California Invests Nearly $1 Billion for Safer Highways, Improving Transit and Expanding Walkable Communities

Funding from federal and state sources will create jobs and improve transportation infrastructure across the state.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The California Transportation Commission has allocated nearly $1 billion to expand transit capabilities, add new highway safety features and boost the state's continued climate action goals. The investments, which include funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and California's Senate Bill 1, will create an estimated 684,000 jobs and improve transportation for Californians, businesses and visitors.

Why it matters

These infrastructure improvements will make California communities safer and more climate resilient by improving goods movement, expanding transit and rail systems, and making the transportation system more bikeable and walkable. The investments will benefit every region, including disadvantaged communities, by providing better access to jobs, schools, services and recreational activities.

The details

The $988.7 million in funding will go towards projects such as $96 million to improve travel times and enhance traffic safety between Ventura County and Goleta, $73 million to improve semi-truck operations and safety on Interstate 10 in San Bernardino County, and $63 million for a new bridge, bike lanes and wildlife crossing as part of an upgrade to the Ramona Expressway in Riverside County. The commission also agreed to fund $60 million to help rehabilitate Union Station in Los Angeles, $17 million for 20 electric buses for Glendale, and $21 million for eight new light rail vehicles for Sacramento Regional Transit.

  • The California Transportation Commission allocated the nearly $1 billion in funding this past week.

The players

California Transportation Commission (CTC)

The state agency that allocated the nearly $1 billion in funding for transportation infrastructure improvements across California.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who launched the "Build More, Faster – For All" infrastructure agenda that these investments support.

Toks Omishakin

The California Transportation Secretary who said these investments will create a "brighter future" by addressing "big challenges" in the state.

Dina El-Tawansy

The Caltrans Director who said these long-term investments will improve the safety, accessibility and environmental responsibility of California's transportation system.

Darnell Grisby

The Chair of the California Transportation Commission who said these infrastructure improvements will benefit all Californians, especially those in rural communities.

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What they’re saying

“Creating a brighter future in the Golden State is about addressing big challenges with meaningful investments like those made today.”

— Toks Omishakin, California Transportation Secretary (independent.com)

“The long-term investments allocated today will power our ongoing effort to provide the safest, most accessible transportation system possible for all users, while continuing to serve as responsible stewards of California's environment.”

— Dina El-Tawansy, Caltrans Director (independent.com)

“Today's investments will improve the safety, mobility, and economic prosperity of all Californians, especially those in rural communities.”

— Darnell Grisby, California Transportation Commission Chair (independent.com)

What’s next

The transportation projects funded by this $988.7 million allocation will now move forward into the construction and implementation phases across California.

The takeaway

These historic investments in California's transportation infrastructure will create thousands of jobs, improve safety and accessibility for all residents, and support the state's climate action goals by expanding transit, bike and pedestrian options. It demonstrates a commitment to building a modern, sustainable transportation network that benefits communities throughout the state.