Photo courtesy of California Transportaton Commision
A Dieci Pegasus telehandler at work on the Highpoint Rockfall Repair Project on U.S. 395.
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) announced on Oct. 18, 2024, the allocation of $3.8 billion for projects that will continue to refurbish the state's transportation infrastructure, enhance safety and create more options for the traveling public.
The projects will improve coastal rail lines, freight corridors, bridges, highway interchanges and system enhancements aimed at increasing accessibility for multi-modal users.
Photo courtesy of California Transportaton Commision
Nearly $3.5 billion is funded through the landmark federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). More than 75 percent of that allocation will be sent to approximately 600 local governments and regional transportation authorities to replace bridges, reduce travel times for commuters, address planet-warming pollution, improve highway and rail safety and efficiency and provide new transportation services.
Another approximately $330 million in funding comes from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
"These projects will create safer and more equitable and climate-resilient transportation options for all Californians," Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said. "Investments made possible since IIJA was enacted are establishing a legacy that will benefit all people who use and rely on our vast transportation system for employment and educational opportunities, access to goods and services, and connection to recreational attractions.
Among the projects approved include improvements for locations along the coastal LOSSAN (Los Angeles-San Diego-San Luis Obispo) rail corridor, four hydrogen fueling stations near the Interstate 215/State Route 60 interchange, a freeway-to-freeway connector linking southbound State Route 99 to westbound State Route58 in Bakersfield, a Class 4 bikeway in Redding and a bicycle/pedestrian overcrossing in Berkeley.
Other projects include:
Highpoint Rockfall Repair Project: The CTC approved $2.001 million for the construction phase of the Highpoint Rockfall Repair Project on U.S. 395 in northern Mono County, near the Nevada state line. This emergency project is replacing torn rockfall netting on the mountainside along the highway, parallel to Topaz Lake. Construction on this project is ongoing and anticipated to conclude in early November.
Keene Pavement Project: The CTC approved $10.15 million for the design and right-of-way phases of the Keene Pavement Project. This project will rehabilitate nearly 45 lane miles of State Route 58, upgrade bridge rail and median barriers, install new lighting, and construct a 3.5-mi. truck climbing lane west of Hart Flat Road. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
Valley Boulevard and Mill Street Gap Closure Project: The CTC approved $515,000 in funding for the design and right-of-way phases of the Valley Boulevard and Mill Street Gap Closure Project. This project by the Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG) will construct more than 4,500 ft. of sidewalk and 21 new ADA curb ramps in Tehachapi on West Valley Boulevard between Oakwood Street and Curry Street and on Mill Street between Valley Boulevard and Tehachapi Boulevard. It also will reconstruct 10 curb ramps to bring them to current standards, improve crosswalks at four intersections, and build a Class II bicycle lane on the north side of Valley Boulevard and on Mill Street.
IIJA is also known as the "Bipartisan Infrastructure Law," a once-in-a-generation investment in our nation's infrastructure to improve the sustainability and resiliency of our country's energy, water, broadband and transportation systems.
California has received more than $46 billion in federal infrastructure funding since IIJA's passage in November 2021. That includes investments to upgrade the state's roads, bridges, rail, public transit, airports, electric vehicle charging network, ports and waterways. The funding alone has already created more than 87,000 jobs.
In addition, SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the 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.
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