SOLEDAD — A multimillion-dollar bridge rehabilitation project near Soledad has been approved by the California Transportation Commission (CTC).
Last week CTC allocated more than $495 million for various projects to fix and improve transportation infrastructure throughout California. Senate Bill (SB) 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017, accounts for more than two-thirds of this critical investment — $328 million.
“This substantial investment will help improve transportation for all Californians now and in the future,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “This includes moving toward a more climate-friendly, safe and equitable state transportation system.”
Among the approved projects is the preservation of the North Soledad Overhead on Highway 101 near Soledad in Monterey County. The $6 million project will rehabilitate the bridge deck, bridge joints and railing to help extend its service life.
Also in Monterey County, a $3.1 million project along the coastline on Highway 1 was approved. The funding will be used to construct a retaining wall to stabilize the slope, widen the shoulder, repair pavement, improve drainage and install erosion control on the highway, one mile south of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge.
SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually, split between the state and local agencies. Road projects progress through construction phases more quickly based on the availability of SB 1 funds, including projects that are partially funded by the bill.
