State Invests $565 Million in Transportation Improvements, Awards $2 Billion for Future Projects

SACRAMENTO — The California Transportation Commission (CTC) today allocated more than $565 million for current projects – and approved $2 billion in future improvements – to address transportation needs throughout the state. This continued investment will repair highways and bridges and improve California’s growing network of mass transit, bicycle and pedestrian routes.

“Caltrans is committed to improving California’s transportation infrastructure and creating safer, more reliable travel options,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “This investment allows the department to continue our critical repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, mass transit and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.”

Projects approved in Los Angeles and Ventura County include: 

• $67.3 Million for the Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE)

Design work includes a retaining/sound wall in the throat of Los Angeles Union Station; two new run-through tracks; a new viaduct to accommodate up to nine run-through tracks over the US-101 freeway; utility relocation and street improvements; and pedestrian and bicycle improvements. Outcome: Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; increased ridership through improved frequency and expanded service by providing 30-minute bi-directional commuter rail services on the highest ridership segments of the Metrolink system, including system-wide supporting infrastructure improvements; improved integration with other transit and rail services, including Amtrak, OCTA bus, AVTA and LA Metro bus and rail services. 

• $3.05 Million for the Los Angeles – San Diego – San Luis Obispo Rail Corridor Agency

Construction of improvements for the preservation of existing infrastructure and expansion of physical safety enhancing features including slope / bluff stabilization, security fencing, communication upgrades and improvements. Outcome: Safety of passengers and employees. Preserving existing operating speeds and supporting future service expansion.

• $4.6 Million for Pavement Rehabilitation on State Route 27 (Topanga Canyon Boulevard)

60.9 lane miles from State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) to Devonshire Street. Grind and overlay asphalt pavement and upgrade curb ramps to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

• $563 Thousand to Mitigate Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Deficiencies in the city of Artesia

Construct 1,900 feet of sidewalk; upgrade substandard sidewalk; reconstruct 14 handicapped ramps and driveways to ADA Standards; install a pedestrian traffic signal; loading and unloading turnout bay for parents to drop off children; Share the Road signs; and markings on narrow residential streets to improve safety of cyclists and enhance the school crosswalk with in-roadway lighted markers.

• $97 Thousand for the City of Duarte Active Transportation Safety Project

Construct 7,920 feet of Class II bike lanes and new sidewalk; reconstruct 1,500 feet of sidewalk; add lighting; walk path improvements; and three pedestrian underpass improvements at I-210 freeway. 

The $2 billion awarded for future projects will provide funding through 2023 from three programs created by SB 1 to improve the movement of goods, increase mobility options and access to public transit, and support equity and environmental sustainability:  

• The Solutions for Congested Corridors Program, which supports projects designed to reduce congestion in highly traveled areas
• The Trade Corridor Enhancement Program, which funds freight infrastructure improvements
• The Local Partnership Competitive Program, which provides funding to counties, cities, districts, and regional transportation agencies

To learn more about SB 1 projects in your community, visit Rebuilding California – Senate Bill 1.