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Caltrans and CTC emphasize evacuation, signal restoration after Southern California wildfires; initial damage estimates near $100 million
Summary
Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission described response and recovery actions after recent Southern California wildfires, including traffic-signal restorations, debris removal, and a preliminary $100 million estimate for state highway damage; 12 Caltrans employees lost homes and a relief fund has been established.
Caltrans and the California Transportation Commission told commissioners on Jan. 30 that their agencies have mobilized extensive response and recovery work following the recent wildfires in Southern California.
Tanisha Taylor, executive director of the California Transportation Commission, opened her report by recognizing the devastation and thanking Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol and local partners for response and recovery efforts. Caltrans Director Tony Tavares described “all hands on deck” operations that staged hundreds of staff and equipment across multiple districts to support evacuations, clear debris and restore critical systems.
Caltrans crews restored more than 100 traffic signals and installed generators to power intersections; as of the latest briefing no signals were out due to power outages. Director Tavares said teams used drones to build 3-D maps of corridors for rockfall and debris assessment, inspected storm drains and debris basins, and prepositioned crews for post-fire storms. He described a “monumental task” of rebuilding infrastructure and said the most urgent priority is public safety and reopening safe access to affected areas.
The department reported an early, conservative estimate of roughly $100 million in damage to state highways and related infrastructure. That figure excludes broader community losses; Director Tavares and others repeatedly urged caution in interpreting early totals as damage assessments continue.
Caltrans said it has issued emergency contracts and increased outreach to small businesses for recovery work; four emergency contracts to small businesses were reported active. The agency also said roughly a dozen Caltrans employees lost their homes in the fires; the California Transportation Foundation launched a relief fund to accept donations to support impacted employees.
Commissioners and agency leaders stressed that climate change and extreme weather are increasing the frequency and scope of wildfire and flood risk, and that transportation planning and funding must account for evacuation routes, redundancy and resilience.
Caltrans also reported follow-on concerns: rain after fire created mudslides and localized flooding in burned watersheds, and crews continue stabilization and debris removal on multiple corridors. Officials said work will continue for months and that interagency coordination with counties, cities and federal partners is ongoing.
No final statewide damage tally or timeline for full restoration was provided; agencies said they will return to the commission with updated assessments and plans.
