California Invests $3.4 Billion to Improve Transportation Safety, Infrastructure and Connectivity

Hanford - The California Transportation Commission (CTC) recently approved $3.4 billion for more than 120 transportation projects to improve highway safety, strengthen critical infrastructure and expand transportation options statewide. More than 75 percent of today's investment ($2.7 billion) features annual funding to support approximately 600 local governments and regional transportation authorities to maintain bridges, reduce commute times, improve safety, cut greenhouse gas emissions and expand transportation services to communities throughout the state.

Of the combined total, nearly $136 million came from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and another $300 million from California's Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

"Under Governor Newsom's leadership, we are delivering on a bold promise: a modern, sustainable transportation network built for the future," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "The CTC and Caltrans have worked tirelessly to broaden transportation options for people across California. From zero-emission transit to safer neighborhood streets, these projects are actively transforming California's landscape for the benefit of our communities."

"The impactful projects funded advance our ongoing commitment to building and maintaining a highway system that serves all Californians, now and for decades to come," said Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. "These smart, proactive investments power our mission to improve lives and communities through transportation."

"These investments reflect our commitment to a transportation system that serves California's diverse communities, and will improve safety, strengthen critical infrastructure, and expand connections for Californians across the state," said California Transportation Commission Chair Clarissa Falcon.

Featured projects:

• Improving Mobility Along Interstate 10: $170 million to construct two express lanes in each direction on Interstate 10 from Pomona to Ontario. The project will improve mobility, safety and corridor reliability for thousands of daily commuters.
• Connecting North Bay Communities by Rail: $162 million to add a nine-mile rail extension between Windsor and Healdsburg in Sonoma County, along with new bicycle and pedestrian lanes. The project closes a longstanding gap in rail service between the North Bay and San Francisco.
• Improving Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety: $6.2 million to install traffic restrictions, street crossing enhancements and bike lanes in Monterey and Salinas. Two combined projects are intended to make it safer and easier for residents and students to walk and bike in high traffic neighborhoods.
• Expanding Zero-Emission Truck Infrastructure: $3.7 million to add 28 charging stations for electric trucks operating along Interstate 710 in Los Angeles County. When completed, the project will boost California's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045 by eliminating more than 407,000 metric tons of carbon emissions, while keeping goods moving to support the nation's economy.

  Local projects include:

• $1.25 million for Calaveras County to construct new sidewalks and curb ramps on State Route 4, and upgrade existing pedestrian features for compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act near Angels Camp.
• The $1.6 million Robertson Road Elementary Safe Crossing and Active Transportation Connectivity Project will Install an ADA-compliant concrete pedestrian/bike path and high visibility crosswalks to an unincorporated portion of Stanislaus County near schools, parks, public services and bus routes.
• $2.6 million for Merced County to purchase three zero-emission buses, which will improve community air quality and economic growth, while expanding routes and improving access to employment and educational services.

California has invested approximately $25 billion in infrastructure projects since IIJA's passage. Those funds 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.