California Transportation Commission approves $1 Billion investment to improve roads and transportation infrastructure

Long Beach, California – The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has approved a massive $1 billion allocation for transportation infrastructure projects across the state. This funding will support enhancements to highways, streets, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and transit facilities, all aimed at making California’s communities safer, cleaner, and healthier.

This investment aligns with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Build More, Faster – For All infrastructure plan, which promotes the rapid development of sustainable, inclusive transportation systems. The funding will touch nearly every corner of the state, helping to repair aging infrastructure, upgrade safety features, and protect roadways from weather-related damage.

Federal and State Funds Supporting Safer Roads

The newly approved funding includes $311 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021, and $301 million from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1)—California’s Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. Combined, these funds allow for a wide range of improvements, including more than $138 million specifically dedicated to drainage repairs and safety upgrades to boost resiliency during storms.

“As California continues adapting to evolving transportation realities, it is important that we invest in emergent technologies to enhance system-wide safety. Today’s action dedicates vital funding for upgrades that will increase asset longevity and protect our infrastructure now and well into the future,” said Tony Tavares, Caltrans Director.

Notable Projects Across the State

Among the projects receiving funding are:

• $40.9 million for improvements on State Route 99 in Tehama County, near the Los Molinos Creek Bridge, focusing on drainage upgrades and safety technology enhancements.

• $27.8 million to construct an integrated traveler information system on Interstate 710 in Los Angeles County, between State Routes 91 and 60.

• $19.8 million for improving drainage and adding safety technology along more than 80 miles of U.S. Highway 101 in Humboldt County.

These targeted upgrades are part of California’s broader strategy to build transportation infrastructure that can better withstand climate change, extreme weather, and growing travel demands.

Long-Term Impact of IIJA and SB 1

Since the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, California has received nearly $62 billion in federal infrastructure funding. This funding has helped modernize roads, bridges, public transit, railways, airports, ports, and broadband systems while supporting the growth of the electric vehicle charging network. The IIJA alone has already created over 170,000 jobs in California.

Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1 has provided about $5 billion annually since 2017 to support transportation projects throughout California. Its structure allows state and local agencies to accelerate work on roads, ensuring that improvements reach communities faster.

This newest round of funding represents another strong step toward a more connected, safer, and environmentally resilient California.