AASHTO Journal, 11 July 2014
The California Transportation Commission recently directed about $510 million to 83 projects across the state that aim to improve the state’s highways, bridges, and transit systems.
Of that $510 million, about $210 million will go to the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP), which funds transportation safety projects, pavement repair and preservation, and bridge upgrades. Approximately $210 million will support about $2.4 billion in infrastructure financing with SHOPP funds for fiscal year 2014-2015.
The additional funding also includes about $163 million for “fix it first” projects—those that will fix bumpy pavement, preserve roadways still in good condition before they deteriorate, and upgrade bridges to make them safer and stronger moving into the future. Remaining funds will go to California Department of Transportation maintenance projects ($27 million), city and county transportation projects ($100 million), bike and pedestrian projects ($9 million), and the mitigation of environmental effects for state transportation improvements ($5 million).
Caltrans officials say the focus on improving and maintaining current transportation infrastructure should be of highest priority.
“To get the most bang for the buck for taxpayers, Caltrans targets dollars where they are most effective—pavement preservation,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty in a statement. “Every $1 spent on preventive pavement maintenance saves Californians $11 that would have been spent on expensive pavement repairs.”
A list of all funding allocations by the CTC is available here.