Contra Costa County— Caltrans’ scheduled one-way traffic control on the Antioch John A. Nejedly Bridge (SR-160) to continue Monday March 17th from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Southbound SR-160 from the North End of the bridge to the Antioch Toll Plaza will be closed daily from from March 17-21, 2025. Traffic will be able to flow Southbound in the Northbound Lane when clear by flaggers holding traffic coming Northbound at the South End of the Bridge. The closure will extend the entire length of the bridge.
A pilot car will be implemented and the speed will be restricted to 25 mph in the work zone.
Caltrans will turn on Changeable Message Signs (CMS) to notify the public ahead of time. For real-time traffic, click on Caltrans QuickMap: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
Eastbound and westbound views of the now open Sand Creek Road Extension including the bridge over the creek. Herald file photos.
Connects Heidorn Ranch Road and Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch to Hwy 4
By Allen D. Payton
The City of Brentwood announced on Monday, “The Sand Creek Road Extension is NOW OPEN! We’re thrilled to bring this new roadway to the community and hope it enhances your travels. Please drive safely and enjoy the new route!”
About the delay in the road’s opening two weeks after the ribbon cutting, Assistant City Manager Darin Gale said, “The extension is a unique project because it starts at an intersection that’s controlled by Caltrans and ends at an intersection that’s controlled by Antioch.”
“There were still some items that needed to be completed before we could open the road,” he shared, reiterating what City Manager Tim Ogden said during the ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 28. (See related article)
“We appreciate the partnership with those two agencies in getting the road open as quickly as possible” Gale added.
“Part of the intersection built by the developer in Antioch had not yet been approved by the City of Antioch,” he explained as one of the reasons for the delay.
Aerial view of the Sand Creek Road Extension at Heidorn Ranch Road. Source: City of Brentwood
Gale was asked about the timing of the opening and if it had anything to do with the new Costco opening nearby.
He responded, “The City of Brentwood was moving forward with the Sand Creek Road anyway. However, the road does provide a connection to Costco. While it was coincidental to the timing of the opening of Costco, it helped us with attracting the store to Brentwood.”
“We look forward to Sand Creek Road serving the Brentwood Innovation Center (located to the north) and bringing jobs to the residents of East County,” Gale stated.
The new section of the road now connects to the Antioch section at Heidorn Ranch Road, then to Hillcrest Avenue and west to the road that runs north adjacent to Dozier Libbey Medical High School in Antioch.
Gale also reiterated what Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal said at the ribbon cutting, as previously reported. He said, “Richland Communities over to the west of us, they’re going to be starting this year, I’m told, on their subdivision that’s going to build that final link between Sand Creek Road, where it terminates right now, and Deer Valley Road. So, that’s going to be able to get residents and folks over to Kaiser, which is important, getting people off of Deer Valley Road.”
Sand Creek Road will eventually connect to Dallas Ranch Road in Antioch, on the west side of Deer Valley Road and run through The Ranch 1,177-new home subdivision developed by Richland Communities and approved by the Antioch City Council in July 2020.
Rescinds National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program Guidance dated June 11, 2024, and all prior versions of this guidance
Congressman issues statement saying it, “leaves American drivers and consumers in the lurch.”
On Friday, February 7, 2025, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA10) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration suspended implementation of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program.
“The transportation sector is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Electric vehicles (EVs) are crucial to reducing GHG emissions and curbing the existential threat of climate change while also having the potential to save drivers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in gas money annually. Given the obvious benefits of EVs, it is in everyone’s best interest to make it easier for Americans to drive them.
As a former member of the California Air Resources Board and Chairman of the transportation committees in both the California State Assembly and the California State Senate, I have seen firsthand how California’s forward-looking policies on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions drive innovation, economic growth, and job creation. That’s why I authored the Clean Corridors Act, which helped create and fund a $2.5 billion landmark new EV charging infrastructure program through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make hydrogen fuel cell and electric battery powered cars more accessible and affordable for Americans.
The decision by the Federal High Administration of the Department of Transportation to suspend approvals of State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plans, which are required to receive NEVI funding, undoes the progress these two programs achieved, sets us back in the fight against climate change, and leaves American drivers and consumers in the lurch.
