California’s 2018 State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) has been adopted by the California Transportation Commission. The four-year program dedicates almost $18 billion for repairs, safety improvements and operational improvements on the State Highway System. The adoption of the 2018 SHOPP is a significant step in transitioning the program to meet specific priorities identified in the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB 1).

“The 2018 SHOPP includes new funding for more large-scale repair and rehabilitation projects than in the past,” explained Commission Chair Fran Inman. “These projects will provide long-term infrastructure solutions that will last for decades.”

“Thanks to SB 1, billions in new funding is now available,” said Chair Inman. “This new funding allows us to focus on ‘fix it first’ solutions to the state’s most pressing transportation needs.”

SB 1 directs Caltrans to prioritize improvements in four primary highway infrastructure categories: pavement, bridges, culverts and transportation management systems. The CTC also recently approved the state’s Transportation Asset Management Plan, which establishes targets that Caltrans must meet in its efforts to improve or rehabilitate each of these four types of infrastructure over the next ten years.

“The projects in the 2018 SHOPP will make roads and bridges much safer for California drivers,” added Executive Director Susan Bransen. “SB 1 requires the state to fix at least 500 bridges and improve thousands of miles of the State Highway System over the next decade. This program is a big step forward to be able to meet those targets.”

SB 1 also requires the CTC to adopt and manage the SHOPP in a transparent and accountable manner. The 2018 State Highway Operation and Protection Program, including a full list of projects by county, is available here.

Southern California Partnership for Jobs supports infrastructure investment. It enhances our overall quality of life and supports individuals’ employment and their families’ well-being. We advocated for the passage of SB 1, a new transportation funding source that is becoming ever more critical for California. We continue to work closely with other advocates to seek more funding at the state, regional and local levels.

Source: CTC Press Release