NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—Nearly $35 million was allocated to upgrade stretches of the Pacific Coast Highway, the state Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced last week.
Funding for the projects will rehabilitate a 20-mile span of the highway which will include traffic light improvements, pavement alterations, and the addition of specially marked bike lanes running on both sides of traffic.
The busy—yet scenic—coastal route has not seen maintenance of this kind in over two decades.
“These projects are important because, along with pavement rehabilitation and bringing curb ramps up to current ADA standards … all to provide safer transportation for residents and travelers in Orange County,” Caltrans spokeswoman Raquel Ortiz told The Epoch Times.
The initial upgrade of the Pacific Coast Highway will begin next year.
But construction of the bike lanes is already underway for both northbound and southbound sides of traffic running from Warner Avenue to the Santa Ana River, Ortiz said.
Cyclists can anticipate safer roads while riding through this corridor along with the improvement of accessibility and mobility, Ortiz said.
“Caltrans is looking to improve the vitality of California State Highways by providing convenient mobility and improving accessibility and connectivity to essential community destinations for all travelers,“ Ortiz said. “This will enhance livability and sustainability by increasing the use of multi-modal transportation.”
