California Highways (www.cahighways.org): Route 46 (2024)

Highway 46 Corridor Project

In December 2017, the Caltrans Mile Marker published the following chart to show the progress of the various segments of construction. It may prove useful for the discussion below:

Union Road Intersection Improvements

In June 2015, the CTC allocated $450,000for the Route 46/Union Road Intersection Improvements. This project is in Paso Robles, at the Route 46/Union Road Intersection (apx. SLO 35.009), and consists of construction of intersection improvements, including new local roads and interchange.

The 2018 STIP, approved at the CTC March 2018 meeting, appears to allocate $800K in Advance Project Development Element (APDE) funding for PS&E in FY19-20 for PPNO 2528 Rt 46/Union Road Intersection improvements.

The 2020 STIP, approaved at the CTC March 2020 meeting, continues the programmed allocations for PPNO 2528 "Rt 46/Union Road Intersection improvements (APDE)"
(Source: March 2020 CTC Agenda, Item 4.7, 2020 STIP Adopted 3/25/2020)

In July 2023, it was reported that Caltrans and the City of Paso Robles propose to construct, in two phases, an overcrossing and partial cloverleaf interchange at the intersection of Route 46 East and Union Road/Paso Robles Boulevard. Caltrans and the city have completed a draft initial study with the proposed mitigated negative declaration/environmental assessment for the proposed Route 46 East/Union Road intersection improvement project. They are now hosting public meetings to review environmental assessment study results and gather public input on the project.
(Source: Paso Robles Daily News, 7/27/2023)

In August 2023, it was reported that Paso Robles was seeking community feedback on plans to build a bridge that goes over Route 46 East and connects Union Road/Paso Robles Boulevard. The joint project between the city and Caltrans District 5 aims to improve the efficiency and safety of Route 46 at Union Road for cars, buses, pedestrians and cyclists. The 2022 STIP has the project budged for $1.55 million, a sum the city is matching for a total cost of $3.1 million for the planning, specifications and estimates phase of the project. More funding is required to get the project through to the construction phase, according to Caltrans. The first phase of the Route 46 and Union Road improvement project involves building a bridge over Route 46 to connect the two city streets. The overpass will include traffic lanes for the appropriate volume of traffic, sidewalks for pedestrians and striped bike lanes adjacent to and on the shoulders.
(Source: ＄＄SLO Tribune, 8/18/2023)

In December 2012, the CTC approved $4,300,000 to replace the Estrella River Bridge near Paso Robles as it was structurally deficient (approx SLO 40.01).

Whitley 1, 2A and 2B Segments near Shandon (SLO 37.025 to SLO 49.6)

The SAFETEA-LU act, enacted in August 2005 as the reauthorization of TEA-21, provided the following expenditures on or near this route:

• High Priority Project #1043: Widen Route 46 between Airport Road (SLO 32.123) and the Shandon Rest Stop (SLO 49.599) in San Luis Obispo County. $33,461,000.

In October 2015, the CTC approved $55,200K in funding for 05-SLO-46 46/50.2 Route 46 Corridor Improvements (Whitley 2B). Near Shandon, from 0.2 mile east of McMillan Canyon Road (SLO 45.683) to 0.4 mile west of Lucy Brown Road (SLO 50.152). (CEQA - EIR, 5/19/2006.) (NEPA - FONSI, 5/19/2006.) (Future Consideration of Funding approved under Resolution E-06-23; July 2006.)

In the December 2017 Mile Marker, Caltrans noted: "A five-mile widening of the highway near Shandon is now underway, and the $47 million project is expected to be complete by the end of 2018. Plans call for construction to the Cholame area. The projected $55 million project is expected to begin in late 2019."

In June 2019, it was reported that Caltrans has completed a widening project on Route 46 East from McMillan Canyon Road to Lucy Brown Road through Shandon (Whitley 2B). Before completing this project, Caltrans had already widened sections of Route 46 and Route 41 near Paso Robles. The widening of Route 46 East from Almond Drive (SLO 40.555) to McMillan Canyon Road (SLO 45.683) was completed in 2016. The widening of Route 46 East from Geneseo Road (SLO 37.025) to east of Almond Drive (SLO 40.555) was done in 2014, and the widening of Route 46 from Airport Road (SLO 32.116) to Geneseo Road (SLO 37.025) finished in 2010. In total, the project cost about $47 million. Now that this widening project is complete Caltrans will work on widening another five-mile segment of Route 46 East from Shandon Rest Area to Cholame (Cholame) in the spring of 2020.
(Source: KSBY, 6/27/2019)

Cholame Segment (05-SLO-46, PM 49.7/54.7)

In June 2018, it was reported that concrete has started to flow for the new Cholame Creek Bridge, west of the Shandon Roadside Rest Area (~ SLO 048.32). Subsuming as part of the bridge’s new permanent structure the ‘lost deck,’ which had been visible to motorists until the weekend, the new form should be ready to be stressed by the end of June. The new infrastructure is expected to last 70 years. The “stressing” will come in the form of cables running through the structure pulled taught underneath, a design allowing for fewer ground supports. It will be an improvement for the creek as there were three supports before. With materials chosen for durability under heavy truck traffic, the concrete slab roadway east leading up to the bridge is mostly ready for connection, but drivers on the stretch are still using the eventual westbound lanes to go both ways until that’s been done.
(Source: Paso Robles Press, 6/4/18)

The 2020 STIP, approved at the March 2020 CTC meeting, included PPNO 0226J, Cholame, convert to 4-lane expressway, in the Interregional portion of the STIP with one change in programming: $30,600K in prior year funding (unchanged), and the $72,421K in FY20-21 changed to 93,955K.
(Source: March 2020 CTC Agenda, Item 4.7, 2020 STIP Adopted 3/25/2020)

In June 2020, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding 05-SLO-46, PM 49.7/54.7 Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project. Widen the Cholame Section of Route 46 from a two-lane highway to a four-lane divided expressway (PPNO 0226J). The project proposes to construct the Choalame Section of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project. As with the previously constructed sections of the Corridor Project, the Choalame Section will continue with the conversion of the existing two-lane highway to a four-lane divided expressway. This project is fully funded and is currently programmed in the 2020 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for a total of $124,555,000 which includes Construction (capital and support) and Right of Way (capital and support). Construction is estimated to begin in the fall of 2021. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2020 STIP.
(Source: June 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(9))