In 2024, China’s share of the global EV market grew to 76%, outpacing the U.S. in sales, and vastly surpassed the U.S. in number of public EV chargers with over 3.2 million public charge points. If the U.S. wants to be a leader in the transportation and energy sectors, we need a strong federal investment in electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure to meaningfully address climate change, help lower energy and transportation costs for Americans, and maintain global competitiveness. As a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I urge the Secretary of Transportation to reverse this myopic and reckless decision.”
“The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) administers several grant programs under which the applicable statutes require the Secretary to apportion grant funds to States under a prescribed statutory formula. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program is one such program. Most statutory formula programs require the Secretary to make the prescribed apportionments to the States on a specific date and then make the funds available for obligation. See, e.g., 23 U.S.C. 104. The NEVI Formula Program, however, is unique in that this Program requires the Secretary to approve a plan for each State describing how the State intends to use its NEVI funds.1 The State plans are to be developed in accordance with guidance the Secretary provides on how States are to strategically deploy the electric vehicle (EV) charging network.2 The NEVI Formula Program requires the Secretary to approve each State’s plan prior to the obligation of NEVI Formula Program funds for each fiscal year.3
“The new leadership of the Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has decided to review the policies underlying the implementation of the NEVI Formula Program. Accordingly, the current NEVI Formula Program Guidance dated June 11, 2024, and all prior versions of this guidance are rescinded. The FHWA is updating the NEVI Formula Program Guidance to align with current U.S. DOT policy and priorities, including those set forth in DOT Order 2100.7, titled “Ensuring Reliance Upon Sound Economic Analysis in Department of Transportation Policies, Programs, and Activities.” The FHWA aims to have updated draft NEVI Formula Guidance published for public comment in the spring. After the public comment period has closed, FHWA will publish updated final NEVI Formula Guidance that responds to the comments received. As result of the rescission of the NEVI Formula Program Guidance, FHWA is also immediately suspending the approval of all State Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment plans for all fiscal years.
“Therefore, effective immediately, no new obligations may occur under the NEVI Formula Program until the updated final NEVI Formula Program Guidance is issued and new State plans are submitted and approved. Instructions for the submission of new State plans for all fiscal years will be included in the updated final NEVI Formula Program Guidance. Since FHWA is suspending the existing State plans, States will be held harmless for not implementing their existing plans. Until new guidance is issued, reimbursement of existing obligations will be allowed in order to not disrupt current financial commitments.”
The letter includes the following footnotes and references:
Officials cut the ribbon on the Sand Creek Road Extension while standing on the bridge over the creek on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2025. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Ribbon cutting, speeches highlight milestone for Brentwood section including bridge over creek
Bike lanes will have bridges
By Allen D. Payton
The City of Brentwood hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Sand Creek Road Extension, on a cold Tuesday morning, January 28, 2025, in anticipation of the road being open to the public in the coming weeks. This milestone project marks a major step forward in enhancing connectivity, reducing traffic congestion, and fostering economic growth at the Brentwood Innovation Center and the region overall. Due to limited parking at the event site and the road not being open to the public at this time, the ceremony will be an invitation-only event.
“We’ll open it as soon as we can…once we get the traffic signal activated,” said City Manager Tim Ogden. “The City will release a public update on its website once the road is open and we hope everybody enjoys driving it.”
A variety of current and former officials attended the ceremony, including Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer, Vice Mayor Pa’tanisha Pierson, Councilman Tony Oerlemans and Councilwomen Jovita Mendoza and Faye Maloney, former Brentwood Mayor Joel Bryant and Antioch Mayor Ron Bernal. In addition, representatives from the offices of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis were attended the event. Ogden thanked a variety of key as well as City of Brentwood staff members who were instrumental in getting the project completed, including Director of Engineering Allen Baquilar.
Aerial photos of the Sand Creek Road Extension before (below) and after completion (above). Source: City of Brentwood
The Sand Creek Road Extension, an approximate $13 million infrastructure investment, expands Sand Creek Road westward from Highway 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road, which serves as the boundary line between Brentwood and Antioch. This essential addition will provide a southern access to the City’s Innovation Center—home to a future 100+ acre Business Park and Town Center and the highly anticipated Costco on Heidorn Ranch Road near Lone Tree Plaza Drive. It also provides a more direct access from the east to Kaiser Hospital and Medical Center on Deer Valley Road in Antioch. By easing traffic on key routes such as Lone Tree Way, Balfour Road and Deer Valley Road, the project aims to enhance both safety and accessibility for residents of Brentwood and Antioch, and other visitors to the area.
