After Nearly Seven Decades, Major Improvements Are Coming for the California Road Where James Dean Died

Interview with Paso Robles Councilmember Fred Strong

Rebuilding America’s transportation system and infrastructure remain a top-line concern. But managing higher project costs and improving road safety are at the forefront of states’ expansion efforts.

On the Central Coast of California, a national tragedy long ago pointed to the need to reconstruct more narrow rural roads and address potentially dangerous features.

California’s push to improve portions of State Route 46, from a two-lane to a four-lane divided expressway, and save lives were in part propelled because of the death of actor James Dean 68 years ago on a stretch of road where his Porsche crashed.

Improving Safety Requires Local, State & Federal Funding

The 2021-passed bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was a recognition that the status quo, of flatlined federal infrastructure investment and outdated transportation systems, cannot continue.

However, raising state funding and getting federal money to states and localities can be the more challenging part. Increased costs and delays can affect project programming. State and local officials must continually plan, advocate and identify funding to improve regional transportation networks.

“Safety and saving lives is what it’s all about,” says Paso Robles Councilmember Fred Strong in the latest No Time For Delays podcast. Paso Robles is located in San Luis Obispo County, a burgeoning region that links parts of the sprawling state.

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