SACRAMENTO — The California Transportation Commission today approved more than $830 million to repair highways and bridges and improve the state’s growing network of pedestrian, bicycle and mass transit routes. This investment includes more than $600 million 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.
“We are advancing projects that will keep our economy moving and improve access for all Californians,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “This includes improving safety for cyclists and pedestrians, expanding public transportation and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Projects approved in Los Angeles and Ventura county include:
- $17,509,000 was approved to replace the Trancas Canyon Bridge on State Route 1 in Malibu, from Guernsey Avenue to Trancas Canyon Road/Broad Beach Road. The new bridge will resolve scour issues and provide a higher flood capacity.
The CTC approved more than $43 million for 18 complete streets projects that will augment existing state highway projects with additional bicycle and pedestrian safety features. This includes bike routes, enhanced crosswalks and sidewalk gap closures. Caltrans continues to seek input from stakeholders to select complete street projects for funding.
- In the city of Ventura, $1.9 million was approved for a project on US-101 from the Solimar Undercrossing to Mobil Pier Road. This will fund new pavement, upgrading guardrail/end treatment, and installation of traffic signs and new crosswalks.
The California Transportation Commission also approved more than $36 million in funds for rail and mass transit projects, including freight, intercity rail and bus services. This investment includes $30 million for the Trade Corridor Enhancement Program, enhances the movement of goods along corridors with high freight volume through projects that improve state highways, local roads, freight rail systems, port facilities and truck corridors.
- The Terminal Island Railyard Enhancement Project
$21,645,000 was approved for railyard enhancement in the Port of Los Angeles on Terminal Island. This will support the addition of five staging/storage tracks (approximately 31,000 linear feet) to the existing Pier 400 rail yard, which also includes a short rail bridge over water. The Pier 400 storage/staging rail yard supports on-dock rail yards for six terminals in the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach.
- The Torrance Transit Bus Service Enhancement Program
$6 million dollars was approved for the procurement of seven zero-emission electric buses to expand and enhance service on four bus routes. This will result in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improved service, expansion of bus services, and improved connectivity within the region.
- All Aboard 2018: Transforming Southern California Rail Travel (On-Time Performance Incentive Program).
$16, 296,00 was approved to develop a shared-use agreement and incentive program with North County Transit District to increase service and on-time performance through upkeep and replacement of critical components. This will increase ridership from improved reliability of trains and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from less trains idling due to delays along the corridor.
Project funding is derived from federal and state gas taxes, including $637 million from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The state’s portion of SB 1 funds are used for the ongoing 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 improve highway access, such as ramp meters, traffic cameras and electric highway message signs.
For details on SB 1, visit Rebuilding California -Senate Bill 1.
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