Proposed Toll For Key North Bay Artery Clears Hurdle

SACRAMENTO, CA — A proposed Highway 37 toll has cleared a key hurdle.

Senate Bill 1050 would create a Highway 37 toll between Sears Point and Mare Island.

SB 1050 is among two measures California lawmakers advanced that aim to fund a key traffic connection route imperiled by rising sea levels that’s already prone to flooding.

SB 1049, which would direct $1.9 billion in federal infrastructure funds to climate-adaptive transit projects including along Highway 37, is the other.

A toll could go into effect as soon as Jan. 1, 2026, but both measures still need the backing of the state Assembly and the Governor, The Press Democrat reports.

A toll has not been established, but a rate between $5 to $6 would generate an estimated $650 million over 20 years, the report said.

Both bills were authored by State Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa).

The 21-mile transportation artery that runs from Highway 101 in Marin to Interstate 80 in Solano County currently serves 40,000 motorists daily could be completely immersed within 20 years, according to Caltrans projections.

“Creating a dedicated funding stream and leveraging federal dollars is the only way we can afford these critical improvements that will keep this artery working, while reducing daily commute times,” Dodd said in a statement.

“With the highway projected to be underwater in 20 years, congestion and seasonal flooding will only get worse.”

Both measures enjoy broad support from leading business, environmentalist and transportation leaders.

“Highway 37 is a critical route that is impacted by traffic congestion, frequent flooding and the threat of sea level rise,” Solano Transportation Authority Executive Director Daryl Halls said in a statement.

“Sen. Dodd’s bill sets up a dedicated local revenue stream we can use to improve access and provide transit services to overcome these challenges and keep the highway viable for years to come.”