In January 2022, the CTC approved the following request for $124,220,000 (50.1 percent increase) allocation in Construction Capital and $11,221,000 (0 percent increase) in Construction Support for the STIP Roadway Widening project, on Route 46, in San Luis Obispo County. (EA 3307A, PPNO 0226J). The project is located on Route 46, near Shandon, from west of Shandon Safety Roadside Rest Area to east of Jack Ranch Cafe, in San Luis Obispo County. The project will convert the two-lane Conventional Highway into a four-lane Expressway. In March 2014, this project was initially programmed in the STIP Interregional Improvement Program for $46,000,000 in construction capital and $9,200,000 in construction support for delivery in Fiscal Year 2018-19. In May 2016, the delivery was moved to Fiscal Year 2020-21. In October 2017, during development of the 2018 STIP, the project was updated to follow a new alignment to avoid major utility conflicts resulting in an increase of $15,200,000 in construction capital and $2,021,000 in construction support. In August 2019, during development of the 2020 STIP, the scope of the project was updated due to increased earthwork, drainage work, erosion control, and the addition of a Changeable Message Sign with an increase of $21,534,000 in construction capital. In May 2021, the project received a nine-month allocation time extension for construction capital and construction support to reach RTL and complete the Construction Management/General Contractor (CMGC) process.In November 2021, the Agreed to Price with the CMGC reflected the need of $124,220,000 in construction capital (50.1 percent over the programmed amount) and $11,221,000 in construction support (same as programmed amount). The Department plans to award the project in February 2022 and begin construction in March 2022. Construction is planned for two construction seasons with a duration of 514 working days. However, since the end of 2020, prices on commodity goods and services have increased the following
amounts. Fuel has increased more than 30 percent. Trucking has increased 25 percent due to the fuel price and enforcement of recent legislation for temporary workers. Ready Mix Concrete delivered to the jobsite has increased more than 50 percent due to availability of cement in the market and the cost of trucking. Reinforcing Steel has increased 30 percent due to increased labor and trucking costs. The 2021 Stormwater General Construction Permit has increased the cost of various stormwater items by 50 percent. In aggregate, these items amount to an increase of $22,100,000 over the original engineering estimate.
(Source: January 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5d.(1))

In April 2022, it was reported that Caltrans has broken ground on the project that will double lanes along Route 46 in northern San Luis Obispo County. The project will widen Route 46 East from Shandon to Cholame. Construction on this phase is expected to wrap up sometime in 2024. At the end of the project, Route 46 East will be a four-lane expressway from Paso Robles to Lost Hills in Kern County. The Cal Trans Senior Engineer on the project is Amy Norris. She has been working full-time in design at Cal Trans for over twenty years. “This is a really unique project. We don’t often get to do this size earthwork job anymore,” She said, “Being able to widen something like this, and do 1.5 million cubic yards of dirt work- it’s pretty exciting.” The widening of this segment of Route 46 East follows four completed phases from Paso Robles leading to the Route 46/Route 41 intersection. The $47 million widening of Route 46 East from McMillan Canyon Road to Lucy Brown Road was completed in 2019. The $38 million widening from Almond Drive to McMillan Canyon Road was completed in 2016. The widening of Route 46 East from Geneseo Road to east of Almond Drive was completed in 2014 while the widening from Airport Road to Geneseo Road was completed in 2010.
(Source: KSBY, 4/13/2022; Paso Robles Daily News, 4/18/2022)

Wye - Route 41/Route 46 Interchange (05-SLO-46, PM 54.0/57.8)

In May 2017, it was reported that concern had arisen again regarding the safety of Route 46, especially its interchange with Route 41. More than a decade of efforts to widen the critical valley-coast link paid off in 2009 when construction started. The widening work has made the road safer, giving drivers a swifter route around slow-moving semi-trucks, toy haulers and RVs. But it hasn’t prevented accidents and deaths in the shrinking section where the traffic still slides past on two side-by-side lanes. Construction crews are working to close that gap and link the finished widening projects in both counties. San Luis Obispo County transportation planners are searching for money to improve the Antelope grade and — just to the west — the infamous “Y” intersection of Route 41 and Route 46. Jim Shivers, a spokesman for Caltrans District 5, wrote in an email that road builders have been fighting for years to widen Route 46 and eliminate the head-on or T-bone collisions that can take such a high toll in lives. But there is only so much money and the design, environmental and construction of the improvements can only move at a certain pace. That’s why Caltrans has installed lighted warning lights at the “Y” intersection between Route 41 and Route 46 and added heavy rumble strips between the two lanes of traffic to quickly remind drivers who drift across lanes to get back on their side of the line, Shivers wrote. But even those efforts can’t stop drivers from making mistakes or risky maneuvers like the one that cost Villegas his life at the intersection of Route 41 and Route 46. [Which is why the ultimate solution is likely an appropriate roundabout, if space permits - DPF] The final solution is to complete the widening work on Route 46 between I-5 and US 101 in Paso Robles. Most of the widening work in Kern County has been completed, taking four lanes of asphalt east more than 27 miles from the San Luis Obispo County line to within striking distance of I-5. The last 6-mile stretch from Brown Material Road to I-5 has yet to be constructed but efforts to fund and design it are underway. Construction on the San Luis Obispo side brings the wider route closer to Kern County every day. Currently, heavy equipment is working near the small community of Shandon. That phase of the project will end just past the Shandon rest stop. According to Shiver, work on the environmental review for the next phase, the 5 miles from the rest stop to Jack’s Ranch Café, is ongoing with funding for the work expected to be available in the 2020-21 fiscal year. After that, the transportation agency will tackle the two final segments. They will include construction of an interchange of some sort between Route 41 and Route 46 — eliminating the traffic conflict that contributed to the death of legendary actor James Dean in 1955 and Villegas earlier this month. The final piece of the puzzle will be widening the road up the Antelope Grade to the Kern County line.
(Source: Bakersfield.Com, 5/20/2017)

In March 2018, the CTC awarded $197 million for Route 46 improvements. The state money will allow his county's transportation agency to continue widening Route 46, "including grade separation at the Route 41 Wye intersection, our major connection between the Central Coast and the valley." The Cholame Y area has been dubbed “Blood Alley,” as it’s seen three times the number of motorist fatalities than the state average, according to Caltrans. Plans call for new interchange that would eliminate the need for northbound traffic to cross Route 46 onto Route 41. The stretch of the highway has been a danger zone for decades for motorists, who whiz by in opposite directions without roadway separation.
(Source: San Luis Obispo Tribune, 3/23/2018)

The 2018 STIP, approved at the CTC March 2018 meeting, appears to allocate $2.5M in construction funding in FY21-22 for PPNO 0226K Route 46/Route 41 Wye, convert to 4-lane expressway.

