Following major earthquakes, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is tasked with assessing the condition of potentially impacted bridges on the state’s highway system. The challenge lies in swiftly and accurately assessing earthquake effects on bridges for public safety. Additionally, as seismic risks extend beyond state borders, it is crucial to implement technology for information sharing among states facing seismic hazards. This includes engaging state department of transportation representatives within the broader region to enhance emergency response capabilities. Through the $1 million ShakeCast initiative, Caltrans integrates real-time earthquake data to rapidly assess potential impact on infrastructure and communities, automatically generating notifications based on predefined criteria. Users can define assets and criteria for customized impact assessments, aiding emergency managers in prioritizing response efforts and facilitating informed decision-making with intuitive visualizations. By implementing ShakeCast, state DOTs and the Federal Highway Administration have taken a proactive approach to ensure public safety and reduce economic losses due to earthquakes. It also helps state agencies expedite the deployment of responders to highly impacted areas. With quicker response time, it ensures the minimization of negative impacts on the local community/regional economy from disruption of essential services, businesses, industries, and transportation networks. Delaying response can result in high economic costs and consequences to the local communities and the affected region.
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