Why not widen Gopher Canyon Road?

One wonders if Caltrans ever looked at a map before deciding on the extension of State Route 76?

If you draw a straight line from the end of the current four lane at Jeffrey Ranch to Interstate 15, the shortest distance follows an existing road, Gopher Canyon . Would it not be much cheaper, less damaging to the environment, and more apt to save lives in another wildfire to widen Gopher Canyon Road instead having a massive building project in a flood plain?

Also, has Caltrans made any provision for public transit, or bike paths, in its current configuration?

G. Vale

Vista...