NEWS: Sens. Schiff, Padilla Announce $25 Million to Improve State Route 71 in Pomona, Reduce Traffic Congestion

Pomona, CA - Today, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) announced $25 million in federal grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the State Route 71 Gap Closure Project.

The grant will upgrade the current four-lane expressway in Pomona to an eight-lane freeway, construct auxiliary lanes between Mission Boulevard and Valley Boulevard, reconstruct two bridges over existing railroad facilities, install soundwalls along the corridor, and construct an ADA-compliant pedestrian overcrossing.

"I am proud to help deliver $25 million to expand the 71 Freeway and upgrade the pedestrian overcrossings for the thousands of Californians who take this route each day. It will improve safety and efficiency, reduce traffic congestion at one of our critical roadways in Pomona, and improve pedestrian access - making travel more seamless and keeping pedestrians safe," said Senator Schiff.

"I'm proud to have helped secure $25 million for highway, bridge, and pedestrian improvements that will ease congestion, shorten commutes, and give residents relief from highway noise, while creating good local jobs. This funding will help get Angelenos home to their families sooner and keep goods moving through Southern California," said Senator Padilla.

"Metro is pleased to be receiving a $25 million INFRA grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the State Route 71 Gap Closure Project," said Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins. "We are grateful for the remarkably strong support for this project from U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and members of the LA County Congressional Delegation. This Measure M voter-approved project will significantly reduce congestion and travel times, improve safety and connectivity - all while enhancing the movements of goods and people across our region. I welcome this infusion of federal funding that will help complete this project and express my appreciation to the local, state and federal stakeholders whose collaboration are making this project a reality."

Background: Senators Schiff and Padilla have consistently secured federal investments to modernize and repair California's highways and aviation infrastructure.

Most recently, they secured a combined $53.8 million for critical infrastructure investments through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

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