EUREKA >> The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has approved $170 million in transportation funding for 49 projects, including $46,000 for bike lanes and street improvements in Clearlake. The state’s goal is to upgrade its aging roads and bridges, as well as to encourage the use of alternative forms of transportation.
“We are making sure every dollar counts when it comes to maintaining California’s transportation infrastructure,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty. “These allocations represent significant investments in the preservation of not only our existing infrastructure, but also the promotion of alternate forms of transportation, such as walking, biking and transit.”
Bicycle lanes will be installed in Clearlake along Phillips Avenue, and the middle 22 feet of the street will be rehabilitated. Additionally, money will be used to widen the existing section by 4 feet on each side to add the bike lanes and install signs, stripping and pavement markings.
The plan is one of the 22 Active Transportation Program (ATP) projects that received a total of $15.5 million as part of the deal. ATP was approved by Gov. Jerry Brown in September 2013 to consolidate multiple state and federal transportation programs. The Transportation Alternatives Program, Bicycle Transportation Account and State Safe Routes to School were some of the programs merged into one “with a focus to make California a national leader in active transportation,” according to the Caltrans website.
The newly allocated funding also includes $120 million from the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) for 31 “fix-it first” projects that will maintain and preserve investments in the state highway system and supporting infrastructure. These capital improvements cover projects across the state and include maintenance work, safety improvements, pavement repair and bridge rehabilitation and upgrades.
Other allocations are $12.5 million for 11 capital improvement projects both on and off the state highway system as part of the State Transportation Improvement Program.