The 2020 STIP, approved at the CTC March 2020 meeting, continues the programmed allocation for PPNO 0226K "Route 46/41 Wye, convert to 4-lane expressway (RIP)". It also included interregional programming for PPNO 0226K: Route 46/41 Wye, convert to 4-lane expressway (IIP), with one change: 25,000K in prior year funding changed to 35,000K, and 108,700K in FY21-22 (unchanged).
(Source: March 2020 CTC Agenda, Item 4.7, 2020 STIP Adopted 3/25/2020)

In October 2020, the CTC approved route adoption the following project for which a Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) has been completed: Route 46 in San Luis Obispo County. Construct a four-lane, access controlled, divided expressway in San Luis Obispo County. (PPNO 0226K) (05-SLO-46, PM 54.0/57.8) This project is located in San Luis Obispo County on Route 46, beginning at post mile 54.0 and ending at post mile 57.8. The CTC also approved a Route Adoption at the Wye Section of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project. The purpose of this project is to minimize fatal accidents, improve safety, and reduce congestion on Route 46 between Paso Robles and Cholame, a critical east-west corridor connecting the Central Coast and Central Valley. This project is currently programmed in the 2020 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for $143,700,000 which includes Construction (capital and support) and Right of Way (capital and support). Construction is estimated to begin FY 2021-2022. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2020 STIP.
(Source: October 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(2))

The purpose of the project is to improve safety by reducing fatal collisions and to address operational needs. The proposed improvements include: (1) widening Route 46 to a divided four lane expressway; (2) construction of a new interchange at the Route 46/Route 41 junction; (3) replacement of the Cholame Creek Bridge; (4) realignment to the northeast to correct non-standard horizontal curvature to improve sight distance; (5) and construction of Cholame Creek Overflow Bridge. The proposed interchange also requires realignment of the existing Route 46/Route 41 junction to the northeast to avoid sensitive environmental resources within Cholame Valley. The interchange will provide direct branch connectors from eastbound and westbound Route 46 to northbound Route 41 and from southbound Route 41 to eastbound and westbound Route 46. This interchange is also expected to improve traffic operations by eliminating the left-turn movement from Route 46 to Route 41 and the subsequent queuing. Route 41 was never adopted by the Commission and will require approval of a route adoption action. The Department’s recommendation to adopt Route 41 will be under a concurrent action under Resolution HRA 20-03. The current programmed amount for the construction of the Wye section is $97,800,000 funded by the 2021-2022 STIP. Right-of-way acquisition is currently estimated at $290,000. Construction of the Wye section is expected to begin in 2023 and will complete the entire SR 46 Corridor Improvements initiated in the 1990s. The existing portions of Route 46 will be partially relinquished as local roads. The remaining sections will be obliterated and environmentally restored to its natural conditions before disposal of the right-of-way as excess lands. SLO County has reviewed and concurred with all proposed improvements. Relinquishment agreements will be executed after the route adoptions are approved. On September 23, 2008, the Department and the County of SLO entered into a Freeway Agreement (FA) for the entire corridor of Route 46, from the Paso Robles city limits to the Kern county line. A Superseding FA will be executed by the Department after the Commission’s approval of the route adoption.
(Source: October 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.3a.(2))

In April 2022, it was reported that Caltrans the project to improve the Route 46/Route 41 interchange is expected to begin in 2024.
(Source: KSBY, 4/13/2022)

In December 2022, the CTC approved for future consideration of funding the following project for which a FEIR and an Addendum have been completed: Route 46 and Route 41 in San Luis Obispo County (05-SLO-46, PM 54.0/57.8; 05-SLO-41, PM 44.5/45.3). Realign and widen from two lanes to four lanes, on Route 46 and Route 41, in San Luis Obispo County. (PPNO 05-0226K). This project is located on Route 46, at post mile 54.0 and ending at post mile 57.8 and Route 41, at post mile 44.5 and 45.3, in San Luis Obispo County. The Department proposes a Route Adoption at the Wye Section of the Route 46 Corridor Improvement Project. The purpose of this project is to minimize fatal accidents, improve safety, and reduce congestion on Route 46 between Paso Robles and Cholame, a critical east-west corridor connecting the Central Coast and Central Valley. This project is currently programmed in the 2022 STIP for $146,200,000 which includes Construction (capital and support) and Right of Way (capital and support). Construction is estimated to begin in 2023. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope programmed by the Commission in the 2022 STIP. A FEIR was prepared because of potential biological resource impacts. A copy of the FEIR has been provided to Commission staff. The Commission approved the project for future consideration of funding on October 22, 2020, under Resolution E-20-100. Biological impacts would result from the construction of the preferred alternative. This would require the acquisition and disturbance of land throughout the entire length of the project. The Department subsequently completed an Addendum to the FEIR pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act. The Department has approved this project for construction. This approval and the Addendum satisfy the environmental requirements for this stage of the planning process.
(Source: December 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(8))

In December 2022, the CTC approved a request for $171,420,000, consisting of $155,870,000 (59.4% increase) allocation in Construction Capital and $15,550,000 (16.0% increase) allocation in Construction Support, for the STIP Roadway Widening project on Route 46, in San Luis Obispo County. (05-SLO-46, PM 54.0/57.8; 05-SLO-41, PM 44.5/45.3) (PPNO 05-0226K, ProjID 0514000028, EA 3307C) . In March 2014, the project was programmed in the STIP with $62,000,000 in Construction Capital and $9,500,000 in Construction Support future need in Fiscal Year 2018-19. In March 2018, during development of the 2018 STIP, the project was reprogrammed for $97,800,000 in Construction Capital, $95,300,000 from the IIP and $2,500,000 from the RIP, and $13,400,000 in Construction Support from the IIP. In June 2022, the project received a 20-month allocation time extension for the Construction Capital and Construction Support to complete the Construction Management/General Contractor (CMGC) process after Ready to List was achieved. In October 2022, the Agreed to Price with the CMGC reflected the need of $155,870,000 in Construction Capital (59.4 percent over the programmed amount) and $15,550,000 in Construction Support (16.0 percent over the programmed amount). The Department plans to award the project in January 2023, and begin construction in March 2023. Construction is planned for three construction seasons with a duration of 500 working days. The construction capital cost estimate is greater than the programmed amount following the project’s refinement of the final design at Plans, Specifications, and Estimate. During Fiscal Year 2019-20, the Department elected to utilize the CMGC delivery method. The preconstruction services contract was awarded to a contractor during the middle of 2020-21. The CMGC process identified several innovations as the Department finalized the construction documents. Included in these innovations were switching the pavement from continuously reinforced concrete to asphalt concrete, utilizing existing Route 46 when allowable instead of reconstructing near the eastern limits of the project, and optimizing embankment settlement strategies. In total, the Department utilized 18 innovations developed by the Department’s Division of Design, CMGC, and Independent Cost Estimator (ICE) consultant to reduce the project costs by 28 percent (nearly $40,000,000). The Department received a 20-month allocation time extension in June 2022, to allow for the CMGC process to incorporate these innovations and allow flexibility to reach an Agreed to Price with the contractor. As part of the CMGC process, the Department also procured an ICE consultant, who works directly for the Department, to ensure the prices from the CMGC contractor are consistent with industry and the innovations proposed are feasible. The three estimate results indicate the programmed amount for Construction Capital costs were underestimated due to the escalation costs the market has seen recently. The current cost estimate differs significantly from the estimate used to validate the current programing for the project. A major reason for this difference is trucking. Material and equipment delivered to the work site or transported on site are affected by the current higher trucking prices, so the impact is widespread. A comparison of trucking cost increases since January 2021, which is when the programming could last be updated per STIP guidelines, shows a 45.5 percent increase in hourly trucking rates. Trucking represents about 10.9 percent of the total price on this project, which is an increase of $5,240,000.
(Source: December 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5d.(2))

