1980s

The massive Loma Prieta Earthquake occurred on October 17, raising awareness for the need to strengthen and retrofit state highway bridges. After the earthquake, emergency transportation was greatly impacted in the Bay Area; however, Caltrans reopened the Bay Bridge in an amazing 30 days.

Caltrans established District 12 - Orange County, its 12th and final district.

California’s gas tax increased to 9 cents a gallon, the first increase since 1963.

Produced by Caltrans in 1982, the "Crash Tests with Lightweight Truck-Mounted Attenuators" video (16:13) documented the department's painstakingly detailed efforts to crash test its innovative attenuator prototypes before they were adopted as safety devices that protect both highway workers and motorists. Today's travelers can still see modern-day versions of those attenuators in work zones throughout California, however the best way to keep workers and travelers safe is to Be Work Zone Alert, slow down — and if safe to do so — Move Over, and obey the posted speed limit.

The Business and Transportation Agency was renamed the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency to better convey its broader mission.