Caltrans Completes $19 Million State Route 127 Road Paving Project for Smoother Ride Near Death Valley Junction

DEATH VALLEY JUNCTION — Caltrans announced today that pavement repair that improves ride quality for 28 lane miles of State Route 127 in eastern Inyo County is completed, more than two months ahead of schedule. The project is funded by $16.8 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and $2.2 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act.

Crews worked in two locations: seven miles north of the town of Shoshone to seven miles south of Death Valley Junction and from Death Valley Junction north to the Nevada state line. Construction crews also installed new traffic signs as part of the project.

“These crucial federal and state investments provide Caltrans and our partners the funding we need to rebuild and improve our transportation network,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “This is an excellent example of how we can accomplish great things when we work together.”

The State Route 127 Pavement Project was the first project in District 9 to receive funding from both SB 1 and IIJA.

Project contractor Hat Creek Construction started work on April 3. The project was programmed for 110 working days, however, the Burney-based contractor finished construction 40 days ahead of schedule. Hat Creek accomplished this by running two separate paving crews.

The IIJA, also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” is a once-in-a-generation investment in the nation’s infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of the country’s energy, water, broadband and transportation systems. Since November 2021, California has received more than $22.4 billion in federal infrastructure funding. That includes more than $15.5 billion in federal transportation funding to upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, electric vehicle charging network, ports and waterways. These transportation investments alone have already created nearly 48,000 jobs.

The influx of federal funding is on top of California’s multiyear infrastructure investments in transit and intercity rail projects, safe walking and biking options, and upgrades to the state’s economy-powering supply chain, in addition to SB 1, which provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually that is shared equally between state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.

To review the latest news and information on state and federal infrastructure investments, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov, which contains data on the increased funding. Website visitors can learn more about the different state and federal infrastructure programs, track the amount of funding California is receiving, and find projects on an updated interactive map