“We’d like to thank the city council for their funding support of this project on the construction approvals,” Ogden stated. “Our regional partners and other agencies who were very involved in this project, including ECCRFFA, or the East Contra Costa Regional Fee and Financing Authority who contributed $4.1 million towards the project. All of the other funds…have been paid for from development credits.”
“We also appreciate the City of Antioch and Tri Pointe Homes and Caltrans, who were very instrumental also in all the approvals, reviews and inspections,” he continued. “We worked extensively with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, particularly with this creek, here, so we could put the bridge over it, ensuring that the native wildlife and the creek were minimally affected during construction. So, we appreciate everyone following those protocols and protecting the wildlife.”
Ogden also thanked the contractors saying, “So, I want to recognize the joint venture of Good Fellows and Sequoia…for diligently working on this project. And lastly my city staff who are recognized for managing, overseeing and inspecting the project.”
Reading from prepared remarks, Brentwood Mayor Susannah Meyer expressed her enthusiasm for the project’s completion, stating, “This has been a long time coming. This is a very exciting day for Brentwood but also for Antioch and the entire region…This is going to be really good for connectivity. It’s going to provide final connection to our upcoming Innovation Center…Lone Tree Plaza and our new Costco.”
“Sorry, Antioch,” she added with a laugh. (The Costco store in Antioch will remain open).
“We are going to provide residents with an alternate route to Kaiser, too. This is one of the things we hear about a lot from residents,” Meyer stated. “We don’t have a hospital in town. But now we have much closer access to Kaiser. That’s going to be very helpful.”
“There’s no current timeline as far as completion of the last segment to connect with Deer Valley Road. But it will be a top priority once the development is approved in Antioch,” the mayor continued. “This is only the first phase of Sand Creek Road with the rest of it to be completed by the adjacent development when it does occur. An additional travel lane will be added in each direction and sidewalks on both sides and a traffic signal at the Bridal Gate Drive intersection.” That will be located on the Brentwood side.
“The Sand Creek Road Extension is a shining example of Brentwood’s dedication to building a thriving and connected community,” Meyer added. “This new roadway will provide residents and first responders with improved access between two major roadways – great for both convenience and safety. It’s projects like these that make Brentwood an exceptional place to live.”
Ogden emphasized the long-term vision behind the extension, adding, “This is more than just a road; it’s a vital connection that will pave the way for economic growth and innovation in Brentwood. Extending Sand Creek Road from Highway 4 to Heidorn Ranch Road has been a strategic effort to alleviate traffic on Lone Tree Way and support new opportunities within the Innovation Center. Costco’s arrival marks just the beginning of exciting opportunities ahead for our community.”
With this new extension, residents will benefit from reduced travel times and strengthened economic and community development. The City of Brentwood looks forward to celebrating this achievement with the community and continuing to prioritize projects that enhance quality of life.
Westbound (left) and eastbound (right) views of the Sand Creek Road Extension, bridge over the creek and future bicycle lane sections. Photos by Allen D. Payton
Antioch Mayor Bernal spoke last before the officials cut the ribbon saying, “We want to be a good neighbor with Brentwood and our neighboring communities. So, seeing this open, seeing Costco, the different economic development opportunities that are opening for both of our communities.”
“Richland Communities over to the west of us, they’re going to be starting this year, I’m told, on their subdivision that’s going to build that final link between Sand Creek Road, where it terminates right now, and Deer Valley Road,” he stated. “So, that’s going to be able to get residents and folks over to Kaiser. Which is important, getting people off of Deer Valley Road. So, we’re excited about seeing that happen and we’ll keep people updated on that.”
“Mostly, I want to let everyone know Antioch is working towards becoming a community that’s safer and a better neighbor for Brentwood,” Bernal shared. “So, we’re excited for our neighbors, here and grateful to be part of this ceremony.”
The sidewalk is wider on the bridge than next to the other sections of the roadway. Asked about that, Ogden said, “They’re for bridges for bicyclists.”
The new roadway is anticipated to open to the public within the next few weeks once the traffic signals controlled by outside agencies at both ends of the project are activated to control traffic within the two expanded intersections. Sand Creek Road will eventually connect to Dallas Ranch Road in Antioch, on the west side of Deer Valley Road.
Darin Gale, Brentwood Assistant City Manager contributed to this report.
Contra Costa Health (CCH) announced Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, that it has received a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for continued support of its Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program.
The program will promote safety among pedestrians and bicyclists and emphasize the drivers’ responsibility to look out for people using roads and paths. The grant program runs through September 2025.
