California has approved a massive $1.1 billion investment to upgrade transportation, expand zero-emission transit, and improve road safety across the state. The funding will support new electric buses, more charging stations, major bridge repairs, and safer highways. Together, these projects aim to make communities cleaner, stronger, and better connected.
A major push for cleaner travel and stronger infrastructure
The plan follows a statewide effort to build faster and support climate-ready infrastructure. As a result, many cities will see improvements that protect roads from storms, landslides, and heavy traffic. The state wants families to benefit from smoother travel, cleaner air, and safer streets. These upgrades also support workers by creating construction and maintenance jobs in several regions.
California will use a portion of the funds to add cleaner trains, repair storm-damaged routes, and expand bus centers. Each project supports the long-term goal of reducing emissions while maintaining essential routes. The investments demonstrate how the state continues to move forward with urgency and purpose. They also show a clear effort to prepare communities for future travel needs.
Across Southern California, the state approved funds for cleaner locomotives that replace older diesel engines. These new engines use cleaner technology and support a modern rail network. In coastal areas, the state will repair storm-damaged sections of major routes to keep roads open. These fixes help drivers, businesses, and emergency crews travel more safely.
Important projects that strengthen safety and improve daily travel in California
The state approved several major projects that support clean energy and protect essential roadways. One project includes $53 million to purchase 12 clean-energy locomotives for the Metrolink system. These locomotives will replace diesel engines and reduce pollution across busy rail corridors. The new trains will also help riders enjoy smoother and more reliable service.
California will also spend $57 million to repair a damaged section of State Route 1 near Lucia. Winter storms caused large slides that cut off parts of the coastal highway. The repairs will restore access and protect drivers from future damage. This work is important because the route supports tourism, business deliveries, and daily travel.
In addition, the state approved $9.5 million to build a mobility center in Santa Maria. This center will serve as a hub for clean-energy buses and support growing transportation needs. It will help residents access cleaner transit while reducing reliance on gasoline vehicles.
Other key projects include $15 million to replace the historic Seventh Street Bridge in Modesto. The new bridge will offer better safety and stronger materials. The state also approved $13 million to restore parts of State Route 38 in San Bernardino County. A major wildfire damaged the area, and the repairs will protect the route from erosion and debris.
Several smaller but meaningful improvements will also take place. For example, $839,000 will help add bike lanes and safer sidewalks on South Avenue in Orange Cove. These improvements support families walking or biking to school, shops, and parks. In Orange County, the state funded High Friction Surface Treatment on a State Route 22 on-ramp. This treatment increases traction and reduces the risk of skidding on the road.
These projects reflect a clear effort to support drivers, walkers, and riders. They also show a strong push to modernize transportation in every corner of the state. With each upgrade, communities gain safer streets and cleaner travel options. The improvements also protect critical roads from storm damage and heavy use.
How the funding delivers cleaner transportation and stronger communities
The $1.1 billion package brings together state, federal, and local resources. Much of the funding comes from Senate Bill 1, which invests about $5 billion each year in transportation. This law helps road and bridge projects move faster because the money is stable and predictable. These funds ensure repairs do not slow down due to budget delays.
In addition, the state receives federal support through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This federal law provides money for roads, public transit, airports, ports, and the electric vehicle network. California expects nearly $42 billion from this act over five years. This support helps the state expand its transportation system while reducing pollution.
A significant part of the investment focuses on zero-emission vehicles. California now has more than 200,000 public EV charging stations across the state. Chargers appear in grocery parking lots, workplaces, gas stations, and apartments. These public chargers work alongside an estimated 800,000 home chargers in single-family homes. As a result, driving an electric vehicle is becoming easier for more people.
This expanding network supports the state’s cleaner travel goals. It also helps families save money on fuel and maintenance. The focus on low-income and rural areas ensures chargers reach communities with fewer resources. The state continues to remove barriers so that more people can switch to cleaner vehicles.
Along with charging access, California continues to lead in clean electricity. The state now runs on about two-thirds clean energy. It also reaches 100% clean electricity for part of the day on many occasions. Battery storage has grown to nearly 17,000 megawatts, which strengthens the grid during high-demand hours. These clean-energy gains support the state’s transportation upgrades by providing reliable power for charging networks and electric buses.
These new transportation investments build on years of climate progress. Pollution levels have dropped since 2000, even as the state’s economy continues to grow. This trend shows that cleaner choices can support strong economic progress. With every new project, California continues to expand safe roads, cleaner transit, and a stronger transportation network for all residents.
