CalSTA, Caltrans and FHWA report falling pedestrian fatalities, broadband progress and major projects

Undersecretary James Hacker opened the staff updates with safety statistics and planning steps tied to statewide priorities.

"Report projects a preliminary 22.4 percent decrease in California pedestrian fatalities between 2024 and '25," Hacker said, adding the reduction would mean about 239 fewer pedestrian deaths (from 1,067 in 2024 to 828 in 2025) if confirmed. Hacker linked the improvement to prior corridor work and enforcement, and previewed planned Complete Streets workshops and task force deliverables later this year.

Hacker also provided an update on the state's middle‑mile broadband project (referred to in the hearing as the "bridal mile" broadband initiative), saying: "...out of the 8,137 total network miles as of July 13, ... We've permitted 82% of the network or 6,747 miles, and we have constructed just a little bit north of 50% of the network, 4,108 miles." He noted the first network customer, the Bishop Paiute Tribe, is now connected and live.

Caltrans director (virtually) and FHWA's California division administrator also reported: Caltrans described leadership transitions and emphasized infrastructure reliability efforts such as the US‑101 coastal tunnel planning and the Otay Mesa East Port of Entry milestones; FHWA noted forthcoming federal notices of funding opportunities and federal support for port projects and LA‑area Olympic preparations.

Why it matters: The pedestrian fatality trend is a key safety metric for statewide transportation planning; broadband construction and port/bridge projects have economic, equity and resiliency implications for regions across California.