California Invests Nearly $1 Billion for Safer Highways, Improving Transit and Expanding Walkable Communities

Roseville, CA- The California Transportation Commission (CTC) this past week allocated nearly $1 billion to expand transit capabilities, add new highway safety features and boost the state's continued climate action goals. Bolstered by Governor Gavin Newsom's Build More, Faster - For All infrastructure agenda, these improvements will make California communities safer and more climate resilient.

The $988.7 million approved today includes $184 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and $336 million in support from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The investments made by these two funding sources have created an estimated 684,000 jobs. It has helped Californians, businesses and visitors who rely on the state's transportation network for employment and educational opportunities, access to goods and services and connection to recreational attractions.

"Creating a brighter future in the Golden State is about addressing big challenges with meaningful investments like those made today," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "This level of support funds wide-ranging transportation upgrades that provide the backbone of California's vibrant economy by improving goods movement, expanding transit and rail systems and making our system more bikeable and walkable. These benefits will be experienced by every region, including disadvantaged communities throughout the state."

"The long-term investments allocated today will power our ongoing effort to provide the safest, most accessible transportation system possible for all users, while continuing to serve as responsible stewards of California's environment," said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. "From new sidewalks and bicycle lanes to bridge repairs and highway reconditioning, we are improving our transportation system for the benefit of all Californians and creating thousands of jobs in the process."

"Today's investments will improve the safety, mobility, and economic prosperity of all Californians, especially those in rural communities," said California Transportation Commission Chair Darnell Grisby. "These infrastructure improvements will better connect working families to jobs, schools, essential services, and recreational activities while simultaneously reducing out-of-pocket transportation costs. Thank you to all our partner agencies for their help in delivering these projects across California."

The list of funded projects includes $96 million to improve travel times and enhance traffic safety between Ventura County and Goleta with high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, pedestrian and bike paths and transit enhancements.

Approximately $73 million will go to improve semi-truck operations and safety on Interstate 10 in San Bernardino County, and $63 million will be used in Riverside County for a new bridge, bike lanes and wildlife crossing as part of an upgrade to the Ramona Expressway.

The commission also agreed to fund several notable transit-related projects including $60 million to help rehabilitate Union Station in the city of Los Angeles; $17 million for 20 electric buses for the city of Glendale; and $21 million for eight new light rail vehicles for Sacramento Regional Transit

In addition, the commission allocated $18.8 million for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency. This crossing will provide a safe wildlife passage over U.S. 101, reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions and support long-term species viability through improved movement. This will be the first of its kind in California and a globally significant model for wildlife connectivity in an urban corridor.

Local district projects include:

• $1,458,000 to support the San Joaquin County Council of Government's Greater Downtown Bike and Pedestrian Connectivity Project. The funding will be used to build bicycle and pedestrian improvements along Lincoln, Rose, Aurora, and 5th Streets in downtown Stockon. The project will construct new curb ramps, bicycle facilities, speed cushions, flashing beacons and crosswalks enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety.
• $4,049,000 to support the Westley Safety Roadside Rest Area Project in Stanislaus County. The funding will be used to replace buildings, add walkways, create new fire access, and construct a California Highway Patrol (CHP) field office. new bridge with bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
• $813,000 to support the San Joaquin Council of Government's Alpine Pershing Mendocino Bicycle-Pedestrian Connectivity Project. The funding will be used to construct buffered bike lanes, ADA curb ramps, rapid flashing beacons, new sidewalks & crosswalks, bicycle facilities, a cycle track, and the realignment of two intersections. The project will implement 240 feet of new sidewalk, 12 ADA ramps, 6,200 feet of Class II bike lanes, and 2,500 feet of Class IV bikeway along Alpine, Ryde, Pershing and Mendocino Avenues in the City of Stockton.

California will receive nearly $54 billion in federal infrastructure funding with IIJA. This includes investments to upgrade the state's roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, electric vehicle charging network, ports and waterways. IIJA funding alone has already created an estimated 269,000 jobs.

SB 1, which has provided $5 billion annually for transportation projects since 2017, provides funding annually split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. It has created approximately 417,000 jobs.

Motorists should expect 5-to-10-minute delays and use alternate routes whenever possible. All work is scheduled to occur as listed but is subject to change due to traffic incidents, weather, availability of equipment/materials, and construction-related issues.

For the safety of workers and other motorists, please Be Work Zone Alert. For the latest highway conditions, visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov