Nearly $1 billion has been allocated by the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to improve highway safety, expand transit options, and support walkable communities across the state. The funding, announced last week in Roseville, is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s “Build More, Faster – For All” infrastructure agenda.
The total allocation of $988.7 million includes $184 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and $336 million from Senate Bill 1, also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. According to state officials, investments from these sources have led to an estimated 684,000 jobs and have benefited residents, businesses, and visitors who depend on California’s transportation network for work, education, goods, services, and recreation.
Among the projects receiving funding is a $96 million initiative to add high-occupancy vehicle lanes and improve traffic safety between Ventura County and Goleta. This project will also include new pedestrian and bike paths as well as enhancements to local transit.
In San Bernardino County, approximately $73 million will be used to improve semi-truck operations and safety on Interstate 10. Riverside County will see $63 million directed toward constructing a new bridge with bike lanes and a wildlife crossing as part of upgrades to the Ramona Expressway.
Transit-related improvements are also included in this round of funding. Los Angeles’ Union Station will receive $60 million for rehabilitation efforts. Glendale is set to get $17 million for 20 electric buses, while Sacramento Regional Transit will acquire eight new light rail vehicles with a $21 million allocation.
Additionally, the commission approved $18.8 million for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency. The crossing is designed to provide safe passage for wildlife over U.S. 101 in an effort to reduce collisions between animals and vehicles while supporting long-term species movement in urban areas. Officials note that this project will be the first of its kind in California and serve as a model for wildlife connectivity worldwide.
