California Invests Nearly $2.5 Billion to Strengthen Transportation Infrastructure and Improve Mobility Across the State

What you need to know: California is investing nearly $2.5 billion in transportation projects statewide that will enhance connectivity for people who walk and bike, rebuild vital routes damaged by extreme weather events and increase access for transit users.

Folsom, California - The California Transportation Commission (CTC) recently approved funding for more than 150 new projects that will improve safety on the state highway system and strengthen infrastructure resiliency. The investments align with Governor Gavin Newsom's build more, faster agenda, delivering critical infrastructure upgrades and creating thousands of jobs across the state.

Of the combined total, nearly $547 million is from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and another $736 million from California's Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The remaining $1.1 billion is funded through the State Highway Account, the general fund and other state and federal programs.

"Our transportation team is continuing to prioritize benefits for all Californians with bold infrastructure investments that will connect communities and boost our economy," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "By advancing Governor Newsom's commitment to build more, faster, these investments will improve safety, support economic growth and strengthen the transportation networks Californians rely on every day."

"Investments made today support the department's mission to build and maintain a transportation system that helps Californians navigate the state safely and efficiently-now and decades into the future," said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. "This funding translates into projects that enhance accessibility for all users, strengthen resiliency of our vital corridors and create increased transit options across the state."

"Transportation investments are about more than infrastructure; they are investments in people, communities, and opportunity," said California Transportation Commission Chair Clarissa Falcon. "These latest investments will help ensure our transportation system continues to serve the needs of communities throughout California today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow."

This month's approved list includes:

• $257 million to build a network of mobility hubs in southwest Los Angeles County to facilitate the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and highway commuters. These projects and other ongoing investments in California's vast transportation network enhance connectivity for all transit users, including thousands of residents and global visitors traveling throughout the state to attend major cultural and sporting events.
• $99 million to replace historic Whiskey Creek Bridge on State Route 299 in Shasta County.
• $64 million to rehabilitate pavement and upgrade safety elements on about nine miles of Interstate 215 in Riverside County.
• $60 million to build a new interchange on State Route 156 at Castroville Boulevard in Monterey County.

Other notable projects include:

• $6.7 million to widen sidewalks and add lighting and high-visibility crosswalks along Milpas Street in Santa Barbara, which is considered one of the city's most hazardous.
• $727,000 to close a short gap in the Joe Rodota Bike Trail in downtown Santa Rosa.
• $518,000 to install signals, bikeways and enhanced pedestrian crossings along Marysville Boulevard in Sacramento.

Local district projects include:

• $2,760,000 in support costs for the State Route 152/ Volta Road Intersection Project in Merced County. The funding will be used for planning and implementation of a roundabout intersection safety improvement project scheduled to begin construction in 2028. The project will improve traffic safety and reduce fatality collisions along the SR-33/152 corridor near the City of Los Banos.
• $1,282,000 in support of the State Route 49 Tuttletown Pavement Widening Project in Tuolumne County. The funding will be used to modify and widen the highway curve alignment to meet Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA) standards. The project will improve traffic safety and reduce semi-truck delays along the corridor.
• $20,000,000 to support Phase 1B of the San Joaquin Council of Government's State Route 99/120 (SR-99/120) Connector Project. The funding will be used to improve the northbound SR-99/SR-120 connector ramp with expanded lanes, and construction of new eastbound & westbound SR-120 structures over Moffat Boulevard and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Additionally, the project will replace the eastbound SR-120 to northbound SR-99 structure with a more efficient design that lessens traffic congestion within the City of Manteca.

California has received approximately $19 billion in infrastructure funding since IIJA's passage. Those dollars are leveraged along with SB 1, which invests an estimated $5 billion annually, split between state and local investments. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.

For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit build.ca.gov.