San Diego's transportation system is set to receive a nearly $8 million boost, thanks to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. Both SANDAG and Caltrans announced the funding win, largely secured by the bipartisan efforts of San Diego's congressional delegation. The investment is intended to help reduce congestion and to upgrade the region's transportation infrastructure. "This critical funding will help increase connectivity across San Diego County and enhance the quality of life for people in our communities," SANDAG and San Diego County Supervisor Chairwoman Nora Vargas said in a statement by SANDAG.
The projects slated to receive the federal funds cover a range of initiatives, including the SANDAG At-Grade Rail Crossing Elimination Study, which will receive $500,000 to examine safety and efficiency at eleven at-grade rail crossings within downtown San Diego. Another notable project is the Barrio Logan Freeway Lid Parks, which was awarded $1,300,000 to potentially transform freeways into green spaces. Reduced congestion is also a target of the San Ysidro Mobility Hub project, set to receive $927,778, which seeks to evolve into a vibrant mobility center and reinvigorate the surrounding neighborhood. Moreover, the Interstate 15/SR-78 and I-5 will see improvements with allocations of $4,000,000 and $1,166,279 respectively, aiming to quickly alleviate the travel issues plaguing these areas.
Other regionally impactful projects include the SR-52 Operational Improvements with a $4,000,000 injection for traffic operations and the Coastal Rail Trail Bikeway, which gained $4,116,279 for construction costs. Also, the Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach is on the funding list, with an $850,000 earmark for roadway improvements to enhance traffic circulation and safety.
"Caltrans looks forward to working with SANDAG to turn this funding into tangible improvements in mobility, accessibility, and safety to communities across our region," Everett Townsend, acting Director for Caltrans District 11, stated. As reported by SANDAG, the ongoing collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies is indicative of the commitment to bring transformative change to San Diego's transportation landscape, striving to enhance the quality of life for all citizens.
