SACRAMENTO — The California Transportation Commission approved Wednesday more than $1.8 billion to repair highways and bridges and improve the state’s growing network of pedestrian, bicycle and mass transit routes. This investment includes nearly $1.1 billion in allocations for State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) projects, Caltrans’ “fix-it-first” program aimed at preserving the condition of the State Highway System.
The approved funding is from federal and state gas taxes, including $800 million from SB 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
“These vital investments will help keep our highways safe and efficient for all users,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “This includes improving safety and access for cyclists and pedestrians through investments in active transportation facilities that support individual and public health, cleaner air and reduced dependence on driving.”
Projects approved in Los Angeles County include:
- $43,025,000 approved for the conversion of State Route 71 from an Expressway to a Freeway between Mission Road and State Route 60 in Pomona, including adding one mixed lane and one High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or car pool) lane in each direction.
- $10,842,000 for improvements on US-101 from State Route 170 in Los Angeles to Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas; including rehabilitating pavement on the mainline, off ramps, and on ramps, and upgrading facilities to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. This project will extend the pavement service life and improve ride quality.
Funding in the new 2020 SHOPP will support 310 miles of new and repaired bike lanes, installation and repair of nearly 50 miles of sidewalk, nearly 3,000 new crosswalks, and 178 transit stop improvements, such as bus shelters. With this week’s action, the commission has approved a total of $100 million to fund projects that improve pedestrian and bike access and safety. Caltrans is engaged with local stakeholders to identify active transportation improvements to 22 current projects, with additional projects determined through community outreach and collaboration.
Separate from the SHOPP, more than $500 million in funds approved this week are for rail and mass transit projects, including intercity rail and bus services. Funded in part by SB 1, this allocation expands access to public transportation and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles traveled, and congestion.
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.
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