California Allocates $1B for Bike, Pedestrian Infrastructure

The Facts -

• Caltrans plans to spend around $930 million over the next four years to enhance bike and pedestrian infrastructure in California.
• The plan, approved by the California Transportation Commission, will add 265 miles of new and improved bike lanes and more than 1,300 safety features by mid-2028.
• Funding will mostly come from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

---

Over 250 statewide projects to implement new bike and pedestrian infrastructure developments

Caltrans plans to utilize around $930 million to enhance bike and pedestrian infrastructure across the state in the next four years, as greenlit by the California Transportation Commission (CTC). This includes 265 miles of enhanced bike lanes on state highways and over 1,300 safety enhancements by 2028.

The CTC also sanctioned several transportation projects worth roughly $1 billion, a continuation of a substantial push to bolster crucial transportation infrastructure through state-wide rural and urban projects.

Allocations include nearly $375 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (IIJA) and $276 million from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), the 2017 Road Repair and Accountability Act.

The spending plan for bike and pedestrian infrastructure is a part of the 2024 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP). Over the next four years, this funding will enhance safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists using the state highway system. 203 out of 265 improved bike lanes are a blend of Class 1, 2, and 4, while 62 miles are classified as Class 3. Safety enhancements include better signage, more visible bike lanes, updated signalization, and ADA-accessible curb ramps.

Caltrans Director Tony Tavares emphasizes that the future of transportation depends on offering enhanced options for all, including better bike infrastructure and walking paths. He believes that these investments will help create a California that accommodates all travelers, including pedestrians, cyclists, and personal mobility device users.

Key projects focusing on bike and pedestrian infrastructure improvements include:

• A $36 million initiative in Imperial County on State Routes 115, 111, and 86 to repair and add sidewalks, Class II bike lanes, and Class IV separated bikeways. The project includes lighting systems, traffic signal system upgrades, and ADA curb ramp upgrades.
• A $19.6 million project on Pacific Coast Highway (SR-1) in Santa Cruz County to refurbish 8.3 miles of pavement, guardrail, crosswalks, sign panels, and Class II bike lanes. The project will ensure all elements meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

The latest CTC-approved projects include:

• $17.5 million to upgrade the median barrier, enhance worker safety, improve drainage and pavement, and install Transportation Management System elements on US 101 in Santa Barbara County. $15.7 million of this allocation is from the IIJA.
• $22.2 million to widen Highway 46 East in northern San Luis Obispo County. This funding will convert the existing 2-lane highway into a 4-lane divided expressway, funding the first of two segments. The entire allocation comes from SB 1.

The IIJA, also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” is a monumental investment in US infrastructure to enhance the resilience and sustainability of our energy, water, broadband, and transportation systems. Since 2021, California has received nearly $38 billion in IIJA funds, including over $27.6 billion for transportation-related projects.

Additionally, SB 1 provides yearly funding of $5 billion for transportation, split between state and local agencies. Projects progress through construction phases quicker with the availability of SB 1 funds.

For more details on California transportation projects funded by IIJA and SB 1, visit RebuildingCA.ca.gov.

---
Read More USA Works News