California allocates $2.7 billion to 150+ transportation projects, L.A. stations slated for Olympic upgrades

Governor Gavin Newsom announced $2.7 billion for more than 150 statewide projects, including $2.45 million for upgrades at four Los Angeles County transit stations ahead of the 2028 Summer Games

On Aug. 28, 2026 Governor Gavin Newsom unveiled a $2.7 billion package that will fund over 150 transportation projects across California, aiming to improve safety, expand travel options, and harden infrastructure against climate-driven extreme weather. The announcement, made through the Governor’s office, builds on earlier federal and state investments and is part of the administration’s “Build More, Faster , For All” agenda.

Among the funded initiatives, Los Angeles County will receive $2.45 million to upgrade four key transit stations, 7th Street/Metro Center, Norwalk, Union Station and Harbor Gateway, so they can handle the surge of riders expected for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The upgrades will add new wayfinding signage, brighter lighting, enhanced security features, passenger amenities and landscaping, with construction slated to finish before the Games begin.

The broader package also includes major highway, tunnel and wildlife projects elsewhere in the state, and it leverages $1.6 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and $542 million from California’s Road Repair and Accountability Act (SB 1). Since 2019, the Newsom administration’s transportation spending has generated roughly 800,000 jobs, according to the governor’s office.

The $2.45 million earmarked for Los Angeles County stations will be used to install clearer wayfinding graphics, upgrade lighting to LED standards, and add security cameras and emergency call stations. Passenger amenities such as seating, real-time arrival displays and improved landscaping will also be part of the package, creating a more welcoming environment for daily commuters and the millions of visitors expected for the Olympics and Paralympics.

The four stations, 7th Street/Metro Center, Norwalk, Union Station and Harbor Gateway, were selected because they serve dense residential areas, major employment centers and key event venues. Union Station, the region’s primary intercity rail hub, will see enhancements that support both commuter rail and high-speed rail connections, while 7th Street/Metro Center will benefit from better integration with the nearby light rail network. The upgrades are scheduled to be completed well before the summer of 2028, ensuring the transit system can accommodate the projected influx of travelers.

Local officials have praised the timing of the investment, noting that the improvements dovetail with ongoing efforts to expand service frequency and reduce congestion on the Metro network. While the $2.45 million figure is modest compared with larger statewide projects, its visibility in the city’s core transit corridors makes it a focal point for residents who rely on public transportation daily.

Beyond Los Angeles, the $2.7 billion package funds a diverse set of projects designed to boost resilience and mobility across California. Notable allocations include $267 million for the Caldecott Tunnel in Orinda to replace ventilation systems, upgrade structural pavement, improve drainage and install LED lighting; $76.5 million for a wildlife crossing and fencing along Interstate 5 near Dunsmuir; and $63 million to add two new High Occupancy Vehicle lanes on State Route 37 in Sonoma County.

Safety-focused investments also appear in the plan, such as $1.8 million for a Safe Route to School initiative in Oildale, east Bakersfield, which will add warning beacons, signs and ADA-compliant ramps at uncontrolled multi-lane crosswalks. Additionally, $33.5 million will be directed toward fish-passage improvements on the South Fork of the Eel River, replacing culverts with concrete bridge structures to reduce sediment loads and improve habitat connectivity.

The funding mix reflects a blend of federal, state and local sources. Approximately $1.6 billion comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, while $542 million is supplied by SB 1, the Road Repair and Accountability Act. Together with state allocations, these resources bring the California Transportation Commission’s total allocations under the Newsom administration to roughly $81.1 billion, a sum that has supported the creation of 800,000 jobs since 2019.

Los Angeles’ transit upgrades arrive at a critical moment as the city prepares to host the world’s eyes for the 2028 Games. By improving wayfinding, lighting and security at key stations, the state not only boosts the visitor experience but also addresses long-standing equity gaps for daily riders. The modest investment underscores how targeted funding can have outsized impact on a city’s mobility and its global reputation.