In December 2022, Caltrans announced that the California Transportation Commission had approved funding for the $171 million project reconfiguration of Route 46/Route 41 into a four-lane expressway., which will break ground in March 2023 and take three years to complete. The long-awaited upgrade will replace the dangerous Cholame “Y” interchange with a flyover connection that routes Fresno-bound traffic from Route 46 East to northbound Route 41. The stretch of renovated road includes the location of Dean’s Sept. 30, 1955, fatal head-on collision, where his Porsche Spyder collided with then-Cal Poly student Donald Turnupseed’s sedan turning left across the roadway to Route 41. Once this project is complete, only one final 3.5-mile segment of Route 46 East along the Antelope Grade in San Luis Obispo County to roughly half a mile within Kern County will remain to be widened.
(Source: San Luis Obispo Tribune, 12/10/2022)

In April 2023, it was reported that Caltrans has broken ground on the project to construct a new interchange at the Route 46/Route 41 "Y" in northern San Luis Obispo County. The project will also widen nearly four miles of Route 46 to four lanes from west of Davis Road to west of Antelope Road. This follows a project that has widened Route 46 in multiple phases starting in Paso Robles. Eventually, Route 46 will be a four-lane divided expressway from US 101 in Paso Robles to I-5 in Kern County. The $148 million project is expected to take three years to complete.
(Source: KSBY, 4/26/2023)

In January 2024, it was reported that construction on this project has progressed to the point where a traffic switch onto a segment of the newly constructed lanes is required. While construction proceeds on the new eastbound lanes of the highway, traffic will be routed onto the new alignment of what will eventually become the westbound lanes of Route 46 East; this segment will include two-way travel from just east of the Shandon Rest Area to just west of the Route 46/Route 41 “Wye” Interchange. Businesses will remain open during this traffic shift. Travelers will maintain access to Bitterwater Road and the Jack Ranch Café via a temporary driveway constructed just east of Bitterwater Road. This temporary traffic shift is anticipated to be in place until early summer 2024.
(Source: Paso Robles Press, 1/15/2024)

Antelope Grade (PM TBD)

The 2020 STIP, approved at the March 2020 CTC meeting, included PPNO 0226L, Route 46 Antelope Grade, convert to 4-lane expressway, in the Interregional portion of the STIP with one change in programming: $15,494K in FY21-22 reduced to 10,300K.
(Source: March 2020 CTC Agenda, Item 4.7, 2020 STIP Adopted 3/25/2020)

In December 2021, it was reported that Antelope Grade is the biggest challenge remaining along Route 46, and Caltrans has earmarked $80 million to bypass it – $80 million it doesn’t have yet. Former Congressman Bill Thomas to the rescue, perhaps. That’s according to Ahron Hakimi of Kern Council of Governments, the local transportation planning agency. Hakimi said he and Thomas are meeting with top officials from Caltrans and neighboring counties to pitch a $10 million interim solution – a widening project that Hakimi says will pay for itself in safety.
(Source: KGET 17, 12/6/2021)

In August 2022, it was reported that Caltrans was in the final phases of design for the Antelope Grade segment and was conducing surveys to compile information from travelers and people in the area.
(Source: KSBY 6 8/5/2022)

In September 2023, it was reported that Caltrans was holding public meetings to discuss a proposal about converting a 3.6-mile section of Route 46 East to a four-lane expressway in San Luis Obispo and Kern Counties. The project will include modifications such as changes to the highway alignment, avoiding high utility relocation costs, and reducing the existing grade of the highway. According to Caltrans, the Antelope Grade stretch sees the most volume of trucks on the central coast. The steep grade makes it harder for larger trucks to speed up causing bottleneck congestion. This phase of construction will include a proposed bridge that will lessen the effect on the nearby creek and be used as a wildlife crossing. Construction on the Antelope Grade Section is expected to begin in 2027. Though the section is currently not funded the estimated cost is $150 million.
(Source: KSBY, 10/2/2023)

Antelope Grade Truck Climbing Lanes (05-Ker-46 59.8/60.8)

In May 2023, the CTC was noticed of an amendment that would move COVID Regional Improvement Funds to program funding on the following project: Antelope Grade Truck Climbing Lane Extension. PPNO 05-3178; EA 1Q030. 05-Ker-46 59.8/60.8. On Route 46 from 1.0 mile west of Kern Co. Line to 0.9 mile east of Kern Co. line. Construct extension to existing truck climbing lane. Programmed funding: CON $1,450K . This movement of funds was approved in June 2023.
(Source: May 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1b.(1); June 2023 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(3))

With respect to HPP #3637, the CTC had on its October 2006 agenda a resolution that proposed to approve the project for future consideration of funding. This project in Kern and San Luis Obispo Counties is to construct a 4-lane expressway. This project is fully funded in the 2006 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for $72,500,000 for capital and support. Construction is estimated to begin in Fiscal Year (FY) 2007-2008. A negative EIR was completed in October 2006.

In his 2006 Strategic Growth Plan, Governor Schwartzenegger proposed widening important east west inter-regional routes in San Luis Obispo County for people and goods movement.