Local data show an increase of nearly 30% in fatal crashes involving pedestrians over the past decade in Contra Costa County, and that pedestrians and bicyclists are 2.4 times more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a traffic crash compared to drivers. The OTS grant funds multiple efforts to improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
“The safety of people walking and biking on our roads is a top priority for our office,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “Everyone moves, and not always by car. It’s important that we invest in efforts to protect people walking, biking and rolling that helps establish a strong traffic safety culture where everyone on California roads can travel to and from places safely.”
Graphics source: CA OTS
Grant funds will support various activities focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety: • Support for local jurisdictions to include public health principals in road safety plans and address the community conditions that create unsafe environments for non-motorized road users. • Promote the CCH traffic safety campaign, “Slow Roads Save Lives.” • Community bicycle and walk “audits” of streets with high rates of pedestrian or bicyclist fatalities and serious injury crashes. • Bicycle training courses that teach youth skills to help them stay safe on the road. • Community events that promote bicyclist and pedestrian visibility and the importance of sharing the road, slowing down, and staying alert to bicyclists and pedestrians while driving.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) is inviting residents to provide feedback on the future of transportation in the county through the Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) survey. This plan will guide improvements for roads, public transit, bike lanes, pedestrian pathways, and more. Your input is vital to creating a safer, more connected, and sustainable transportation system for everyone.
Includes reckless driving & sideshow enforcement, electric bicycle safety, autonomous vehicles, retail theft, more
SACRAMENTO – As we head into the new year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is highlighting the new public safety laws that were passed during this year’s legislative session and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Unless otherwise noted, the laws referenced below take effect on January 1, 2025.
Assembly Bill 1978 permits storing a vehicle when an individual is arrested but not taken into custody for obstructing or placing a barricade a highway or off-street parking facility for purposes of aiding a speed contest or exhibition of speed.
Assembly Bill 2186 permits the arrest and custody of individuals engaged in an exhibition of speed in an off-street parking facility. It also permits the impounding of the individual’s vehicle for not more than 30 days.
Assembly Bill 2645 allows transportation agencies operating electronic toll collection systems to share real-time license plate data with law enforcement during active emergency alerts, such as AMBER, Ebony, or Feather Alerts. This legislation eliminates the need for a search warrant in such situations, enabling quicker responses to locate suspect vehicles linked to emergencies, such as child abductions.
Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 1271 focuses on improving the safety standards for electric bicycles (e-bikes), powered mobility devices, and related lithium-ion batteries. It requires these devices and their components, such as batteries and charging systems, to be tested by accredited laboratories to meet specific safety standards. The bill also mandates labeling these products to show compliance with safety regulations, ensuring consumers are informed. Furthermore, it prohibits distributing, selling, or leasing e-bikes and related equipment unless they meet these standards, aiming to reduce risks like fire hazards and electrical malfunctions. Beginning January 1, 2028, the bill would prohibit a person from renting or offering for rental an electric bicycle, powered mobility device, charging system, or storage battery unless it has been tested to the specified safety standard.
Assembly Bill 1774 prohibits modifying an electric bicycle’s speed capability to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle. Also, it prohibits selling a product or device that can modify the speed capability of an electric bicycle to an extent it no longer meets the definition of an electric bicycle.
Assembly Bill 1778 authorizes a local authority within the County of Marin, or the County of Marin in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle or requiring a person operating a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet.
Assembly Bill 2234 establishes the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Program and authorizes a local authority within the County of San Diego, or the County of San Diego in unincorporated areas, to enact an ordinance or resolution prohibiting a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle.
Senate Bill 1297 establishes a five-year Speed Safety System Pilot Program in the City of Malibu. The bill defines a ‘speed safety system’ as a fixed or mobile radar or laser system, or any other electronic device that utilizes automated equipment, to detect a violation of speed laws and obtains a clear photograph of a speeding vehicle’s license plate. The bill establishes mandates regarding policy, enforcement, implementation, public notification, and a system evaluation report.
Assembly Bill 2678 permits vehicles with a Clean Air Vehicle decal to drive in High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes until January 1, 2027, if federal law permits.
Senate Bill 1313 prohibits using, possessing, or selling devices designed to interfere with driver monitoring systems in vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems or autonomous technology. These systems monitor driver alertness and help ensure safety when automated features are used. Violating this law is classified as an infraction. Exceptions are provided for manufacturers testing new technology, vehicle repairs, and updates compliant with safety standards or modifications for disability accommodations. This law aims to enhance road safety by preventing tampering with critical monitoring systems.
