ROSEVILLE, Calif. – On Tuesday, Caltrans announced that the State of California has invested nearly $1 billion to enhance highway safety, improve transit, and expand walkable communities.
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) recently approved the funding to support the state’s climate action goals and boost infrastructure.
Officials say that the $988.7 million allocation includes $184 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and $336 million from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). Together, these funds have generated an estimated 684,000 jobs.
“Creating a brighter future in the Golden State is about addressing big challenges with meaningful investments like those made today,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “This level of support funds wide-ranging transportation upgrades that provide the backbone of California’s vibrant economy by improving goods movement, expanding transit and rail systems and making our system more bikeable and walkable. These benefits will be experienced by every region, including disadvantaged communities throughout the state.”
Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy highlighted the efforts to provide an accessible and safe transportation system.
“From new sidewalks and bicycle lanes to bridge repairs and highway reconditioning, we are improving our transportation system for the benefit of all Californians and creating thousands of jobs in the process,” said El-Tawansy.
“Today’s investments will improve the safety, mobility, and economic prosperity of all Californians, especially those in rural communities,” said California Transportation Commission Chair Darnell Grisby. “These infrastructure improvements will better connect working families to jobs, schools, essential services, and recreational activities while simultaneously reducing out-of-pocket transportation costs. Thank you to all our partner agencies for their help in delivering these projects across California.”
Among the funded projects is $96 million aimed at enhancing travel times and safety between Ventura County and Goleta. San Bernardino County will see $73 million for semi-truck operations on Interstate 10, while Riverside County will receive $63 million for a new bridge and wildlife crossing on the Ramona Expressway.
Notable transit projects include $60 million for Union Station rehabilitation in Los Angeles, $17 million for electric buses in Glendale, and $21 million for light rail vehicles in Sacramento.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, a partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency, will receive $18.8 million. The project will provide for the safe passage of wildlife over U.S. Highway 101, reducing vehicle collisions and supporting species viability.
According to Caltrans, the wildlife crossing will be the first of its kind in California and is a globally significant model for wildlife connectivity in an urban corridor.
California stands to gain nearly $54 billion in federal infrastructure funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Caltrans says that the funding supports a wide array of projects, including roads, bridges, and public transit.
Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) has provided $5 billion annually since 2017 for transportation projects across California, creating approximately 417,000 jobs.
For further details on the funding and projects involved, you are asked to visit build.ca.gov.
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