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Lancaster, CA. December 5, 2025-The City of Lancaster has secured a $33.2 million grant award from the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) to advance the SR-14 (SR-138) Highway Equity Corridor Improvements Program - Avenue M Interchange Project. This critical infrastructure investment will modernize one of the region's most heavily used freeway access points.
Approved through the SCAG Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) for Federal Fiscal Years 2027-2028, the award includes:
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$29,428,257 in federal grant funds
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$3,812,743 in toll credits
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Zero local match required, with Lancaster leveraging prior investments and toll credits to maximize competitiveness
This funding is 100% reimbursable, allowing the City and its project partners to proceed with final design, right-of-way, and construction activities.
Located between20th StreetWest and10th StreetWest, the Avenue M Interchange serves as a major gateway linking Lancaster residents to employment centers, health services, military installations, airports, and regional destinations. The project will address longstanding safety and connectivity challenges created by outdated on- and off-ramp configurations.
Key improvements include:
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Replacing stop-controlled ramp intersections with modern roundabouts to reduce high-conflict points and improve traffic flow
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Striped buffered bike lanes and continuous pedestrian facilities through the interchange, reconnecting communities historically divided by SR-14/SR-138
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A repurposed roadway design that maintains one travel lane in each direction, adds a center turn lane, and improves safety for all users
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A seismic retrofit of the Avenue M overcrossing, strengthening the regional transportation network for future resilience
"This project has been decades in the making, and today's approval ensures that our community finally receives the safe, modern transportation infrastructure it deserves," said Mayor R. Rex Parris. "These improvements reconnect neighborhoods that were divided, reduce dangerous conditions, and create a stronger, more equitable future for Lancaster."
The Avenue M project lies within an area that serves communities that have historically experienced underinvestment and limited access to public amenities, employment, and health services. Enhancing multimodal access directly benefits residents traveling to nearby job centers, schools, and Antelope Valley Medical Center, the region's only public hospital.
"This is a major win for the entire Antelope Valley," said Vice Mayor Marvin Crist. "These interchanges serve tens of thousands of people every day-from workers and families to freight and emergency responders. Modernizing them will reduce collisions, improve traffic flow, and ensure our residents have the safe, reliable access they depend on. Lancaster continues to fight for investments that improve quality of life. This project is proof that persistence pays off."
Mayor Parris further emphasized, "This is not just an infrastructure upgrade - it's a commitment to equity, safety, and the long-term success of our city. Lancaster is building a safer community today while positioning the region for growth tomorrow."
With this award, the City is now positioned to deliver the project on schedule and continue advancing the broader SR-14/SR-138 Highway Equity Corridor Improvements Program.
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