Upon the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) adoption of necessary regulations, AB 1777 creates new authority for a law enforcement officer to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle (AV) noncompliance” to an AV manufacturer for an alleged traffic violation committed by one of their vehicles. Beginning July 1, 2026, AB 1777 establishes additional requirements for how AVs that operate without a human operator in the vehicle interact with first responders, including a requirement for manufacturers to provide a two-way device in the vehicles to communicate with first responders.
Assembly Bill 1904 authorizes a transit agency to equip a transit bus with a “yield” right-of-way sign on the left rear of the bus. The sign may be a static decal or a flashing light-emitting diode (LED).
Senate Bill 905 creates the crime of Unlawful Entry of a Vehicle, which addresses unlawfully entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or any felony. It also adds the crime of Automotive Property Theft for Resale, which addresses possessing stolen property obtained from a vehicle with the intent to sell or exchange the property for value. The property’s value must be over $950.00 and not for personal use. The value of property can be combined within two years of separate acts.
Senate Bill 982 makes the crime of organized retail theft permanent and strengthens measures to address retail crime. The bill eliminates the expiration date for specific provisions targeting organized retail theft, ensuring long-term tools for law enforcement to combat this issue.
Senate Bill 1242 amends Penal Code Section 452 regarding the unlawful setting of fires. It updates penalties and legal language to clarify offenses, including circumstances involving organized retail theft.
Senate Bill 1416 focuses on combating organized retail theft by increasing penalties for those involved in the resale of stolen goods, often referred to as “fencing.” The bill, until January 1, 2030, creates sentencing enhancements for individuals who sell, exchange, or return stolen property for value, particularly when the property exceeds specific thresholds. Punishment increases from one year to four years based on a property value scale ranging from $50,000 to over $3 million.
Assembly Bill 1779 addresses the issue of organized retail theft by streamlining the prosecution process. Specifically, it allows district attorneys to consolidate charges for theft offenses committed across multiple counties into a single trial, provided all affected county district attorneys agree.
Assembly Bill 1802 ensures that the crime of organized retail theft remains permanently defined in state law and extends the CHP’s Property Crimes Task Force indefinitely. This bill eliminates the “sunset” clause that would have otherwise allowed the statute and the task force to expire.
Assembly Bill 1972 expands the scope of the CHP’s Regional Property Crimes Task Force to include cargo theft as a property crime for consideration and requires the task force to provide logistical and law enforcement support for railroad police.
This bill emphasizes cargo theft as a specific priority and aims to strengthen resources for law enforcement agencies to combat these issues. As an urgency statute, AB 1972 went into effect immediately upon its passage in August 2024 to address these concerns promptly.
Assembly Bill 2943, also called the “California Retail Theft Reduction Act,” strengthens measures to combat organized retail theft by creating a specific crime for serial retail theft, allowing the aggregation of property value for thefts committed within 90 days to qualify as grand theft. It empowers law enforcement to make arrests using video evidence or sworn statements, shields businesses from lawsuits for reporting crimes and promotes rehabilitation through diversion programs for minor offenders. The bill aims to dismantle theft rings while balancing public safety and criminal justice reforms.
Assembly Bill 3209 creates a retail crime restraining order. A court may issue a restraining order when sentencing an individual for specific retail theft-related crimes, including vandalism of a retail store and assaulting a retail store employee. The restraining order prohibits the individual from entering or being on the grounds of the establishment and may include parking lots adjacent to and used by the establishment.
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
The John A. Nejedly Bridge in Antioch. Photo: BATA
Last of three voter-approved increases takes effect Jan. 1st; failed in Contra Costa
BATA board also voted last week to increase tolls to $11.50 by 2030 for bridge maintenance and repairs
By John Goodwin, Assistant Director of Communications & Rebecca Long, Director, Legislation & Public Affairs, Metropolitan Transportation Commission
The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) reminds drivers that tolls at the region’s seven state-owned toll bridges will go up by $1 next Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. This will be the third of the three $1 toll increases approved by the California Legislature in 2017 through state Senate Bill 595 and by voters through Regional Measure 3 (RM3) in June 2018 which passed by 55.07% to 44.93%. The first of these toll hikes went into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, and the second on Jan. 1, 2022. It funds $4.45 billion slate of highway and transit improvements but did not include bridge maintenance and repairs.
