Monterey County Transportation Digest

Read on to learn about recent progress in the development of a new terminal and the Monterey Regional Airport.

In a striking setback to reduce California’s air pollution but a win for trucking companies, state regulators have walked away from their ambitious plan to phase out diesel trucks less than a week before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.

Read on to learn more about the over $22 million in federal funds awarded to Monterey-Salinas Transit for construction of the SURF! Busway connecting Marina and Sand City.

Work on the first phase of the Imjin Parkway Widening and Roundabout Project in Marina is almost complete. Read on to learn about the next phase to come.

While cities in California continue to pass ordinances to combat illegal sideshows, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed several laws that go into effect this year statewide to give municipalities more legal tools to address them. 

An update on the progress in building the Del Rey Oaks segment of the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decree that by 2035 all new cars sold in California must be powered by batteries or other zero-emission systems has received a double dose of legal and political support.

The US EPA granted California’s waiver, which the incoming Trump administration is likely to try to overturn in the courts. The state’s zero-emission vehicle mandates have been the driving force behind California’s progress in cleaning up dangerous air pollutants.

Learn how CalTrans installed huge pre-cast girders over the December 14-15 weekend at the Rocky Creek slip-out and progress in restoring full two-way access to that portion of Highway 1.

The Biden administration is awarding Inflation Reduction Act money to help clean the air before President-elect Trump takes over.

California has an aggressive mandate for zero-emission trucks, which are powered by electricity or hydrogen. But trucking companies face big obstacles — and people are still breathing dangerous diesel exhaust.

Most ships discharging ballast water into California waters are inspected, but state officials have tested the water of only 16 ships. Experts say invaders like mussels are inevitable under current rules and enforcement.

Read on for details about the project to widen Boronda Road in Salinas and add roundabouts.

This report on the $63 million grant recently awarded to fund rail transit between Monterey and Santa Barbara includes details about the agencies involved and the part this segment plays in a larger rail line linking San Francisco and Los Angeles. Read on to learn more.

Experts don’t know how much gas prices may rise from the revised California climate program, which tightens standards and gives incentives for low-carbon fuels. The board ordered an annual review of the cost impacts.

California motorists buy and consume a billion gallons of gasoline each month and are very sensitive about pump prices, which are markedly higher than those in other states. Naturally, they are a political football.

Bus rides are free on all Monterey-Salinas Transit routes on election day, November 5.

Learn more about Monterey-Salinas Transit and King City plan to utilize recent state funding to improve transportation options.

CalTrans announced the overnight closure of Highway 1 on October 29 at 10PM until 6AM October 30 at the site of the Rocky Creek slip-out.

The state air board will vote on changes to its landmark clean fuel program that would cut more greenhouse gases but could raise the cost of gas and diesel.

An update on progress in the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway project in Del Rey Oaks.

An introduction to the candidates running for seats on the Monterey Peninsula Airport District Board in the November election.

Tens of thousands of California ride-hailing drivers, and possibly more, could eventually get back pay after a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that clears the way for the state and some cities to proceed with their lawsuits against Uber and Lyft.

The state Senate signs off on Gov. Newsom’s bill to stop spikes in California gas prices. A final vote is scheduled on Monday.

On Aug. 31, when Gov. Gavin Newsom called a special session on gas prices, California motorists were paying $4.61 per gallon on average, $1.27 more than the national average.
On October 7, when the state Senate finally convened, prices were $4.68 in California, or $1.51 above the national average.

Toyota announced an additional $500 million in Marina electric aviation manufacturer Joby Aviation.

The Assembly approves Gov. Newsom’s bill on oil refineries on a 44-17 vote. But the state Senate will have its say during the special session.

The governor wants new gas reserves to dampen seasonal price spikes. Refiners say the move would raise prices and require new storage tanks.

Following the approval of permits by the California Coastal Commission, the way is clear for Monterey-Salinas Transit to begin construction of the SURF! Busway.

The Imjin Parkway Widening and Roundabout Project in Marina is proceeding, but the reopening of Preston Drive is delayed until late October.

California is the seventh U.S. state to adopt mobile driver’s licenses for iPhones, part of a growing push by businesses and governments to make digital IDs commonplace.

Montery County is prohibiting parking at Bixby Bridge in Big Sur until further notice.