California Construction News staff writer
The California Transportation Commission has approved nearly $900 million in funding for transportation upgrades across the state, targeting improvements to mass transit, freight movement and next-generation mobility systems.
The funding package supports a range of projects, including modernization of transit networks, expanded pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and upgrades to freight corridors aimed at improving goods movement efficiency.
In addition to the immediate allocations, the commission also approved the 2026 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP), a four-year, $17.9-billion plan focused on maintaining and upgrading California’s highway system. The program includes investments in bridge repairs, pavement rehabilitation, safety improvements and expanded access for non-motorized users.
Officials say the combined investments are intended to address both near-term infrastructure needs and longer-term system performance.
“These investments modernize transit, strengthen freight and expand safe travel options,” said Toks Omishakin.
According to Caltrans, the funding allocations aim to balance urgent repair work with projects that support future transportation demands, including emerging technologies and increased mobility options.
“The significant allocations made support a sensible balance between immediate project needs with funding for long-term improvements,” said Dina El-Tawansy.
The investments draw from a combination of state and federal sources. Approximately $47 million comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, while about $405 million is funded through Senate Bill 1.
Since its passage, SB 1 has generated roughly $5.5 billion annually for transportation projects across California, supporting both state-led and local initiatives.
“Transportation is ultimately about how people move through their daily lives,” said Commission chair Clarissa Falcon. “These investments are designed to improve safety, mobility and access across the state.”
Projects include:
- Next-generation rail technology — Bay Area and Southern California: $273 million to deploy advanced systems on rail projects under construction, including a tunnel linking downtown San Jose to Santa Clara as part of Bay Area Rapid Transit expansion.
- Port of Long Beach freight expansion: $33 million to expand rail freight operations at the Port of Long Beach, supporting goods movement capacity.
- Los Angeles rail power stations: $35 million for the design and construction of rail power infrastructure in Los Angeles.
- Sacramento EV charging facility: $33 million to develop a public-access electric vehicle charging site on a 118-acre parcel in Sacramento.
- Del Mar Bluffs stabilization: $3 million to stabilize coastal bluffs in Del Mar, protecting adjacent rail infrastructure.
- Vehicle collision prevention technology: $1.5 million in seed funding for an automated communications system designed to track moving vehicles and reduce collisions.
