Director's Corner
Caltrans rises to the challenge, safely and effectively
Toks Omishakin
Hello, team Caltrans. The past half-year has presented enormous challenges to our department, and I am proud and thankful for how we have pulled together to make the most of a difficult time.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in the United States in March, Caltrans has had to quickly and nimbly adapt to constantly evolving circumstances. First and foremost, we took immediate steps to protect our 20,000 employees. We paused non-emergency field operations so that we could develop and support safety precautions. Practically overnight, we mostly emptied our offices and embraced teleworking to the fullest extent possible.
Once those safety steps were taken, we recognized that the state’s shelter-in-place directive created an opportunity for Caltrans to more efficiently tackle big roadway projects. Traffic was down significantly. That cleared the way, almost literally, for us to complete – ahead of schedule – the Alemany deck replacement project just south of downtown San Francisco. We also were able to demolish the 60-year-old Burbank Boulevard bridge over Interstate 5 in the San Fernando Valley.
In normal times, the Alemany and Burbank projects would have seriously disrupted major urban commuter routes. Due to the unique circumstances presented by the pandemic, however, those projects’ impact on motorists was comparatively light. Alemany and Burbank are shining examples of how Caltrans has “met the moment.” We also issued temporary permits to food trucks so that they could provide truckers and other motorists with hot meals, and raised the maximum weight limit on trucks so that they could more quickly and efficiently deliver emergency medical supplies.
As we all are painfully aware, there is as yet no perfect defense against COVID-19. To those of you who have been impacted by the virus, I extend my sincerest best wishes for fast and full recoveries.
Thanks again for all your great work. Be sure to take care of yourselves. And please enjoy this edition of CT News.