Federal government endorses $3 billion investment in road safety and transportation initiatives for California
California is set to enhance its transportation system with a $3 billion investment, aimed at improving safety, mobility, and multimodal travel across the state's highway system. The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has approved these funds, with a significant portion coming from Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
One of the key areas to benefit from this investment is Interstate 5 in Kern County, where $102 million will be allocated for pavement repair, upgraded drainage, lighting, CCTV cameras, vehicle detection systems, and changeable message signs. This investment is expected to improve travel times and support a thriving economy by enhancing the movement of freight and reducing out-of-pocket expenses for Californians.
In Monterey County, a bridge will be preserved using an innovative electrochemical technique, with $21 million set aside for the project. Meanwhile, in Santa Rosa, $12 million will be used to construct a bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing of U.S. Highway 101.
The investments are also planned to balance community impacts and promote environmental benefits. For instance, $3 million has been allocated for new sidewalks, landscaping, and bike lanes along H Street in the city of Bakersfield.
Approximately $2 billion of the funds come from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA). The CTC chair, Darnell Grisby, stated that these investments would improve the safety and reliability of the state's transportation network.
The allocation includes funds for bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, with $12 million earmarked for a bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing in Santa Rosa. The funds aim to increase the capacity of California's transportation system, rehabilitate aging roadways, and promote environmental benefits.
Implementation of these projects is guided by California governor Gavin Newsom's Build More, Faster - For All infrastructure agenda. While separate from the news, it's worth noting that the fourth annual CiTTi Awards for road traffic safety in London will be held on 25 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, recognising achievements and innovations in road safety.
