The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) held a groundbreaking ceremony June 27 for the State Route 65 Lincoln Bypass Project, a $325 million construction project, three decades in the making, which will create an 11.7-mi. (18.8 km) bypass around the city of Lincoln.

The project received $162.9 million in Proposition 1B funds, the $19.9 billion transportation bond approved by voters in 2006.

“Proposition 1B is paying for vital transportation projects that relieve traffic congestion, which helps greatly when Californians are spending more than $4.00 per gallon on gasoline,” said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. “With the Lincoln Bypass Project, California citizens are seeing proof that their tax money is at work to relieve traffic congestion.”

To date the state has allocated nearly $4 billion in Proposition 1B funds throughout the state. More than $250 million in Proposition 1B funds have been awarded in the Sacramento/Marysville region and there are 12 proposed projects totaling $405 million scheduled for award by 2011.

“Proposition 1B provides a substantial down payment on meeting California’s long-term transportation needs,” said Caltrans Director Will Kempton. “It enables the state of California to fund long-overdue transportation improvements that are helping overcome decades of chronic under-investment.”

The ceremony was held behind the Holiday Inn Express at 155 Ferrari Ranch Road in Lincoln. Several state and local officials participated in the groundbreaking event.

For more information, visit www.dot.ca.gov.

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