TCRP Project #113 Route 46 Expressway (KER 0.0 to apx. KER 32.482) (Lost Hills)

The SAFETEA-LU act, enacted in August 2005 as the reauthorization of TEA-21, provided the following expenditures on or near this route:

• High Priority Project #3637: Planning design and construction to widen Route 46 in Kern County between SLO county line and I-5. According to the Antelope Valley Press, this project would widen Route 46 from two lanes, creating a four-lane expressway from I-5 near Lost Hills to the Kern-San Luis Obispo county line. $92,000,000.

There is currently a push to make a segment of the route a four-lane expressway. Initial plans are for the expressway portion to run from US 101 to I-5, but the expressway may be extended as far as Route 99. TCRP Project #113 will widen this to four lanes for 33 miles from I-5 to the San Luis Obispo County line in Kern County. The overall project is to convert the existing Route 46 from a two-lane conventional highway to a four-lane expressway from Route 5 to the San Luis Obispo County line. The project also includes pavement rehabilitation and improves traffic operations and traffic safety. For delivery and implementation purposes, the project is separated into four segments. The environmental document for the entire corridor was completed in June 2005. The environmental document was delayed due to receiving the Biological Opinion from United States Fish and Wildlife Services in April 2005. Two of the segments are ready to begin right-of-way acquisition. In October 2006, funds were requested from the CTC for this purpose. The project is projected to be completed in FY 2016/2017. In 2007, funding was requested from the Corridor Mobility Improvement Account. The construction of a four-lane expway from Geneseo to Almond (Whitley 1) [$105,000K total cost; $67,742K requested and recommended] was approved, but other corridor improvements (Whitley 2) [$94,000K requested] were not recommended. The CMIA was also recommended to fund widening of Route 46 to four-lanes between Kecks Rd and Route 33 ($49.9 milllion requested, $45 million approved, total cost $94.195 million). The first request for bids (for the segment from Airport Road To Geneseo Road was put out for bid in November 2007, with an estimate of $39M. In July 2010, the second segment (from 0.5 Mile West Of Geneseo Road To 0.6 Mile East Of Almond Drive) was put out for bid with an estimate of $51M. In Spring 2012, the segment from 0.1 Mile east of Almond Drive to 0.8 mile east of Mcmillan Canyon Road was put out for bid. In August 2012, the CTC reduced the original CMIA allocation for construction by $1,912,000, from $40,000,000 to $38,088,000, for the Route 46 Corridor Improvements (Whitley 2A) project (PPNO 0226G) in San Luis Obispo County, reflecting award savings.

In January 2007, the CTC considered a route adoption of 29.9 miles of Route 46 near the City of Lost Hills in the County of Kern as a Controlled Access Highway. This route adoption extends the limits of the 1971 adoption from PM 28.5 to PM29.9. The purpose of this project is to improve traffic operations, improve traffic safety, and correct any deficiencies in the existing roadway in order to meet all current design standards for a four-lane expressway with a standard 62-feet median in most places. The project improvements extend beyond the limits of the route adoption to 0.9 miles east of I-5. The proposed improvements include new lanes that will shift north and south from the existing alignment in order to avoid a natural creek, a canal, orchards and development along Route 46. The design speed within the expressway limits would be upgraded to 80 miles per hour and the existing roadbed would be rehabilitated to meet all current design standards. Within the community of Lost Hills (PM 29.9 to 30.8), a four-lane conventional highway is proposed with an 18-foot median. The median will act as a two way left turn lane. At I-5 and the business district, the 30-foot median will consist of a left turn lane in each direction separated by a curbed island. Several local roads and Route 33 will be realigned to provide a 90-degree approach to Route 46. This will improve the safety and the operations of these intersections. Route 33 will be constructed with exclusive right and left turn lanes, and storage for left turning movements. In addition, existing intersections within the project limits will be upgraded to accommodate Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 trucks, which are roughly 69 feet long. Within the limits of the route adoption, one bridge will be replaced-the Bitter Water Creek Bridge (#50-437). Beyond the area of the route adoption, new structures include the California Aqueduct Bridge (#50-197), the Route 46/5 separation Bridge (#50-316), the Main Flood Canal Bridge (#50- 30), and the West Side Canal Bridge (#50-29).

The CTC considered a funding adjustment to the Route 46 Expressway — Segment 3 Project (PPNO 3386A) in June 2008. This project converts the existing two-lane highway on Route 46 to a four-lane expressway from post mile (PM) 6.8 to PM 19.8. This project will also correct any deficiencies in the existing roadway in order to meet current design standards. This project is a vital segment in converting the Route 46 corridor to four lanes between I-5 in Kern County and Route 101 in San Luis Obispo County.

In March 2009, the CTC was noticed that in April there would be a STIP amendment regarding the expressway. The overall project is to convert Route 46 from a two-lane conventional highway to a four-lane expressway from the San Luis Obispo/Kern County line to Route 5. The Route 46 corridor in Kern County comprises the following four segments, which together compose Traffic Congestion Relief Program (TCRP) Project 113:

1. Segment 1 (PPNO 3386), from Route 33 to east of Brown Material Road. Design (PS&E) of this segment is complete. Construction is programmed with regional shares (RIP), interregional shares (IIP), federal demonstration (Demo) and proposed TCRP funding.
2. Segment 2 (PPNO 3380A), from the San Luis Obispo County line to Kecks Road. PS&E of this segment is complete. Construction is programmed with RIP, IIP, Demo and proposed TCRP funding.
3. Segment 3 (PPNO 3386A), from Kecks Road to Route 33. PS&E is ongoing, but due to be finished March 2010. Construction is programmed with Corridor Mobility Improvement Account (CMIA), RIP, Demo and proposed TCRP funding, all in Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-10. This is a Tier 1 TCRP project.
4. Segment 4 (PPNO 3386B), from east of Brown Material Road to Route 5. PS&E is programmed with RIP and Demo funding. Right of Way (R/W) and construction are not programmed. The future need is $110,160,000.

The proposed STIP amendment will fully fund construction of Segments 1 and 2 without the use of TCRP funding, which will allow the remaining TCRP funding ($22,430,000) to be programmed to Segment 4 in the future. It will also account for cost estimate changes on several Segment 1 and 2 components, as well as for the difference between the federal apportionment and the obligation authority for Demo funding on Segments 1 and 2.

