Commission approves SHOP amendments and raises major‑damage emergency reservation by $200 million

The Transportation Commission approved a package of amendments to the 2024 State Highway Operations and Protection Program (SHOP) and voted to bump the major‑damage emergency reservation by $200 million.

Staff said Tab 60 adds 25 new SHOP projects (21 from the major damage reservation) and revises 13 others. Highlights included full programming of construction phases for a pavement rehabilitation and safety project on State Route 1 in Los Angeles County and a delivery‑method change for a State Route 37 project tied to LA28 Olympic schedule pressures.

Caltrans staff presented Tab 57 requesting an initial allocation greater than 20% for the SR‑1 project, citing added safety and Complete Streets scope identified after a safety audit and increased unit prices. Tabs 58 and 59 sought supplemental funds for an I‑15 project in San Diego (an additional $650,000 in construction support after weather and hard‑rock issues) and for an I‑5 rest area project in Stanislaus County (about $4.049M in supplemental allocations tied to change orders and redesigns). Staff recommended approval on each item and commissioners moved the items together.

John, a Caltrans presenter, told the commission that the proposed increase to the major‑damage emergency reservation (Tab 61) would move the fund from $700 million to $900 million for FY 2025–26 because staff estimate the current reservation will be exceeded prior to the March meeting. "End of fiscal year estimates are still in the $1,000,000,000 range with weather obviously being a huge question mark," he said.

Commissioners approved the SHOP amendments and the reservation increase. The motions were recorded as moved and seconded on the dais and the chair announced the motions approved; individual vote tallies were not specified in the meeting transcript.