California said it will invest early $300 million in federal funding on 288 traffic safety projects across the state.
The funding, part of the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), will provide local communities with critical federal aid to reduce fatal and serious injuries on public roads across the state. Using its Safe System approach incorporating safer road design, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said the HSIP funding will help achieve its goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries on state roadways to zero by 2050.
“We’re making roads safer up and down the state with significant investments. I’m proud of the lifesaving work Caltrans has done to protect drivers, pedestrians, and bikers as they go about their daily commutes,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said.
Caltrans said the Safe System approach embeds safety into the state’s transportation system, and that when feasible, project funded or overseen by Caltrans will include “complete street” features and provide safe and accessible options for people walking, biking and taking transit.
“Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California remains committed to helping ensure that every Californian has access to safe and reliable transportation, no matter who they are or where they live,” California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said. “These investments highlight our people-first approach, because we know it will pay the most important dividend of all – their safety.”
Projects receiving funding included the $5 million project in Contra Costa County to install Class IV bike lanes; a $4 million project in Santa Barbara County to implement new pedestrian improvements and traffic signals; and a $3.6 million project in Fullerton to provide a protected left lane.