California is strengthening its transportation system against both immediate and long-term climate threats with new tools and guidance to protect critical infrastructure statewide.
Caltrans has released its 2026 Climate Change Vulnerability Risk Assessment (CCVRA) and updated statewide Sea Level Rise guidance, demonstrating California’s commitment to science-based planning and investments in infrastructure resiliency. These distinct efforts serve a unique purpose in the state’s climate adaptation strategy and will equip the state’s Department of Transportation to prepare for potential impacts of El Niño and other extreme weather events.
While both initiatives advance California’s efforts in climate resilience, each addresses different aspects of climate adaptation for transportation infrastructure.
“By planning for extreme weather risks up front and working closely with local partners, we can protect vital connections, reduce harm to vulnerable residents and support solutions that reflect the needs and strengths of each community,” said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. “These initiatives highlight Governor Newsom’s commitment to long-term investment on the state’s transportation system to build a safer, more resilient future.”
“As climate science and conditions continue to evolve, Caltrans is using the latest tools and guidance to proactively plan for future impacts to enhance public safety and protect critical transportation infrastructure,” added Caltrans Director Dina El-Tawansy. “Our data-driven approach will strengthen resiliency across our transportation network to better protect all Californians.”
The release of updated statewide Sea Level Rise guidance ensures transportation planning and project development proactively consider climate-driven changes to coastal and nearshore environments. The updated guidance provides directions for the transportation industry to evaluate exposure to sea level rise, assess climate-related hazards, and develop appropriate adaptation strategies. It emphasizes flexible, risk-based decision-making utilizing best available science, while recognizing that project-specific decisions remain essential.
Consistent with the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure (CAPTI) 2.0’s guiding principles, the updated guidance supports statewide goals to improve safety, strengthen climate resilience, and reduce harm to vulnerable communities. CAPTI calls for transportation investments that account for physical climate risks as standard practice and emphasizes the importance of adaptation planning in both urban and rural settings.
Additionally, both the Sea Level Rise guidance and the CCVRA are elements of CAPTI 2.0, specifically Action S1.2 to implement a climate adaptation planning and delivery framework with corresponding performance targets.
Caltrans has already begun to use the CCVRA to implement climate adaptation. Over the next few months, staff will identify critical infrastructure locations with severe climate impacts. This information will be used to update the Department’s existing District Adaptation Project Investment Strategy list. Maintenance crews are completing field maintenance to prepare infrastructure for winter storms, and tools like the CCVRA can help inform crews where critical projects are needed.
For more information about transportation and other infrastructure projects funded with state and federal investments, visit build.ca.gov.