In September 2010, the CTC received notice of a proposal to amend the 2010 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) to revise the funding plan for the Route 46 Expressway — Segment 4 project (PPNO 3386B) [in Wasco, from E of Browns Materials Road to I-5, conversion to a 4-lane expressway], reduce the programming for KCOG’s Planning, Programming and Monitoring (PPNO 6L03), and program two new projects, the 7th Standard Road 8-Lane project (PPNO 6267) [in Bakersfield, from Route 204 to 0.6 mi N of 7th Standard Road, which would widen the freeway from 6 to 8 lanes] and the Taft Highway 8-Lane project (PPNO 6268) [in Bakersfield from Route 119 to Wilson Road, widening the freeway from 6 to 8 lanes].

In September 2012, Caltrans held a groundbreaking ceremony today for the third phase of the $45 million Route 46 widening project, which will widen five miles of the highway from one to two lanes in each direction. Proposition 1B, the transportation bond approved by voters in 2006, is fully-funding this project. Phase one between Airport Road and Geneseo Road was completed in 2011 while work is currently underway on phase two of widening Route 46 from Geneseo Road to east of Almond Drive. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2013. Phase three will widen the highway from Almond Drive to McMillan Canyon Road.

In January 2013, the Kern County COG reported that two of three segments along Route 46 from the Kern County line to just west of I-5 that began widening construction in 2009-10 were complete and open to the public. The two-lane highway west of I-5 in Kern County will be a four-lane divided highway once Segment 3 is completed. Segment 1 (7.7 miles in length) and segment 2 (7.3 miles) were opened in late 2011. Segment 3 is 12 miles long and scheduled for completion by September 2014 but could be delivered up to one year early, which would allow the traveling public to traverse the new 27-mile 4-lane highway as soon as the summer of 2013. Construction bids for all segments have totaled nearly $100 million in federal, state and local funds.
(Source: Kern COG Winter 2012 Newsletter)

In June 2017, the TCRP #113 Route 46 Widening project received an infusion of the $26,372,000 in TCRP funds from program savings (on routes such as Route 132, Route 10, and Route 65, as well as projects off the state highway system). The overall project is being delivered in four segments: Segment 1 (PPNO 3386), Segment 2 (PPNO 3380A), Segment 3 (PPNO 3386A) and Segment 4A (PPNO 3386C). Segment 4 split into 4A and 4B. Segments 1, 2, and 3 are complete and open to traffic. Segment 4B is currently unfunded. Although design of Segment 4A is completed and a request for concurrent allocation for construction and Right of Way (R/W) on this month’s Commission agenda. The Route 46 Corridor in Kern County was originally authorized for $30,000,000 in TCRP funds, but a total of $22,430,000 in TCRP funds were removed from the project programming due to unavailability of funds. TCRP funding is now available due to the passage of SB 1 and Commission’s close-out policy of the TCRP program. The $26,372K transfer allows the project to address the project cost increases and matching funds requirement. The construction cost increase was primarily due to excavation, and increased imported borrow quantities and item cost increases. In addition $17,003,000 of federal Demonstration Program funds are being moved to the final segment, Segment 4B, of the corridor. The programming changes increase $25,310,000 for construction and $1,062,000 for R/W in TCRP funding, for a total TCRP programming of $28,001,000.

In October 2017, the CTC received a TCRP amendment that noted: The corridor is being delivered in segments, prior allocations on other segments total $5,941,000. Segment 4A (PPNO 3386C) was ready for allocation in June 2017, and received $26,372,000 in donated TCRP funding savings for a total TCRP programming and allocation of $28,001,000. The June 2017 actions along with prior allocations resulted in a total allocation for the Route 46 Corridor of $33,942,000. At this time, the TCRP programming and allocation must be reduced by $3,942,000 as it exceeds to authorized maximum available. This action restores TCRP Project 113 to its authorized maximum of $30,000,000.

In October 2017, the CTC made the following financial allocation: 06-Ker-46 30.5/ 33.5 Route 46 Widening - Segment 4A. In and near Lost Hills, from Lost Hills Road to 0.9 mile east of I-5. Widen from 2 to 4 lanes. $3,942,000

In December 2017, the Caltrans Mile Marker noted: "Meanwhile, Caltrans District 6, which oversees the state highway system in Kern County, has been improving Route 46 from the Central Valley side. Three project segments totaling 27.5 miles west to the Kern-SLO county line have been completed; travelers now enjoy a four-lane expressway with a wide median. The next phase of work in Kern County is scheduled to begin in early 2018, with a reconstruction of the Route 46 / I-5 interchange, and the widening of Route 46 to a four-lane highway with a raised median along a two-mile commercial zone. About $100 million was spent to complete the three Kern project segments. The upcoming construction is budgeted at about $18 million.

The December 2017 Mile Marker also noted: "The final 46 project in Kern proposes to close the 4.5-mile gap between finished sections through the community of Lost Hills and connect with I-5. The design phase of that project is expected to begin [in Summer 2018].

The 2018 STIP, approved at the CTC March 2018 meeting, appears to provide funding for Phase 4 PPNO 3386D, to the tune of $2,400K.

In December 2018, Congressman Kevin McCarthy announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s intended to award a $17.5 million grant to the Kern Council of Governments for Kern County California State Route 46 Widening Segment 4B project. The grant award is from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant program. This project will widen a 5.3 mile segment of through Lost Hills from a 2-lane highway to a 4-lane highway.
(Source: Kern COG, 12/4/2018)

