The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) awarded $24 million on October 25 for 85 Safe Routes to School projects to improve safety for children in grades K-12 who walk and bicycle to school.
La Cumbre Junior High School and Santa Barbara Community Academy received funding to improve the intersection of Portesuello Ave. and Modoc Rd, in front of their shared campus. The funds are earmarked to construct medians and curb extensions and install safety lighting. The projected cost of the project is $258,300, and the State is providing $218,280.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our children,” said Caltrans Director Cindy McKim. “By improving safety, more children are encouraged to walk and bicycle to school, ultimately resulting in healthier children and less traffic congestion around schools.”
The funding will pay for new crosswalks, curb ramps, sidewalks, bicycle paths, traffic signals, flashing beacons, signs, striping, and pedestrian countdown signals.
California was the first state to legislate its own Safe Routes to School program with dedicated funding in 1999. To date, the state has awarded $268 million for Safe Routes to School projects.