08/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/28/2026 09:16
What you need to know: California is investing $2.7 billion in more than 150 transportation projects to enhance safety across California's highway system, strengthen infrastructure resiliency to withstand climate-driven extreme weather, and improve access for all. These overall investments deliver critical infrastructure upgrades and create 800,000 jobs across the state since 2019.
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced $2.7 billion in funding for more than 150 new projects designed to improve travel times, expand travel options beyond driving, and strengthen the state's transportation infrastructure assets against severe weather and other climate-driven threats.
From stronger infrastructure to expanded transit access, the investments advance the Governor's Build More, Faster - For All agenda while helping California prepare for a changing climate and keep people and goods moving.
California is building a transportation system ready for the future - one that can withstand extreme weather, give people more ways to get where they need to go, and keep our economy moving. While Donald Trump is taking America's transportation future backward, we are moving forward by creating jobs, modernizing infrastructure and building a more resilient California for generations to come.
Governor Gavin Newsom
The projects build on California's unprecedented state and federal transportation investments, including funding made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden, which continues to deliver projects, jobs and upgrades in communities across the state.
Since 2019, the Newsom administration has allocated more than $81.1 billion to transportation projects across California, supporting the creation of more than 800,000 jobs.
"These investments fuel the state's mission to deliver a transportation system that is evolving and continuing to serve all Californians, regardless of their travel mode," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "The action taken supports Governor Newsom's vision to improve the state's infrastructure and further prepare and equip us against the current and future effects of climate change."
This latest $2.7 billion transportation investment brings California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocations under the Newsom administration to approximately $81.1 billion to date. Of the combined total, nearly $1.6 billion is funded by President Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and another $542 million from California's Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
"This slate of projects builds on our goals to create and maintain a safer transportation network that addresses current needs and also prioritizes long-term objectives," said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy.
"These investments support a transportation system that meets the diverse needs of communities throughout California," said California Transportation Commission Chair Clarissa Falcon. "By improving safety, strengthening resilience, and expanding transportation options, these projects will deliver lasting benefits for Californians."
Caldecott Tunnel in Orinda - $267 million to rehabilitate and upgrade the ventilation systems of three of the four bores that make up the tunnel. The project replaces the tunnel's structural pavement, upgrades drainage and underdrain systems, and improves electrical systems to sustainable LED lighting.
State Route 37 Project - $63 million to add two new High Occupancy Vehicle lanes to State Route 37 in Sonoma County between Sears Point and Mare Island to improve traffic flow during peak travel times.
Safe Route to School - $1.8 million to install warning beacons, signs and ADA ramps at several uncontrolled multi-lane crosswalks for a new Safe Route to School project in the community of Oildale in east Bakersfield.
LA28 infrastructure improvements - $2.45 million to add infrastructure improvements, and safety upgrades to four transit stations in Los Angeles County in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics. Improvements to the 7th Street/Metro Center, Norwalk, Union Station, and Harbor Gateway stations include new wayfinding, lighting, security, passenger amenities and landscaping.
Wildlife Crossing in Dunsmuir - $76.5 million to install a wildlife crossing and fencing along Interstate 5 near Dunsmuir in Shasta County. The project will also upgrade pavement, guardrails, signs and drainage systems.
Eel River Fish Passage - $33.5 million for three projects to improve fish passage by removing current barriers, replacing culverts with concrete bridge structures, and reducing sediment loads on the South Fork of the Eel River near State Route 1 in Humboldt County.
California has invested approximately $21.5 billion in infrastructure projects since IIJA's passage, creating nearly 280,000 jobs. 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.
Under Governor Newsom, California has built one of the most ambitious transportation agendas in the nation - making historic investments in roads, bridges, rail and transit while accelerating the transition to cleaner, safer and more resilient transportation.
California is also making zero-emission vehicles more accessible to consumers. In January, the state surpassed 2.5 million cumulative zero-emission vehicle sales, far exceeding its original goal of 1.5 million ZEVs by 2025. And now, California is putting money directly in the pockets of consumers: Governor Newsom recently launched $3,500 instant discounts for Californians purchasing their first new zero-emission vehicle, with the discount applied immediately at participating dealers.
California is extending that transformation across every mode of transportation. Last September, San Bernardino County made history by welcoming the first hydrogen-powered passenger train into revenue service in North America. In May, Governor Newsom launched a $1 billion rebate program for electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and in April 2025, announced $500 million for 1,000 clean school buses statewide. Demand for zero-emission bus and truck incentives has more than doubled year-over-year.
Governor Newsom's Build More, Faster - For All infrastructure agenda has driven historic investments in transportation that will benefit all Californians for decades to come. More than 29,000 California infrastructure projects are tracked at build.ca.gov.