California Construction News staff writer
About $300 million in funding has been announced for 288 roadwork projects across California.
“We’re making roads safer up and down the state with significant investments. I’m proud of the lifesaving work Caltrans has done to protect drivers, pedestrians, and bikers as they go about their daily commutes,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.
A list of projects can be found here.
The funding comes from the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), a vital federal-aid initiative that seeks to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on public roads. As part of this effort, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is adopting a “Safe System” approach, which incorporates multiple layers of protection such as improved road designs and enhanced safety features.
Caltrans is hoping to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on state roadways to zero by 2050 through its comprehensive approach. The focus is on creating safer and more accessible transportation options, including “complete street” designs that accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users.
The funding will support safety improvements across the state, with projects spanning from Del Norte County in the north to San Diego County in the south, impacting communities of all sizes. A few of the notable safety projects:
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Bay Area: A $5 million project in Contra Costa County to install Class IV bike lanes; a $4.4 million project in San Francisco to install new high-visibility signage; and a $1.75 million initiative to improve intersection lighting and pedestrian walkways.
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Central Coast: A $4 million project in Santa Barbara County to implement new pedestrian improvements and traffic signals; and a $2 million effort in Santa Cruz County to enhance daylight and pedestrian crossings.
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Central Valley: A $3.7 million investment in Fresno County to construct a new roundabout; a $4.5 million project in Tulare County to install rumble strips, left-turn lanes, and flashing beacons; and a $2.6 million initiative in San Joaquin County to upgrade 42 traffic signals.
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Northern California: Nearly $6 million for retro-reflectivity striping in Trinity County, and $1 million for guardrail improvements in Humboldt County.
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Southern California: A $3.6 million project in Fullerton for a protected left lane; a $1 million effort in Orange County to upgrade nearly 60 signalized interchanges; and a nearly $3 million investment in Riverside County for protected bike lanes and ADA-accessible curb ramps.
