The California Transportation Commission has approved $3 billion in funding to improve safety and mobility on the state’s highways and expand options for biking and walking. The allocations, announced in San Diego, support Governor Gavin Newsom’s Build More, Faster – For All infrastructure agenda.
Of the total amount, $663 million comes from Senate Bill 1 (the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017), while about $2 billion is provided by the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. The funding aims to increase transportation capacity, rehabilitate aging roads, improve travel times, balance community impacts, and promote environmental benefits.
Dina El-Tawansy serves as Caltrans Director. Darnell Grisby is Chair of the California Transportation Commission.
Several major projects were included in this round of approvals:
– $102 million will be used to upgrade segments of Interstate 5 (the Grapevine) in Kern County. Planned work includes pavement repairs, improved drainage and lighting systems, installation of CCTV cameras, vehicle detection systems, and changeable message signs to help with traffic monitoring and incident response.
– In Monterey County, $21 million will fund preservation work on a bridge using an electrochemical technique that removes corrosives from concrete to extend its service life.
– A new bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing will be built over U.S. Highway 101 in Santa Rosa at a cost of $12 million. The project is intended to serve students at Santa Rosa Junior College and Santa Rosa High School as well as nearby businesses.
– In Bakersfield, $3 million will go toward new sidewalks, landscaping improvements, and bike lanes along H Street to enhance walking and cycling access.
These projects are part of broader efforts to address transportation needs throughout California while encouraging active modes of travel.
