California transportation projects will receive $2.7 billion across more than 150 approved efforts, with funding reaching the Caldecott Tunnel, State Route 37, transit stations, school crossings and habitat corridors. The allocation details show how state and federal money is being divided and which named projects received the largest shares within the broader statewide package.
Key Takeaways
- California approved $2.7 billion for more than 150 transportation projects.
- Nearly $1.6 billion comes from the 2021 federal infrastructure law, while $542 million comes from Senate Bill 1.
- The Caldecott Tunnel received the largest highlighted allocation at $267 million.
- Caltrans lists spring 2027 as the planned construction start for the State Route 37 project.
- The package also covers school crossings, transit stations, wildlife access and fish passage.
California officials announced the package on Aug. 28, 2026, following allocations by the California Transportation Commission. The work covers highway rehabilitation, traffic capacity, public transit access, pedestrian safety and infrastructure intended to withstand severe weather.
Six projects identified in the announcement account for $444.25 million. The largest named allocation is $267 million for the Caldecott Tunnel, while the remaining money is spread across projects that were not individually detailed in the release.
Together, the six named awards represent about 16.5% of the package. That leaves roughly $2.26 billion attached to other approved statewide projects, based on the total announced. The release does not list every location, amount or delivery schedule, limiting project-by-project comparisons for residents and travelers.
California Transportation Projects Draw From Two Major Sources
Nearly $1.6 billion comes from the 2021 federal infrastructure law, according to the official announcement. Senate Bill 1, California’s 2017 road repair and transportation funding law, provides another $542 million. The state did not publish a source-by-source breakdown for the rest of the package.
The latest allocation raises California Transportation Commission funding since 2019 to approximately $81.1 billion, the state reported. Officials have connected that cumulative total with more than 800,000 jobs, but they did not provide a separate employment estimate for the newly approved projects.
“This slate of projects builds on our goals to create and maintain a safer transportation network that addresses current needs and also prioritizes long-term objectives,” Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy said.
The package reflects several approaches to traffic and infrastructure management. Those range from rebuilding existing assets to adding vehicle capacity and improving non-driving options. Other corridor programs, including the California smart freeway pilot, use operational technology rather than added general-purpose lanes.
Caldecott Tunnel Leads the Named Allocations
The $267 million Caldecott Tunnel project is intended to rehabilitate three of the four bores on State Route 24 in Orinda. Planned work includes structural pavement replacement, upgraded ventilation, improved drainage and underdrain systems, and LED lighting.
Caltrans separately estimates that construction could begin in fall 2026. The agency describes the work as covering Bores 1, 2 and 3 between Alameda and Contra Costa counties. The schedule remains an estimate and may change as the project advances.
State Route 37 received another $63 million for two high-occupancy vehicle lanes between Sears Point and Mare Island. Caltrans says the project is intended to improve peak-period traffic flow and increase vehicle occupancy along a corridor that narrows to one lane in each direction.
The agency lists spring 2027 for the start of construction and fall 2029 for completion. The preferred design also includes work at the State Route 37 and State Route 121 intersection, replacement of the Tolay Creek Bridge and restoration near Strip Marsh East.
Smaller Awards Target Safety, Transit and Habitat
In Oildale, east of Bakersfield, $1.8 million is allocated to a Safe Route to School project. Plans include warning beacons, signs and ramps compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act at several uncontrolled, multilane crosswalks.
Los Angeles County is slated to receive $2.45 million for improvements at four transit stations before the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The work covers 7th Street/Metro Center, Norwalk, Union Station and Harbor Gateway, with wayfinding, lighting, security features, passenger amenities and landscaping listed in the scope.
Another $76.5 million is allocated for a wildlife crossing and fencing along Interstate 5 near Dunsmuir in Shasta County. Pavement, guardrails, signs and drainage systems are also included. The project is separate from the Los Angeles wildlife crossing being built over U.S. 101.
Humboldt County will receive $33.5 million for three fish-passage projects near State Route 1. The planned work includes removing barriers, replacing culverts with concrete bridge structures and reducing sediment entering the South Fork Eel River.
The announcement does not provide construction dates or projected outcomes for every project. Project-level notices from Caltrans, transit agencies and local partners are expected to provide schedules, detours and construction effects as plans advance. For California transportation projects, the $2.7 billion allocation establishes funding and scope, but not a single statewide construction timetable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many transportation projects received funding?
The package covers more than 150 California transportation projects, according to the Aug. 28 announcement. The release highlights six projects but does not provide individual descriptions for the complete statewide list.
Which project received the largest highlighted allocation?
The Caldecott Tunnel received $267 million, the largest amount among the six projects detailed in the announcement. The work covers pavement, ventilation, drainage, electrical systems and lighting in three tunnel bores.
Where does the $2.7 billion come from?
Nearly $1.6 billion comes from the 2021 federal infrastructure law, while $542 million comes from Senate Bill 1. The announcement does not provide a full funding-source breakdown for the remaining amount.
When will construction begin?
Construction schedules vary by project. Caltrans estimates a fall 2026 start for the Caldecott Tunnel work and lists spring 2027 for State Route 37, while the statewide announcement does not specify dates for every allocation.
