Overview
- On June 26, the California Transportation Commission approved a $73 million grant for the first phase of Caltrans’ planned $500 million widening of Highway 37 between Sears Point and Mare Island.
- The interim project will add one tolled lane in each direction and raise key flood-prone sections by up to five feet or eight inches to ease chronic bottlenecks.
- Caltrans estimates the expansion will cut eastbound evening commutes from 100 minutes to 26 minutes and westbound morning trips from 60 minutes to 30 minutes.
- Environmental and climate advocates warn that rising tides are projected to submerge much of the corridor by 2050 and call the grant an irresponsible investment without a fully funded long-term solution.
- Caltrans’ ultimate plan remains a $10 billion elevated causeway to replace the at-grade highway, but that project currently lacks funding and a firm timeline.