Construction can begin in one section even if one or more other sections has not yet received a Record of Decision (ROD) during the Tier 2 environmental studies.  The six sections being studied in Tier 2 each have “independent utility.”  This means that they perform a useful transportation purpose as a stand-alone highway.  Since each section has independent utility, they may advance on different schedules.  Upon issuance of a ROD, each section independently moves to the final design and construction phase.  Land acquisition and final design work run concurrently and construction can begin when both are complete.  (Updated 11/14/07)

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