It was recently reported that the Thornton Street Overpass along with some Smith Road improvements (assumed to be the development of an I-5 interchange) were included in a draft transportation budget and funding proposal prepared as part of the current State Legislature’s session. The extent of this proposal is something unseen for several years as it covers a great number of transportation-related projects across the State.
A more recent proposal dated 2/23/15 includes the Thornton Street and Smith Road projects on the list at their original funding amounts. But the schedule of funding indicates it will be at least ten years before the funding could be expected.
According to the proposal, the Thornton Street Overpass funding is scheduled during years 2025 to 2027 and the Smith Road Improvements for years 2023 to 2025.
These remain only proposals which, along with funding sources, will continue to be debated prior to a final vote during this legislative session. As for when the vote will occur, reportedly House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan has said that even if the Senate passes a transportation package, the measures won’t receive a hearing in the House until that body acts on education funding.