Growing Population Brings Traffic Issues To East Contra Costa
MARTINEZ (KCBS) – Over the last decade, the population in Contra Costa has grown by more than 100,000 people, with most of the growth occurring in east county. The population swell has brought with it increased traffic congestion, especially along Highway 4.
Randy Iwasaki, of the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, said that road widening construction is underway, and the eBart light rail project remains on track.
"We're actually investing about $1.3 billion, if you take into account eBart, the widening of SR4 and then the bypass," said Iwasaki.
Caltrans Director Bijan Sartipi said that commuters must have options as the population increases.
KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:
"They need access, and they need a choice of the highway or the local roads and also a good transit system," said Sartipi.
Just last month, a state commission allocated almost $86 million to widen part of Highway 4 in Antioch, and the Highway 4 Bypass in Brentwood.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
