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1300+Bakersfield, CA — State Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) announced that nearly $1.8 million in state funding has been secured for a new pedestrian safety project in Oildale, an unincorporated community just north of Bakersfield in Kern County.
What the Funding Covers
The money will go toward the “Safe Route to School” project, which aims to make it easier and safer for children and families to walk through the Oildale area. Planned improvements include:
- Flashing traffic control beacons at uncontrolled, multi-lane crosswalks
- New warning signs to alert drivers to pedestrian crossings
- Accessible ramps to improve access for residents with disabilities
Officials say the goal is to give students clearer, more visible crossings on their way to and from school.
Senator Grove’s Statement
In a statement, Grove said parents in Oildale shouldn’t have to worry about their kids getting to school safely, framing the upgrades as a direct response to a longstanding community safety concern.
Part of a Larger Statewide Investment
The Oildale allocation is one piece of a much larger $2.7 billion package the state is directing toward more than 150 transportation projects statewide, aimed at improving roadway safety, expanding travel options, and hardening infrastructure against extreme weather.
That broader funding pool draws on nearly $1.6 billion from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, along with $542 million from Senate Bill 1, California’s 2017 road-repair measure. State officials note that transportation allocations since 2019 now total roughly $81.1 billion and have supported more than 800,000 jobs across California.
Why Pedestrian Safety Upgrades Matter
Uncontrolled, multi-lane crosswalks are among the most dangerous points for pedestrians, particularly children walking to school. Improvements like flashing beacons and better signage are commonly used, evidence-backed measures to reduce the risk of pedestrian-vehicle collisions in high-traffic residential areas.
Injured in a Pedestrian or Traffic Accident in Bakersfield?
Roadway design changes take time, and in the meantime, unsafe crossings and heavy traffic continue to put pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers at risk throughout Kern County.
If you or a loved one was struck by a motor vehicle while crossing the street or in another traffic-related incident in the surrounding area, the Bakersfield pedestrian accident attorneys at Attorney Jeff are available to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.