Regular tolls for two-axle cars and trucks (as well as for motorcycles) at the Antioch, San Francisco-Oakland Bay, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael and San Mateo-Hayward bridges will rise to $8 from the current $7 on Jan. 1, 2025.
Tolls for vehicles with three or more axles also will rise by $1 on Jan. 1, 2025, at all seven of the state-owned toll bridges: to $18 for three axles, $23 for four-axles, $28 for five axles, $33 for six axles, and $38 for combinations with seven or more axles.
Contra Costa Voters Opposed Ballot Measure
According to Ballotpedia, RM3 raised bridge tolls in the Bay Area—excluding tolls for the Golden Gate Bridge—by $3 over six years to fund the Bay Area Traffic Relief Plan, including a $4.5 billion slate of transportation projects. It was on the ballot for voters in the city and county of San Francisco and the following counties: Contra Costa, Alameda, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma.
Voters in two of the counties most affected by the bridge tolls rejected RM3. The vote in Contra Costa County was 44.54% opposed to 55.465 in favor and Solano County voters overwhelmingly opposed it 30.03% to 69.97%. But voters in the other seven counties approved the measure. Alameda County where voters and commuters are also most affected by bridge toll increases passed RM3 by 53.89% to 46.11% The vote margin was closest in Napa County, where voters approved the measure 50.7 percent to 49.3 percent.
Source: Ballotpedia
Regional Measure 3 continues the peak-period toll discount for motorcycles, qualifying carpools and qualifying clean-air vehicles crossing any of the state-owned toll bridges on weekdays from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The discounted toll will rise to $4 on Jan. 1 from the current $3.50. To qualify for this discount, carpoolers, motorcyclists and drivers of clean-air vehicles must use FasTrak® to pay their tolls electronically and must use a designated carpool lane at each toll plaza.
Senate Bill 595 and Regional Measure 3 also established a 50-cent toll discount for two-axle vehicles crossing more than one of the state-owned toll bridges during weekday commute hours of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. To be eligible for the toll discount, which is to be applied to the second toll crossing of the day, motorists must pay their tolls electronically with FasTrak®. Carpools, motorcycles and qualifying clean-air vehicles making a second peak-period toll crossing in a single day will qualify for an additional 25-cent discount off the already-discounted carpool toll.
New FasTrak® customers can obtain toll tags at Costco warehouse stores and select Walgreens stores around Northern California. A complete list of participating locations — as well as an online enrollment and registration feature — is available on the FasTrak® Web site at bayareafastrak.org. Customers also may enroll in the FasTrak® program by phone at 1-877-229-8655; by calling 511 and asking for “FasTrak” at the first prompt; or in person at the FasTrak® customer service center at 375 Beale Street in San Francisco. FasTrak® can be used in all lanes at all Bay Area toll plazas.
Major projects in the Regional Measure 3 expenditure plan include improvements to State Route 37 in the North Bay, freeway interchange improvements in Alameda, Contra Costa and Solano counties, the purchase of more new BART cars, extension of the BART system from Berryessa to downtown San Jose and Santa Clara, extension of the Caltrain corridor to the Salesforce Transit Center in downtown San Francisco, expansion of Muni’s transit vehicle fleet, expansion of San Francisco Bay Ferry service and more frequent transbay bus service, an improved connection between northbound U.S. 101 and the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge in Marin County, upgrades to the Dumbarton Bridge corridor, and extension of the SMART rail system to Windsor and Healdsburg in Sonoma County.
In Addition to Recently Approved Toll Hikes Beginning Jan. 1, 2026
The Regional Measure 3 toll hike that takes effect next week is separate from the 50 cents per year toll hikes approved by BATA earlier this month, which will be phased in over five years, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, to pay for the maintenance, rehabilitation and operation of the seven state-owned toll bridges. It will increase tolls by 2030 to $11.50 for those who don’t use FasTrak and $10.50 for those who do. BATA this month also approved updates to the policies for high-occupancy vehicles on approaches to the state-owned bridges, which will similarly go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. (See related article)
BATA, which is directed by the same policy board as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), administers toll revenues from the Bay Area’s seven state-owned toll bridges. Toll revenues from the Golden Gate Bridge are administered by the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District, which joined with BATA to operate a single regional FasTrak® customer service center in San Francisco. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area.
