California invests nearly $2 billion to improve, protect transportation infrastructure

The California Transportation Commission announced this week that it has allocated $1.9 billion to support transportation infrastructure projects, including some on Solano County.

The approved funding provides significant investments for bridges, roadways, transit, and improved facilities for people who walk and bike. The latest allocations also include nearly $430 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and $740 million via Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.

Among the efforts spurred by Wednesday’s $1.9 billion commitment include several projects prioritizing the state’s vital bridge network, highlighted by $27.6 million for the Interstate 405 improvement project in Los Angeles County, more than $4 million to repair bridge damage along Interstate 80 in Alameda County, and $600,000 to replace the Ackerman Creek Bridge in Mendocino County. Also included are projects that will build or renovate shoreline embankments, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian infrastructure, and railroad overcrossings.

The projects that the money will go toward in Solano County include …

• $4.1 million allocation for SR-12 in Fairfield and Suisun, from Beck Avenue to Lawler Ranch Parkway/Walters Road, to improve safety by installing flashing beacons, signal ahead warning signs and pavement markings. This project aims to  reduce the number and severity of collisions.
• $1.1 million allocation for Highway 37 in and near Vallejo, from Walnut Avenue/Mare Island to 0.5 mile east of Sacramento Street. Install Variable Message Sign (VMS) System consisting of a Changeable Message Sign (CMS), a queue detection system and lighting along westbound SR-37.
• $838,000 allocation for West Texas Street Complete Streets Project at West Texas Street between Beck Avenue and Pennsylvania Ave, to construct Class IV separated bikeways with Class II buffered bike lane segment, new 1 traffic signal and 2 new marked crosswalk, curb extensions.
• $117,000 allocation for Safety Education and Encouragement Programs at the vicinity of E. Ruth Sheldon Academy Innovative Larning and Fairview Elementary School, safety education and encouragement programs at nearby schools.