The funds won’t be released until early next year, but the transportation department is looking at ways to expedite processes so work can begin within four months of receipt.

Over a dozen engineering projects designed to make it safer for students to walk or bike to and from Hawaiʻi schools will receive an $8 million boost from a special fund as the state seeks to reverse a heavy dependence on vehicles for school travel.

The planned improvements focus on basic infrastructure needs such as raised crosswalks, curb extensions, lighting, gutter cleaning, drainage and sidewalks that connect residential neighborhoods to local schools statewide.

The ultimate goal of the Safe Routes to Schools fund is to get more kids out of cars and onto safe and comfortable pedestrian and bike paths within

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