Superior Court Judge Barbara Miller's ruling Tuesday clears the way for UC Berkeley to begin constructing an athletic training facility where several dozen oak trees now stand.

Opponents of the project say they plan to appeal. University officials said they have promised construction will not begin until the state appeals court has ruled.

Protesters have occupied the trees for more than 18 months.

Environmentalists opposing the project also say the sports center slated to be built next to UC Berkeley's football stadium would sit too close to a major fault line in violation of earthquake safety codes.