Funding allocations from Proposition 1B, the 2006 voter approved bond to improve California’s transportation infrastructure, have surged close to $4 billion near the end of the 2007-08 fiscal year, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced June 26.

“Proposition 1B is paying for vital transportation projects that relieve traffic congestion, which helps greatly when Californians are spending more than $4 per gallon on gasoline,” said Caltrans Director Will Kempton.

The near $4 billion total includes $143.7 million allocated June 26 by the California Transportation Commission for nine Proposition 1B projects, including:

• Alameda County — $23.4 million was allocated to repair 6 mi. (9.6 km) of Interstate 680 in Fremont. This project will smooth out the pavement, reducing costly vehicle repairs.

• Los Angeles — $52.9 million was allocated to build 2 mi. (3.2 km) of new HOV lanes for carpoolers and transit riders on Interstate 10 between Interstate 605 and Puente Avenue in Baldwin Park.

• West Sacramento — $24.6 million was allocated to widen Highway 50 to six lanes and improve the Harbor Boulevard interchange.

• Riverside — $6 million was allocated to build a four-lane bridge across railroad tracks. This will decrease greenhouse gas emissions generated by idling vehicles waiting for trains to pass.

For information on these nine projects, visit www.dot.ca.gov/docs/proposition1bprojectallocationsjune2008.pdf.

In addition to the Proposition 1B allocations, the California Transportation Commission allocated $805 million for 268 other transportation projects.

For information about these projects, visit www.dot.ca.gov/docs/ctcprojectallocationsjune2008.pdf.