California Construction News staff writer
More than $540 million has been approved for transportation projects aimed at improving roadway safety, upgrading aging infrastructure and expanding transit and active transportation options across the state.
Funding, approved by the California Transportation Commission in coordination with state lawmakers, supports Gov. Gavin Newsom’s “Build More, Faster — For All” infrastructure initiative.
Projects are designed to improve travel times, enhance safety near schools and community centers, modernize freight and highway corridors and generate an estimated 6,000 jobs.
“Californians deserve a transportation system that is safe, reliable and built for future growth,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin.
Funding comes from a combination of federal, state and transportation revenue sources, including the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, California’s SB 1 gas tax program and the State Highway Account. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) said the package will accelerate maintenance, improve climate resilience and strengthen system reliability.
Among the largest approved projects:
- $117.8 million to replace the fender system on the West Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge to better protect against vessel collisions
- $70 million for statewide highway repair and maintenance projects
- $53 million to upgrade the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system to increase service frequency and capacity ahead of major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Additional projects focused on local safety and mobility improvements include:
- $6.7 million for pedestrian safety and accessibility improvements in downtown Long Beach
- $520,000 for walking and biking routes near schools and community centers in Visalia’s Highland neighborhood
- $35,000 to design safer routes to two elementary schools in northeast San Bernardino
Officials said the investments are part of a broader effort to modernize California’s transportation network while expanding clean mobility options, including transit improvements and electric vehicle infrastructure. They described the initiative as one of the nation’s largest ongoing transportation modernization programs, combining road and bridge rehabilitation with transit expansion and emissions reduction strategies.
