Karmactive Staff
California is directing $1.7 billion to repair and strengthen its highways, including $86.5 million specifically for roads damaged by recent Los Angeles fires. The money will fix damaged roads, strengthen hillsides, and make dangerous intersections safer.
“Today’s monumental investment puts Californians’ tax dollars to work making critical safety and resiliency improvements to highways throughout the state that support the travel of millions of residents each day,” Governor Gavin Newsom said, announcing the California Transportation Commission’s funding decision.
The largest single project uses $195.5 million to improve Interstate 805 running through San Diego, Chula Vista, and National City. Workers will rehabilitate the roadway, fix drainage systems, and build new bike and walking paths alongside the highway. These changes mean safer travel whether you’re driving or using the new paths.
Near Malibu, $30 million will strengthen State Route 1, a major coastal road damaged by the Palisades Fire and recent storms. Crews will replace a retaining wall and rebuild hillsides above the highway near Mulholland Drive. These repairs prevent rocks and soil from falling onto the road during heavy rains.
In Northern California, $129 million will replace the old Cordelia truck inspection station on Interstate 80 near Fairfield. This facility makes sure heavy trucks are safe before they share the road with other drivers.
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The money for these fixes comes from two sources. About $655 million is from Senate Bill 1, California’s 2017 law that provides roughly $5 billion yearly for road repairs. Another $567 million comes from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Since this federal program started, it has brought nearly $62 billion to California and created more than 170,000 jobs.
Mike Keever, Acting Director for Caltrans, explained why these repairs matter: “This funding translates into safer travel, more accessible mobility options and strengthening our roadways to protect all travelers during extreme weather events.”
One critical safety project in Kern County will spend $9.04 million to fix the crossing of State Routes 43 and 46 in Wasco. This intersection has seen collisions, and the improvements aim to reduce both their number and severity.
Beyond the immediate repairs, these projects help roads handle severe weather better, creating stronger highways that need fewer emergency fixes. The work will lead to safer drives for years to come.
