Los Angeles region gets $48 million in federal funding for transportation infrastructure

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) announced that nearly $48 million in federal funding has been awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to the Los Angeles region to improve roads and highways.

“This federal funding will help improve the flow of traffic and safety for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians in Southern California,” Padilla said in a statement. “These projects underscore the benefits of investing in infrastructure for our economy and public safety. Whether it’s commuters heading to work, students walking to school, or truckers keeping our supply chain moving, they all rely on quality, modern roads and highways. I am committed to advocating for the federal government to go bigger and bolder as we move forward President Biden’s American Jobs Plan to invest in American infrastructure.”

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation is being awarded $18 million towards a Safe Streets Infrastructure project that includes approximately 26 new traffic signals and pedestrian signal enhancements at approximately 80 intersections. It also includes street transformations and hardscape improvements, such as new separated bike lanes, high visibility crosswalk markings, a center median pedestrian refuge island, bus boarding islands, sidewalk improvements, curb extensions, upgraded curb ramps, pedestrian signals, new stormwater capture facilities, and additional shade trees. This was one of just 24 projects in 18 states selected for funding under the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) discretionary grant program.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is being awarded $30 million in grant funding to construct a series of improvements aimed at improving traffic flow in the confluence area (1.3 miles) between the SR-57 and SR-60 freeways. The project includes a new SR-60 bypass off-ramp to Grand Ave., a new bypass connector from Grand Ave. to SR-60, reconstruction of the Grand Ave. overcrossing, reconfiguration of the ramps at Grand Ave., and extension of a lane on SR-57 through the confluence area.