California approves $540 million transportation package to improve roads, bridges and transit
Sacramento, California – During Infrastructure Week, California moved another large piece of its transportation agenda forward, with Governor Gavin Newsom announcing more than $540 million in new investments aimed at making travel safer, faster and more reliable across the state.
The funding, approved by the California Transportation Commission and supported through Newsom’s Build More, Faster – For All infrastructure agenda, will go toward a broad mix of projects. The work includes repairing aging transportation assets, improving travel times, strengthening bridge and freight systems, expanding local transit options, and adding safety improvements near schools and community centers.
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Newsom framed the investment as part of California’s wider effort to modernize transportation while supporting economic growth. The administration said the latest round of funding is expected to generate nearly 6,000 jobs, while helping residents, businesses and visitors better connect to work, education, goods, services and recreation.
“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,” Governor Newsom said.
“Investments like these drive our economic growth and create thousands of good-paying jobs.”
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The package draws from several funding sources. About $152 million comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, also known as President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Another $253 million is supported by Senate Bill 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The remaining $135 million comes from the State Highway Account, the general fund, and other state and federal programs.
California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said residents deserve a system “that is safe, reliable and built for future growth,” adding that the Commission’s action supports the governor’s goals for stronger multimodal connections.
Among the largest projects is $117.8 million to replace the fender system on the West Span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, a safety upgrade designed to absorb impact in the event of an accidental ship collision. Another $70 million will address weather-related highway repairs statewide.
Local projects are also included. Long Beach will receive $6.7 million for new sidewalks and a pedestrian priority area downtown. Visalia’s Highland neighborhood will receive $520,000 for walking and biking routes to schools and community centers. Northeast San Bernardino will receive $35,000 to design safer routes to two public elementary schools.
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The Commission also approved $53 million for BART’s communication-based train control system, which is expected to allow more frequent service as the Bay Area prepares for major events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy said the funding will help Caltrans improve sustainability, maintain safer roads and bridges, and protect critical transportation assets from extreme weather. For California officials, the message is clear: the state is not simply patching old systems, but building a cleaner, safer and more connected transportation future.
