Millions Flagged To Repair Two Area Highways
Sonora, CA – State transportation officials have released more than $758 million for 91 highway projects – including two in area counties.
Out of that money, the California Transportation Commission is allocating $90.4 million in SB 1, the 12 cent per gallon gas tax passed by lawmakers in 2017, funds for 26 fix-it-first projects.
“While we are thankful for the rain, our crews worked around the clock this winter responding to the harsh weather conditions that took a toll on our roadways and culverts,” said Caltrans Director Laurie Berman. “The funds from SB 1 allow us now to proactively maintain our bridges, repair our roadways, and ensure our drainage systems can handle the winters ahead.”
With the funds, Caltrans crews will improve 21 bridges and 189 miles of pavement, upgrade 292 devices to reduce congestion, and repair or replace 81 culverts to prevent flooding on highways. Alpine and Mariposa counties have been flagged to receive a total of nearly $5 million. Below is a breakdown of that funding provided by Caltrans:
Bridge Replacement and Upgrade Project in Alpine County: This estimated $9.3 million project will replace and upgrade bridge rails at the Silver Creek Bridge on SR-4, the West Fork Carson River Bridge on SR-88 and the Markleeville Creek Bridge on SR89. The project was allocated approximately $1.9 million.
Drainage Project Along State Route 41 in Mariposa County: This estimated $4.3 million project will repair or replace culverts (underground drainage systems) in 19 locations on SR-41 from the town of Fish Camp to south of the Yosemite National Park boundary. The project was allocated approximately $3 million.
Caltrans notes that since SB 1 was enacted, crews have repaired or replaced 89 bridges and paved more than 1,300 lane miles on highways throughout the state.
