Caltrans Releases 2026 SHOPP Project List for District 4
The State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) project list for District 4 has officially dropped, and — stop the presses — California's highways still need work. Shocking, I know.
In a revelation that surprised absolutely nobody who has ever driven on I-880 during a light drizzle and watched their sedan become a kayak, the list is heavy on drainage improvements and pavement rehabilitation across the nine-county Bay Area. Notable additions include major pavement rehab on I-680 through Contra Costa County (because that stretch of road has been personally victimized by every truck in the East Bay), and drainage improvements along I-880 in Alameda County where "ponding" is just a polite way of saying "surprise lake."
The updated list reflects approximately $1.8 billion in programmed projects across the district, a number that sounds impressive until you realize that's roughly what it costs to repave three interchanges and add one retaining wall in the Bay Area.
What's Actually New
The 2026 cycle adds 14 new projects to the District 4 pipeline, with a noticeable emphasis on climate resilience — because apparently the state has finally noticed that atmospheric rivers are not, in fact, a one-time event. Several projects incorporate updated hydraulic design criteria that assume it will rain more than our infrastructure was designed for. Revolutionary thinking.
Bridge deck rehabilitation on the I-580/I-238 interchange also makes the list, which should thrill anyone who's ever crossed that structure and thought "these expansion joints seem... spirited."
Funding Breakdown
SHOPP projects are 100% state-funded through SB 1 gas tax revenues and federal formula funds, meaning no local match is required. This is one of the few times "the state is paying for it" actually means the state is paying for it, rather than the usual shell game where "state funded" means "your county's problem with extra paperwork."
The full project list is available on the Caltrans SHOPP page.