California is investing in one of its largest road plans in history, with a fresh commitment of $3B for highway and multimodal projects throughout the state. 

The California Transportation Commission made the decision at the end of August, enabling the funding to be drawn from both the Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB 1) and the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. 

As explained by Caltrans officials, the plan is the implementation of Governor Gavin Newsom’s Build More, Faster - For All program and aims at improving safety, expanding mobility, and supporting active transportation.

The work, for example, covers the repair of bridges to prevent damage during an earthquake, resurfacing of highways, the drainage improvement of major highways, and many more. Furthermore, the investment will provide funds for pedestrian bridges near schools and the widening of sidewalks for a safer and friendlier community. One of the reports says the program will go to all 12 Caltrans districts, showing a commitment to both highway maintenance and multimodal options across the state. 

Another report also emphasizes that improving corridor safety along I-5 and preserving coastal bridges should be among the priorities. Caltrans officials emphasize that they have planned these projects to be resistant to climate change, taking into account the recent fires and floods. These kinds of resilient features are likely to reduce future maintenance expenses, in addition to acting as a barrier for neighborhoods against severe weather.

Meanwhile, the fate of the long-anticipated high-speed rail program in California, which heavily relies on these modes of transportation, hinges on the approval of another multimodal project. More than a billion dollars has been squandered, with the only segment currently under construction a mere 171 miles between Bakersfield and Merced. 

The start of service for the bullet train is unlikely to occur before 2030; the length of the delay of the high-speed rail has long surpassed the original estimate.  Meanwhile, expenses keep going up, and federal support for the project is uncertain. Analysts say this project is a reference case for what not to do, as seen in California's highway and local mobility investments.

However, the story of infrastructure has not been solely about high-speed rail. In recent months, California has been executing other important and big infrastructure programs. 

As Contractor News reported recently $5 billion in initiatives by Caltrans have sought to improve transportation across the state, accompanied by a $1 billion investment in storm safety upgrades. These plans represent California's infrastructure redevelopment program, which takes into account population growth, climate change, and altered travel. 

The innovative multimodal plans can bring not only real benefits for Californians' daily lives but also means a safer and more comfortable traveling experience, showcasing the state’s ambitious vision.