The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has allocated nearly $1 billion to improve transit, add new highway safety features, and support the state’s climate action goals. The funding is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s infrastructure agenda aimed at making communities safer and more resilient to climate change.
Of the $988.7 million approved, $184 million comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, while $336 million is provided by Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. According to officials, investments from these sources have generated an estimated 684,000 jobs in California. These projects are expected to benefit residents, businesses, and visitors who depend on the state’s transportation system for work, education, access to goods and services, and recreation.
Among the projects funded is a $96 million initiative aimed at improving travel times and traffic safety between Ventura County and Goleta. This will include high-occupancy vehicle lanes as well as pedestrian and bike paths with enhancements for public transit.
About $73 million will be directed toward improving semi-truck operations and safety on Interstate 10 in San Bernardino County. Another $63 million will go to Riverside County for a new bridge that includes bike lanes and a wildlife crossing as part of upgrades to the Ramona Expressway.
Several transit-related projects also received funding approval. Los Angeles’ Union Station will receive $60 million for rehabilitation efforts; Glendale will get $17 million for 20 electric buses; Sacramento Regional Transit will acquire eight new light rail vehicles with a $21 million allocation.
The commission also designated $18.8 million for the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in partnership with the California Natural Resources Agency. This project aims to provide safe passage over U.S. 101 for wildlife, reduce animal-vehicle collisions, and help maintain species viability by supporting movement across urban corridors. It will be California’s first such structure and could serve as a model globally.
California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said these improvements align with ongoing efforts to enhance transportation options while meeting environmental targets.
Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy noted that collaboration among agencies has been crucial in moving these projects forward efficiently.
California Transportation Commission Chair Darnell Grisby emphasized that investments like these are vital for ensuring safe travel while addressing broader climate concerns.
