Stockton, CA…The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has adopted 49 projects, valued at more than $127 million, to support needed upkeep on California’s aging roads and bridges, make upgrades to transit and rail systems and encourage use of alternative forms of transportation, including biking and walking.

“Caltrans is working to ensure every dollar counts when it comes to California’s transportation infrastructure,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “Although we must not forget that our state highway system’s needs still exceed what resources are currently available, all these investments will benefit Californians now and for decades to come.”

The newly allocated funding includes $47.4 million from the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) for 14 “fix-it first” projects that will repair bumpy pavement, preserve roads that are in good condition from deteriorating and upgrade bridges to make them safer and stronger. Most of California’s highways are more than a half-century old; carry nearly half of the nation’s container freight—heavy loads that pound California’s highways more than any other state; and sustained 190 billion vehicle miles travelled in 2015.

Other allocations include:

· $32.6 million for eight capital improvement projects both on and off the state highway system as part of the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)

· $25.6 million towards 21 Active Transportation Program projects

· $20.8 million for Transit and Intercity Rail Program projects

The remaining funding allocations came from assorted transportation accounts funded by state and federal dollars.

Among the projects that received funding allocations today were:

Merced County: $200,000 – Construct Campus Parkway Segment 2A which will include widening and Channelization along SR-140 and construction of a portion of the connector from SR-140 to Campus Parkway.