Staff Report
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) allocated on Aug. 14 more than $1.6 billion for transportation projects throughout the state, including about $1.3 billion for State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) projects, Caltrans’ “fix-it-first” program aimed at preserving the condition of the State Highway System.
“Our maintenance and construction crews remain hard at work improving California’s transportation infrastructure,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “This investment allows the department to continue making critical repairs and upgrades while also serving as an economic driver by helping create thousands of new jobs.”
The projects allocated for funding will create an estimated 21,720 jobs, including direct, indirect and induced economic impacts.
Area state highway projects allocated funds include:
- $19 million to replace the US 101 overcrossing at the interchange with State Route 135 in Los Alamos. This project will address the deteriorated bridge deck.
- $19 million to install access for inspection of the Cold Spring Canyon Bridge on State Route 154. This project will also include a painting of the bridge to prevent further corrosion and provide a protective coating to the steel.
The CTC also approved more than $126 million in funds for rail and mass transit projects, including freight, intercity rail and bus services. This allocation expands access to public transportation and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles traveled, and traffic congestion.
This investment includes $24 million for the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program (TCEP), which is dedicated to projects that enhance the movement of goods along corridors with high freight volume. These projects include improvements to state highways, local roads, freight rail systems, port facilities and truck corridors.
In addition, the CTC approved an allocation of nearly $14 million for 17 Active Transportation Program (ATP) projects, which include bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing improvements, repair and maintenance of sidewalks and bike lanes, and creation of safer routes to school for children.
Project funding is derived from federal and state gas taxes, including $1.2 billion from SB 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The state’s portion of SB 1 funds represents an ongoing investment for the maintenance and rehabilitation of the State Highway System. By 2027, these funds will enable Caltrans to fix more than 17,000 lane miles of pavement, 500 bridges, 55,000 culverts, and 7,700 traffic operating systems that help reduce highway congestion, such as ramp meters, traffic cameras and electric highway message signs.
More information and updates on these and other projects can be found on Caltrans’ social media channels.
For details on SB 1, visit Rebuilding California -Senate Bill 1
