Caltrans Awards Millions for Local Roadway Safety Projects

Published:

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Date: April 9, 2021
Contact:  Steve Nelson (530) 701-9459

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SACRAMENTO — Caltrans recently awarded more than $227 million statewide to fund safety projects designed to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries on city and county roads. Funding is provided through the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program.

“Safety is always our number one priority,” said Caltrans Director Toks Omishakin. “These projects will enhance systemwide safety features, including expanded access to protected walkways and bikeways, and will move us closer to our goal of reducing serious injuries and fatalities on California roadways.”

Among the projects funded in District 3, which encompasses 11 Northern California counties, were:

  • $8.8 million for traffic signal safety improvements at 76 intersections in the city of Elk Grove
  • $4.5 million for surface-treatment enhancements, guardrail replacement and intersection safety improvements at multiple locations in El Dorado County
  • $3.1 million for intersection safety improvements at multiple locations in the city of Yuba City
  • $2.7 million for surface-treatment enhancements at multiple locations in Nevada County
  • $2.5 million for surface-treatment enhancements, guardrail replacement and signal visibility improvements at multiple locations in Placer County.
  • $2.2 million for signal and intersection safety improvements at multiple locations in the city of Folsom
  • $1.8 million for guardrail replacement and signal improvements at multiple locations in Sacramento County.

“Caltrans is committed to working with our local partner agencies to provide an integrated transportation system that increases safety and reduces the risk of collisions,” said Caltrans District 3 Director Amarjeet S. Benipal. “Funding for these projects is another important step in making all California roadways safer.”   

According to the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, nearly 64 percent of traffic deaths in California occur on city or county roads, underscoring the significance of funding local safety improvements.

Caltrans selected a total of 266 projects statewide for funding for safety enhancements that include new traffic signals, roundabouts, turn lanes, rumble strips and guard rails. A number of projects focus on the following safety improvements at intersections:

  • Retroreflective bordered backplates: yellow strips around the perimeter of traffic signals that increase visibility in bright or dark conditions, including during a loss of power.
  • Timing changes to give pedestrian and bicyclists more time to cross at crosswalks before the light changes.
  • Rectangular rapid-flashing beacons with a push-button signal control to increase pedestrian visibility at crosswalks.

 

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