$1.8 Billion Investment Will Repair Roads, Improve Pedestrian, Bicycle and Mass Transit Access
The California Transportation Commission approved 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 San Bernardino and Riverside Counties include:
- Pavement Rehabilitation Project on State Route 62 (SR-62) in Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms: $39.3 million pavement rehabilitation project will also upgrade facilities to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards from north of Indian Canyon Drive to the San Bernardino County line; from the Riverside County line to Yucca Mesa Road/La Contenta Road and from Bermuda Avenue to Athol Avenue.
- Rock Slope Protection Project on United States Route 95 (US-95) in Riverside County: $7.2 million rock slope protection project will repair storm eroded embankments with Rock Slope Protection (RSP) and upgrade culverts on US-95 near Blythe just north of Palo Verde Dam Road to the San Bernardino County line to restore the facility to its original condition.
- Replace Culverts Project on State Route 38 (SR-38) Near Big Bear Lake: $3.9 million replace culverts project will replace culverts on SR-38 near Big Bear Lake from Zaca Road to State Route 18 (SR-18) to preserve roadway integrity and prevent localized flooding.
- Traffic Management System Project on State Route 71 (SR-71) in and near Chino and Chino Hills: $11.9 million Traffic Management System Project will replace and upgrade existing communications elements and install Traffic Management System elements, including traffic cameras, Vehicle Detection Systems and Changeable Message Signs on SR-71 in and near Chino and Chino Hills from the Los Angeles County line to the Riverside County line and from the San Bernardino County line to State Route 91 (SR-91). This project will help reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency of the route.
- Traffic Management System Project on Interstate 215 (I-215) in and near the City of San Bernardino: $10 million Traffic Management System Project will replace and upgrade existing communications elements and install Traffic Management System elements, including traffic cameras, Vehicle Detection Systems, Changeable Message Signs, Close Circuit Television and fiber optic elements on I-215 in and near in and near the City of San Bernardino from the SR-10/I-215 connector to the I-15/I-215 junction, and on State Route 259 (SR-259) from the I-215/SR-259 separation to the SR-210/SR-259 junction. This project will help reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency of the route.
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.
