Council Discussing Norris Canyon Ramps Proposal Tonight

One of San Ramon's most contentious issues will be featured publically at San Ramon's City Council meeting tonight.

It is the first council hearing on the I-680/Norris Canyon HOV Direct Ramps Project. The council won't, and can't, make a final decision on the project. But, residents will be looking to see if council members come out in favor or against the plan.

The project would add HOV lanes (for buses, carpools and vanpools) on and off of I-680 at Norris Canyon Road. A portion of the funding for the $102 million project comes from Measure J, the rest would come from grants and other sources. The City of San Ramon would not be responsible for any of the funding.

The project is currently going through the Environmental Impact Report process and hasn't yet been approved by the Contra Costa Transit Authority.

Residents, especially residents living near Norris Canyon Road, have been adamantly against the project. In a , residents said they did not want the project.

There were a number objections, from a waste of money in an econmic downturn to safety concerns with increased traffic near .

Proponents of the project say the plan will reduce green house gasses and decrease traffic congestion throughout the city.

The meeting starts at 7 p.m.

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