The California Transportation Commission (CTC) announced it will invest nearly $1 billion to expand transit capabilities, add new highway safety features and boost climate action goals.
The $988.7 million approved on Feb. 3 includes $184 million from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and $336 million from the state’s Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. These two funding sources have created an additional 684,000 jobs, CalTrans said, and helped Californians, businesses and visitors who rely on the state’s transportation network.
“Creating a brighter future in the Golden State is about addressing big challenges with meaningful investments like those made today,” California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said. “This level of support funds wide-ranging transportation upgrades that provide the backbone of California’s vibrant economy by improving goods movement, expanding transit and rail systems and making our system more bikeable and walkable. These benefits will be experienced by every region, including disadvantaged communities throughout the state.”
The funded projects include $96 million to improve travel times and enhance traffic safety between Ventura County and Goleta, $73 million to improve semi-truck operations and safety on Interstate 10 in San Bernardino County, and $63 million for a new bridge, bike lanes and wildlife crossing as part of an upgrade to the Ramona Expressway in Riverside County.
The commission will also fund transit-related projects including $60 million to help rehabilitate Union Station in Los Angeles; $17 million for 20 electric buses in Glendale; and $21 million for eight new light rail vehicles for Sacramento Regional Transit.
“The long-term investments allocated today will power our ongoing effort to provide the safest, most accessible transportation system possible for all users, while continuing to serve as responsible stewards of California’s environment,” Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy said. “From new sidewalks and bicycle lanes to bridge repairs and highway reconditioning, we are improving our transportation system for the benefit of all Californians and creating thousands of jobs in the process.”