The Latest Breaking News from Caltrans

State Route 49 Shingle Pilot: Lab tests back recycled asphalt; field cracks temper promise

Annually, the United States sends ten million tonnes of outdated asphalt shingles to landfills. In response, California launched a pilot project exploring asphalt mixes that incorporate recycled shingles. Over three years, researchers evaluated the roads' performance to determine durability and any issues. Early findings reveal variable performance levels across the…

The Times of India · Oct 11

In 2020, California repaved a highway using recycled materials, including 150,000 plastic bottles per mile; it could last 2-3 times longer than conventional asphalt

California transportation officials tested recycled pavement using plastic bottle binder. This pilot project on Highway 162 consumed approximately 150,000 plastic bottles per mile. The technology developed by TechniSoil Industrial processes old pavement with a liquid plastic polymer. This innovative method potentially reduces landfill waste and transportation pollution significantly. Officials are…

The Economic Times · Sep 15

In 2000, California packed 6,627 tons of shredded tires beneath Dixon Landing Road; the lightweight fill saved an estimated $477,000

In Milpitas, California, an innovative on-ramp has been constructed using shredded tires as a lightweight fill material. This eco-friendly approach effectively tackled the issue of unstable bay mud, curbing excessive structural settlement and minimizing construction expenses. Additionally, it alleviates the growing challenge of illegal tire disposal in the state, serving…

The Economic Times · Sep 2

Mule deer already using incomplete $20m wildlife bridge in California

Within the last few days, a camera trap caught images of three mule deer using structure for the first time

The Guardian - US · Jun 4

SF to LA in 3 hours? California explores 140 MPH buses

Caltrans found that most U.S. freeways are built for about 85 mph, so much faster buses would require major road and infrastructure upgrades

The Independent UK · May 14

Six skiers found but 10 still missing after avalanche in California

Group was skiing in snow-hit Sierra Nevadas, while winter storm brings heavy rain and floods to other parts of state

The Guardian - US · Feb 17

California's scenic Highway 1 near Big Sur reopens 3 years after damaging landslides

A 90-mile section of California’s Highway 1 along the famous Big Sur coast has finally reopened after three years of closures following a series of landslides and a roadway collapse that hampered tourism on the scenic route

The Independent UK · Jan 14

California’s Highway 1 reopens after years-long closure due to landslides

Scenic coastal throughfare from Los Angeles to San Francisco had been cut in tourism-reliant Big Sur area

The Guardian - US · Jan 14

Hackers replaced Silicon Valley crosswalks messages with Elon Musk’s voice after exposing ‘weak password,’ report says

Investigations revealed that the Caltrans system was hacked because the company did not change the passwords on the crosswalk system, despite being advised to by the manufacturers

The Independent UK · Dec 31, 2025

12 California department of transport employees held rowdy retirement with stripper and booze during work hours, report

The alleged party resulted in 10 members being served termination notices and another two being given suspension notices

The Independent UK · Jul 30, 2025