South Kelbaker and Kelso-Cima Roads at Mojave National Preserve.

Document Content:

Final_Signed_20250715-2689 (PWP - Park Planning and Environmental Compliance)-MOJA_FONSI_Final_remediated.pdf   (895.7 KB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.