California Infrastructure, Explained
A curated library of explainers covering the policies, processes, and technical topics that shape California's civil infrastructure.
Transportation
- How Caltrans project delivery works
- Understanding SHOPP vs STIP funding
- What is a Project Study Report (PSR)?
- Complete Streets and Active Transportation 101
- California's high-speed rail: Timeline and status
- How toll and managed lanes work
- Environmental review for transportation projects (NEPA/CEQA)
Water Resources
- Where does California's water come from?
- Water rights 101
- The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA)
- The Delta Conveyance Project explained
- California's State Water Project overview
- Flood control planning in California
- Atmospheric rivers: What they mean for California
- Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO)
Environmental
- CEQA: The basics every engineer should know
- What is a biological opinion?
- Water quality regulation primer
- PFAS contamination: What it means for infrastructure
- Stormwater permitting for construction projects
- Habitat mitigation and environmental banking
Geotechnical
- California's seismic hazard zones explained
- Liquefaction 101: What it is and where it matters
- Alquist-Priolo Act and fault zone regulations
- Ground improvement methods for California soils
- Slope stability and landslide risk in California
Structural
- How California inspects its bridges
- Seismic retrofit standards for bridges
- Understanding Caltrans Bridge Design Specifications
- California Building Code: Seismic provisions overview
- Post-earthquake bridge assessment procedures