The California Transportation Commission recently allocated $1 billion for projects across the state that will improve safety and enhance the state’s vast network of streets and highways, reports the California Department of Transportation. “Guided by Gov. Gavin Newsom’s Build More, Faster – For All infrastructure agenda, these improvements will make California communities safer, cleaner and healthier,” said Caltrans.
Approximately one-third of the investment, nearly $311 million, comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and another $301 million is from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. Among the investments are more than $138 million to address safety upgrades and repairs to drainage infrastructure designed to increase resiliency and protect the state’s roads during storms.
“As California continues adapting to evolving transportation realities, it is important that we invest in emergent technologies to enhance systemwide safety for the public,” said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. “Today’s action dedicates vital funding for upgrades that will protect our infrastructure now and well into the future.”
The latest CTC-approved projects include:
- Curve Warning Signs Project, on multiple routes in multiple counties including Plumas. This project will upgrade curve warning signs, reducing the number and severity of collisions. This project includes $122,000 in SB 1 funding and $4.87 million in IIJA funding.
- State Route 70 Slides (Director’s Order) Project, in Plumas County near Pulga, from the Butte County line to Route 89. This project will clear and haul away slide material, and repair pavement and guardrail that was damaged during November 2024 rainstorms. This project includes $1.3 million in SB 1 funding.
IIJA 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, says Caltrans. California has received nearly $62 billion in federal infrastructure funding since its passage. This includes investments to upgrade the state’s roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, ports, waterways and the electric vehicle charging network. The funding alone has already created more than 170,000 jobs in California.
SB 1 has invested approximately $5 billion annually toward transportation projects since 2017. It provides funding split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of funds, including SB 1 funding, said Caltrans.
The website build.ca.gov includes more information about transformative infrastructure projects happening in communities throughout California.
Information provided by California Department of Transportation District 2
