Transportation Commission OKs $1B for Transportation, Safety Technology

Aiming to modernize and fortify its transportation infrastructure, the California Transportation Commission has earmarked $1 billion for statewide projects to enhance safety, integrate advanced technologies and improve resilience against severe weather events.

A substantial portion of this funding — about $311 million — originates from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, while an additional $301 million is sourced from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. These funds will support a variety of projects, with more than $138 million allocated for safety upgrades and the repair of drainage systems to bolster the state’s defenses against storm-related damages.

Key projects benefiting from this allocation include:

• State Route 99 in Tehama County: $40.9 million will be directed toward improving drainage systems and upgrading transportation management safety technologies near the Los Molinos Creek Bridge.
• Interstate 710 corridor in Los Angeles County: A $27.8 million project aims to develop an integrated system providing real-time traveler information between State Routes 91 and 60, enhancing traffic flow and commuter safety.
• U.S. Highway 101 in Humboldt County: $19.8 million to enhance drainage systems and implement transportation management safety technologies across more than 80 miles of highway.

“As California continues adapting to evolving transportation realities, it is important that we invest in emergent technologies to enhance systemwide safety,” Caltrans Director Tony Tavares said in a press release. “Today’s action dedicates vital funding for upgrades that will increase asset longevity and protect our infrastructure now and well into the future.”

Editor's note: This story was drafted by generative AI and edited by humans. Have feedback? Send it to bmiller@erepublic.com.