Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a significant investment of over $540 million to enhance California's transportation infrastructure, aiming to improve highway safety, boost connectivity, and restore aging roadways statewide. This announcement kicks off Infrastructure Week, highlighting the state's commitment to modernizing its transportation systems.
The substantial funding package is drawn from several sources, including $152 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, $253 million from Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), and an additional $135 million from the State Highway Account and other state and federal programs. These investments are projected to generate nearly 6,000 new jobs across California.
Governor Newsom emphasized the state's leadership, saying, "California is undertaking one of the largest transportation modernization efforts in the nation – repairing aging roads and bridges, building world-class transit and freight, expanding public transit, and leading the technological future." California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin added, "Californians deserve a transportation system that is safe, reliable and built for future growth."
Key projects receiving funding include $117.8 million for replacing the fender system on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge's West Span, $70 million for statewide weather-related highway repairs, and $6.7 million to create a pedestrian priority area in downtown Long Beach. Additionally, $53 million is allocated to complete a communication-based train control system for BART, preparing the Bay Area for increased ridership, including for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The state is also doubling down on clean transportation, with today's investments supporting a broader agenda to build next-century infrastructure. California has surpassed 2.5 million zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales and is proposing a new incentive program to accelerate ZEV adoption. Further assessments of EV charging infrastructure needs are planned for release later this year.