Alas, in October 2019, it was reported that inclusion in the STIP isn't enough if the project isn't ready. In a 2020 Draft Report, Caltrans announced plans to delete three projects: (1) a project to expand Route 99 from four to six lanes — three on each side — between Prosperity Avenue and Avenue 200, near the International Agri-Center; (2) a project to widen Route 99 to six lanes S of Madera, and a project to widen Route 46 E of the Cholame Y along the Antelope Grade (Segment 1). Money for the project comes from the state's Interregional Transportation Improvement Program, which includes a $2.6 billion fund to improve transportation and goods movement across the state. The fund is in part derived from Senate Bill 1, the state's controversial gas tax passed in 2017 and upheld in a failed ballot measure last year. The deletion of the funds naturally has local politicians upset beliving it to be a "bait and switch" regarding SB1. However, that isn't the case. SB1 specifically allocates portions of the revenue from the new transportation improvement fee to the State Transit Assistance Program and to the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program. Specifically, it allocates two hundred seventy-five million dollars ($275,000,000) for the interregional share of the State Transportation Improvement Program. Recall, that this widening was in the 2018 STIP. One of the projects funded through the STIP is the Interregional Transportation Improvement Program (ITIP), which has the purpose to improve interregional mobility for people and goods across the State of California on highway and passenger rail corridors of strategic importance. At least 60 percent of that program must be programmed to projects outside urbanized areas on the Interregional Road System (IRRS) and for intercity passenger rail. Of this amount, at least 15 percent (9 percent of the ITIP) must be programmed for intercity passenger rail projects. But STIP capacity over the 2020 five-year FE period has decreased compared to the capacity in the 2018 five-year FE period, going from $3.3 billion in the 2018 FE to $2.6 billion in the 2020 FE. The decrease is primarily attributable to a high level of pre-existing STIP project commitments for allocated and programmed projects. The 2020 Fund Estimate provides $52,414,000 in new, additional ITIP funding, but $52,250,000 of that is immediately eaten up by previous projects that cost more than expected (in San Luis Obispo and Humboldt counties). That leaves $164,000 to hand out, which required deletion (or, more specifically, delay) of $32,494,00 in highway projects to make money available. Removing these three projects from the 2020 ITIP and saving money on another Route 99 project moves about $61 million to the column of “uncommitted 2020 ITIP programming capacity.” Those uncommitted funds, according to the draft plan, will be held in reserve “for priority rail projects and other priorities aligned with Executive Order N-19-19.” Note that this does not mean the project was deleted. State Transportation Secretary David Kim says the projects weren’t ready to proceed, and the funds can be reapplied for in two years. Additionally, other projects on those roads – for example, work on the Cholame "Y" at the Route 46 / Route 41 intersection, and widening of Route 99 at Tagus – are still being funded through the ITIP.
(Sources: Visalia Times Delta, 10/9/2019; Streetsblog, 10/31/2019; ABC 30, 10/9/2019; LATimes 10/14/2019; Streetsblog, 10/11/2019; SLOTribune 10/8/2019; New Times, 10/10/2019)

In December 2019, it was reported that, whew, the project wasn't deleted from the STIP after all. Specifically, Caltrans released its final 2020 Interregional Transportation Improvement Program (ITIP) on Dec. 15 issuing a complete reversal of its draft report in October that deprogrammed $32 million in highway projects including Route 99 in Tulare and Madera counties and Route 46 in Kern County. Valley lawmakers, local leaders, and transportation entities strongly opposed the plan from the beginning. The opposition from the Valley was so great, it forced the California Transportation Commission (CTC) to hold a third public hearing, one more than is required, in Fresno. In addition to comments received at three hearings in Modesto, Santa Ana and Fresno, Caltrans said almost all of the comments it received on the ITIP were focused on the deprogramming of projects to widen Route 99 from four to six lanes from Prosperity Avenue south to Avenue 200 through the city of Tulare and another Highway 99 improvement project in Madera and to improve safety along Route 46 in Kern County. The CTC will hold two hearings, one in Northern California on Jan. 30 in Sacramento and another in Southern California on Feb. 6 in Santa Ana, before making a final determination on the ITIP.
(Source: Sun Gazette, 12/25/2019)

In March 2020, the CTC approved the March 2020 STIP, which continued existing programmed funding and included new funding for components of this project (they are closing out the interregional portion of PPNO 3386C):
(Source: March 2020 CTC Agenda, Item 4.7, 2020 STIP Adopted 3/25/2020)

In August 2020, the CTC approved the following financial allocation: $4,700,000. 06-Ker-46 29.7/31.9. PPNO 06-3386D ProjID 0612000176 EA 44255. Route 46 Expressway Segment 4B. In and near Lost Hills, from 0.2 mile west California Aqueduct Bridge to 1.4 miles east of Lost Hills Road. Convert from 2-lane conventional highway to 4-lane expressway. Con Eng: $700,000; Const $4,000,000.
(August 2020 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5c.(1) #2)

In January 2021, it was announced that Granite Construction had been awarded a $20 million contract by Caltrans for the Route 46 4-Lane Widening Project in Lost Hills, California. The project widens Route 46 from a two-lane to a four-lane highway between KER 29.7 (Pavillion Way, ~0.7 W of Lost Hills Road) and KER 31.9 (~0.6 mi W of I-5) in Kern County (this appears to be PPNO 3386D, Seg 4B). Scope of work includes the construction of two new lanes, a bridge over the California Aqueduct, a high-intensity activated crosswalk beacon at the Route 46/Bruning Avenue intersection, a large drainage basin on the west side of Lost Hills Road, as well as curb, gutter, and crosswalks throughout the town of Lost Hills. Construction materials for the project will include 117,000 tons of aggregate base, 35,000 tons of hot mix asphalt, and 15,000 tons of rubberized asphalt concrete. Construction is expected to begin in March 2021 and is expected to conclude in June 2022.
(Source: Business Wire, 1/18/2021)

In December 2021, it was reported that Caltrans was making progress on the long-range project to make that east-west highway to Paso Robles faster and safer. In fact, just two sections of about a mile each remain – one through a section of the Lost Hills oilfield, and the other, under way now, through the tiny little village of Lost Hills itself. For the town of Lost Hills, it is a mixed bag. On the plus side, they’ll get a new pedestrian foot bridge, paid for by the Wonderful Company and already under construction, which will link the Lost Hills Park on the north side of Route 46, to the south side, where the Wonderful Academy is located. On the negative side, however, they fear they’ll see more speed, more automobile accidents and tougher access to businesses along the route. Gabby’s, a Mexican restaurant probably familiar to many weekend seabirds, has had a tough time during construction. “Nah, nothing good,” said Gabby’s cook Angel Hernandez. At least Gabby’s wasn’t leveled like Lalo’s Market next door. One of the residents’ bigger concerns, however, is that the widening will require Caltrans to make major modifications to the town’s sewer system. And the townfolk must pay for it, to the tune of $484,000. Vidal Ballesteros, who owns VB Truck and Diesel, right there on 46, is right in the middle of it. He’s also the president of the Lost Hills Utility District, and he says Caltrans is trying to help facilitate a low-interest loan for the district’s customers but, even with that, residents in this town where many earn close to minimum wage could see their water bills jump by $25 a month. The Lost Hills bottleneck will be gone by Spring 2023, when this work is completed, and the last remaining bottleneck, at the oil field, will be widened the year after.
(Source: KGET 17, 12/6/2021)

