California Invests More than $2 Billion to Fuel Economic Opportunity, Increase Access & Protect the State’s Vital Transportation Infrastructure

SACRAMENTO — The California Transportation Commission (CTC) today approved more than $2billion to improve and maintain a transportation system that serves as the backbone for the world’s fifth largest economy. The approved funding will support the next generation of transportation projects, ranging from bridge maintenance and rail system upgrades to enhanced railroad safety features and increased access for bicyclists and pedestrians. These benefits will help power economic opportunity as well as mitigate the effects of climate change.

The latest allocations include more than $483 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and approximately $443 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

“We are committed to providing a world-class transportation system by making smart investments to upgrade our infrastructure and better serve all travelers,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Increasing mobility for Californians demands a multi-modal approach that prioritizes improved safety, system-wide resiliency and sustainability, equitable access, and continued support for the efficient movement of goods and services that help fuel the state’s economic engine.”

Today’s investments include $103 million for the North Coast Corridor Rail project in San Diego County, a transformative effort designed to expand and upgrade passenger facilities, decrease rider travel times with a second rail line to bypass slower freight locomotives, and construction of a new bridge spanning the Batiquitos Lagoon. The funding allocations include $17.8 million to improve Highway 99 and State Route 68 in Tulare County; $10 million to provide Santa Barbara residents with cleaner, climate-friendly electric buses and chargers; and expand facilities for people who walk and bike, such as $3.5 million for Stockton’s East Channel Street Streetscape, which will install bike lanes and sidewalk extensions. In addition, projects approved will enhance safety at railroad crossings, including $5.9 million for improved signaling, signage, and gates at two commuter rail crossings in the city of Montebello.

The latest CTC-approved projects also include:

· Bishop Pavement Project: The CTC approved $20.7 million in funding for the construction phase of this project, which will rehabilitate U.S. 395 through the city of Bishop from just south of Jay Street to Barlow Lane. It will also rehabilitate State Route 168 (W. Line Street) from near Pioneer Lane to U.S. 395 (Main Street). In addition to pavement rehabilitation, the Bishop Pavement Project will upgrade sidewalks and other facilities to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, install transportation management system elements, and construct a multi-use path as complete streets elements. The project is funded by IIJA—$18.36 million—and SB 1—$2.37 million.

IIJA, known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” is a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation’s infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. Since 2021, California has received more than $42 billion in IIJA funds, including more than $29 billion for transportation-related projects.

In addition, SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding each year that is shared between state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including those partially funded by SB 1.

For more information about California transportation projects funded by IIJA and SB-1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov and www.build.ca.gov.

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