Despite the fact that Landscape Architects have been contracted to provide design of the landscape for intersections, transition areas, and toll plazas, as well as areas adjacent to the corridor, the San Joaquin Hills Transportation (SJHT) Corridor in Southern California, continues to raise protests.

A controversial tollroad which would span 17.5 miles from San Juan Capistrano to Newport Beach, the SJHT Corridor has been the topic of heated debate in Orange County for over 20 years. While tollroad developers say that the SJHT Corridor will lessen traffic congestion and improve overall air quality, environmentalists and citizen groups argue it will destroy sensitive ecosystems, including wetlands, creeks and coastal sage scrub (home of the California Gnatcatcher), as well as appear aesthetically unsightly, in the process.

As recently as this spring, environmental organizations such as the Laguna Canyon Conservancy (LCC) and Citizens Against The Tollroad (CATT) have won battles in their efforts to prevent the SJHT Corridor from going through. In June, the LCC obtained a restraining order banning grading in Laguna Canyon. Members of the LCC say, "You may have heard that the Tollroad is a 'done deal.' That's only true if each and every one of us allows it to happen. Regardless of the eventual outcome, our work will not soon be over."

Although a confidentiality clause in the contract currently limits the Landscape Architect from commenting, one thing is certain: the Landscape Architect's work will also not soon be over. LASN will endeavor to bring you further details as they become available.