In December 2022, the CTC approved a request of $18,545,000 for the State-Administered multi-funded TCEP/STIP Route 46 Expressway Segment 4C project, on the State Highway System, in Kern County. (06-Ker-46 26.1/30.2, PPNO 3386E; ProjID 0620000053; EA 44256). Route 46 Expressway Segment 4C. In and near Lost Hills, from 1.3 miles west of Brown Material Road to 0.2 miles east of California Aquaduct. Convert from a 2-lane conventional highway to a 4-lane divided expressway. CEQA - ND, 05/12/2005; Re-validation 07/28/2022. NEPA - FONSI, 05/12/2005; Re-validation 07/28/2022. Right of Way Certification: 08/25/2022. Future consideration of funding approved under Resolution E-06-03; October 2006. Related SHOPP Allocation EA 44257/PPNO 06-8012 under Resolution FP-22-39; December 2022. EA 44256/PPNO 06-3386E combined with SHOPP 44257/PPNO 06-8012 for construction under EA 44256/Project ID 0620000053.
(Source: December 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5s.(6))

In November 2023, it was reported that Route 46, which had been closed in Kern County for nearly two months, reopened days ahead of schedule. The state highway was closed in October as part of a planned road widening project near Lost Hills. Crews with Caltrans and Granite Construction completed work ahead of schedule. While the road is once again in service, the Route 46 Widening Project is not scheduled to finish until summer 2024.
(Source: Bakersfield.Com, 11/20/2023)

The James Dean Murals at Lost Hills Road (~ KER 30.489) were made by John Cerney. Here is a profile of the artist.
(Source: Coachella Valley Independent, 8/13/2021)

J Street Roundabout (06-Ker-46, PM 51.0/51.4)

In May 2019, the CTC approved adding the following into the 2018 SHOPP: Collision Reduction #26: 06-Ker-43 PM 25.2/25.4. PPNO 6982. Proj ID 0618000131. On Route 43 in Wasco, from Route 46 to south of Gromer Avenue. Improve safety by constructing a roundabout. Timetable: PA&ED: 12/1/2020; R/W: 4/1/2022; RTL: 4/15/2022; BC: 9/20/2022. Est. total: $10,100K. The CTC also approved the following SHOPP Support Phase allocation: 06-Ker-43 25.2/25.4. Route 43 In Wasco, from Route 46 to south of Gromer Avenue. Improve safety by constructing a roundabout. (Concurrent amendment under SHOPP Amendment 18H-009.) PPNO 6982. ProjID 0618000131. PA&ED $1,400,000.
(Source: May 2019 CTC Minutes, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1) Item 26; Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) Item 17)

The 2020 SHOPP, approved in May 2020, included the following Collision Reduction item of interest (carried over from the 2018 SHOPP): 06-Kern-43 PM 25.2/25.4 PPNO 6982 Proj ID 0618000131 EA 0X770. Route 43 in Wasco, from Route 46 to south of Gromer Avenue. Improve safety by constructing a roundabout. Programmed in FY21-22, with construction scheduled to start in Sept. 2022. Total project cost is $10,100K, with $5,000K being capital (const and right of way) and $5,100K being support (engineering, environmental, etc.),
(Source: 2020 Approved SHOPP a/o May 2020)

In June 2021, the CTC amended this project in the SHOPP: 06-Ker-43 25.2/25.4. PPNO 6982 ProjID 0618000131 EA 06-0X770. Route 43 In Wasco, from Route 46 to south of Gromer Avenue. Improve safety by constructing a roundabout. Note: Delay construction to FY22-23 due to a delay to relocate transmission lines that are in conflict with the roundabout footprint. The delay in relocation is due to the utility company's required coordination with the California High-Speed Rail project.
(Source: June 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.1a.(1d) #40)

In December 2021, the CTC approved the following project for future consideration of funding: 06-Ker-43, PM 25.1/25.3; 06-Ker-46, PM 51.0/51.4. Wasco State Route 43/State Route 46 Intersection Improvements. Construct a single-lane roundabout on a two-lane roundabout footprint and other improvements at the east junction intersection of Route 43 and Route 46 and J Street in Kern County. (MND) (PPNO 6982) (SHOPP). This project is located on Route 43 and Route 46, in Kern County. The Department proposes to construct a single-lane roundabout on a two-lane roundabout footprint. Additional improvements include drainage elements, lighting system, flashing beacon system, traffic monitoring system, sidewalks and buffers to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists. The project is currently programmed in the 2020 SHOPP for a total of $10,100,000, which includes Construction (capital and support) and Right of Way (support). Construction is estimated to begin in 2023. The scope, as described for the preferred alternative, is consistent with the project scope as programmed by the Commission in the 2020 SHOPP. A copy of the MND has been provided to Commission staff. The project will result in less than significant impacts to the environment after mitigation.
(Source: December 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.2c.(1))

In December 2021, the CTC also approved the following SHOPP Support Phase allocation: 06-Ker-43 25.2/25.4. PPNO 06-6982; ProjID 0618000131; EA 0X770. Route 43 In Wasco, from Route 46 to south of Gromer Avenue. Improve safety by constructing a roundabout. (Concurrent consideration of funding under Resolution E-21-102; December 2021.) (Six month time extension for PS&E and R/W Sup approved under Waiver 21-59; June 2021.) Allocation: PS&E $1,400,000; R/W SUP $1,000,000.
(Source: December 2021 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.5b.(2a) #6)

Lastly, in December 2021, it was reported that a RAISE grant (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity, nee the TIGER grant program) for $24 million will go to the California High-Speed Rail Authority for the Wasco SR 46 Improvement Project. This is for improvements to Route 46 where it crosses the under-construction high-speed rail line. The project will expand about a half-mile section of the road, lower it to pass safely under existing railroad tracks and future high-speed rail tracks, and build a roundabout at the intersection with Route 43. It also includes some sidewalk and ADA improvements, as well as bike lanes through the area.
(Source: Streetsblog LA, 11/30/2021)

In January 2017, the CTC approved/amended $25,465,000 for a project on Route 46 Near Wasco (06-Ker-46 57.3/57.8), at Route 46/Route 99 Separation Bridge No. 50-0184E from 0.5 mile west of Route 46/Route 99 Separation to 0.1 mile east of Route 46/Route 99 Separation; also on Route 99 from PM R43.9 to 44.6. Outcome/Output: Replace bridge and realign southbound ramps to address structural deficiency and improve functionality and traffic operations. This project has been identified as the first of two pilot projects to include a Tier 4 off road diesel equipment emissions additive bid item.

In May 2022, the CTC authorized relinquishment of right of way, consisting of collateral facilities, in the county of Kern along Route 46, west of Route 99 (1 segment, 06-Ker-46-PM 57.6, S side of the road along Route 46 just before the Route 99 intersection). The County, by letter dated February 15, 2022, agreed to waive the 90-day notice requirement and accept title upon relinquishment by the State.
(Source: May 2022 CTC Agenda, Agenda Item 2.3c)