California awards $1 billion for walking and biking projects; $878 million for transportation infrastructure

California Construction News staff writer

The California Transportation Commission (CTC) approved $1 billion in December, for 93 new walking and biking projects in disadvantaged communities and more than $878 million for projects to repair and improve transportation infrastructure across the state.

The allocation includes more than $209 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and more than $339 million in funding from Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

Projects will benefit disadvantaged communities throughout California, two-thirds creating safe routes for children to walk or bike to school. The projects make up more than half of the 2023 Active Transportation Program, with an additional $700 million to be awarded in the spring. Much of the funding comes from a one-time infusion of $1 billion for active transportation in the 2022-23 state budget as part of a nearly $15 billion transportation infrastructure package.

“California and our federal partners are continuing to make historic headway in addressing our transportation needs and advancing safety, equity, climate action and economic prosperity,” said Tony Tavares, Caltrans director. “Importantly, this includes significant investments in infrastructure that allows everyone to access active means of transportation, like walking and biking.”

Communities include Eureka, Redding, Marysville/Sacrameto, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Stockton and Orange County.

SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually that is shared equally between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by SB 1. For information about transportation projects funded by SB 1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov.