The California Transportation Commission has approved $3 billion in funding for transportation projects across the state. The allocations aim to improve safety and mobility on highways and expand options for travel by bike and on foot. The funding supports Governor Gavin Newsom’s infrastructure agenda, which focuses on making communities safer and increasing access to active transportation.
Of the total funds, $663 million comes from Senate Bill 1, known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. About $2 billion is provided through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. These investments are intended to increase capacity in the transportation system, rehabilitate aging roads, improve travel times, balance community impacts, and promote environmental benefits.
Projects receiving approval include $102 million for improvements along Interstate 5 in Kern County. This work will involve pavement repairs, upgraded drainage and lighting, installation of CCTV cameras, vehicle detection systems, and changeable message signs to help with traffic monitoring and incident response.
Another project will receive $21 million for bridge preservation in Monterey County. The bridge will be treated with an electrochemical technique designed to remove corrosives from concrete and extend its service life.
In Santa Rosa, $12 million will go toward building a bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing above U.S. Highway 101. The crossing is intended to serve students at Santa Rosa Junior College and Santa Rosa High School as well as nearby commercial areas.
A separate project in Bakersfield has been allocated $3 million for new sidewalks, landscaping, and bike lanes along H Street. The goal is to improve walking and bicycling access while enhancing neighborhood connectivity.
“Guided by Governor Gavin Newsom’s Build More, Faster – For All infrastructure agenda, these improvements will make California communities safer, cleaner and increase access to active transportation options,” according to the California Transportation Commission.
The commission stated that these investments are expected to serve as a catalyst for increasing capacity in the state’s transportation network while promoting sustainability.
