Exposition Construction Authority

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) awarded approximately $560 million to 77 transportation projects including light-rail projects throughout the state.

“Not only will these projects create jobs, they will also help curb greenhouse gas pollution and provide viable alternatives to driving cars,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.

The funding is authorized through Proposition 1B, the $19.9-billion, 2006 voter-approved transportation bond, which included $3.6 billion to fund more than 1,100 transit projects over a 10-year period. The majority of Proposition 1B bond projects from the 2006 measure are either under construction or complete and providing mobility, safety and sustainability benefits today. This year’s budget appropriated the remaining Prop. 1B funds primarily in the local transit and intercity rail areas.

Los Angeles will receive $106.3-million for the Mid-City/Exposition Light Rail Transit Project, which will improve public transit service and mobility between Culver City and Santa Monica by adding 7.8 miles of new light-rail line to the existing system in Los Angeles County.

San Francisco will see $81.8 million for the Central Subway light-rail line that will transport passengers from South of Market to Chinatown. The 1.7-mile-long line is expected to attract an average of 42,400 passengers daily by 2030.

Orange County Transportation Authority will receive $43.5 million for the Raymond Avenue Grade Separation Project, which will construct a vehicle underpass at the rail crossing on Raymond Avenue between Walnut Avenue and Ash Avenue. The busy crossing serves BNSF trains and Metrolink passenger trains. The new underpass will separate trains from vehicles, allowing both to use the tracks safely and it will also eliminate waits for motorists as crossing trains pass.

Additional rail projects that will benefit from these funds can be found here. http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/paffairs/news/pressrel/docs/Proposition1BtransitprojectsNov2014.pdf

Providing safe mobility for all users, including pedestrians, transit riders, bicyclists and motorists, supports the mission of Caltrans to “Provide a safe, sustainable, integrated and efficient transportation system to enhance California’s economy and livability.”