California Transportation Commission Allocates More than $1.8 Billion to Improve Transportation

California Transportation Commission Allocates More than $1.8 Billion to Improve Transportation

SACRAMENTO — The California Transportation Commission (CTC) today allocated more than $1.8 billion for projects to improve critical transportation infrastructure throughout the state. These major investments include funding by nearly $458 million from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, and more than $1 billion in funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

“Thanks to the California Transportation Commission’s ongoing investment in new and improved infrastructure, Caltrans continues to build a better and safer transportation network that serves all Californians,” Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said. “These funds will help us enhance the state’s system of highways, rest areas, bikeways and pedestrian routes.”

Today’s approved projects include $43 million to reconstruct and upgrade the water and wastewater systems at the eastbound and westbound Cactus City Safety Roadside Rest Areas along Interstate 10 near Indio; $29 million to improve on-ramps and off-ramps near Fairfield; and a $41 million project near Pismo Beach that will include new bike lanes and bikeway designations.

Projects approved today in Inyo and eastern Kern counties include:

• Meadow Farms ADA: The CTC approved $15.315 million in funding for the construction phase of this project, which will improve pedestrian infrastructure on U.S. 395 in Bishop from North See Vee Lane to near North Barlow Lane. The project will expand sidewalks, create new parking opportunities, add a crosswalk, and upgrade curb ramps and driveways to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Of the total amount allocated today, $13.558 million is funded by IIJA. The Meadow Farms ADA Project is anticipated to begin construction in 2025.
• Fish Springs Pavement: The CTC approved $41.553 million in funding for the construction phase of this project, which will improve safety and ride quality of U.S. 395 near Big Pine. The project will rehabilitate the highway from 1.3 miles south of Fish Springs Road to State Route 168 E. It will also introduce complete streets elements and upgrade lighting, guardrail, and facilities to ADA standards. Of the total amount allocated today, $36.787 million is from IIJA and $4.766 million is from SB 1. The Fish Springs Pavement Project is anticipated to begin construction in 2025.
• State Route 178 Ridgecrest Pavement Project: The CTC approved $1.92 million in SB 1 funding for the design phase of this project that will rehabilitate 31 lane miles of State Route 178 from 0.2 miles east of State Route 14 to near Redrock-Inyokern Road in Inyokern and from Clodt Road to North Mahan Street in Ridgecrest.
• The CTC also allocated $591k to Kern COG for Local STIP Planning, Programming, and Monitoring projects.

The federal 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 $43 billion in federal infrastructure funding. 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 funding 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 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1.

Find projects that are building California’s climate-friendly future at Build.ca.gov and RebuildingCA.ca.gov.

News Staff