THE EVOLUTION OF TRANSPORTATION PLANNING IN CALIFORNIA

The early history (in the 1930s and 1950s) of California's freeways is briefly summarized. With state-adopted freeway and expressway systems as a framework, comprehensive transportation studies continued during the decade of the 1960s. The first law to significantly affect transportation planning in California was the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1962, which required a continuing, comprehensive planning process to be carried on cooperatively by state and local communities. Concern over the adverse impacts on the environment resulting from transportation facilities determined planning in the 1970s. The need for multimodal solutions and the creation of a multimodal transportation department in 1972, as well as the emphasis on short-range regional planning and programming are noted. Bills were passed that promoted closer cooperation among cities, counties, regions, and the state in developing plans. The early 1980s were characterized by severe fiscal problems. Changes in federal planning regulations has led to changes in the roles of all agencies involved in the regional planning process. Thus, the responsibility for certification has been shifted to the state and the metropolitan planning organizations (MPO), and Caltrans is working with the MPOs. In addition to regional planning activities, Caltrans has reinstituted a statewide system planning effort to update long-range highway transportation needs. Caltrans has learned through experience that close cooperation among state, regional, and local agencies is essential.