Mission

The Deployment Central Branch works with project managers in the implementation of transportation research and innovation including products and services that improve the efficiency, safety, and security of the transportation system and that support the Department’s strategic goals.

Deployment planning should be included in the research process from beginning to end and should not be thought of as something that occurs once the research project is completed.  It should be considered and occur from Stage 1, Concept Stage and Proposal Development, through the final Stage 5, Full Corporate Deployment. 

The Caltrans Five Stages of Research describe the common elements included in each of the stages.  Caltrans deployment implies a relatively broad view, rather than single pilot, demonstration, or incidental use of the innovation . Caltrans views deployment as an integral component throughout the research process.

Background

Transportation research has the potential to provide solutions to critical and long-standing problems. Through applying the knowledge gained and putting into practice the innovations developed through research, we can help solve many of these problems. Research activities can also be a means to increase the value of the transportation system’s assets, enable better stewardship of the resources required to accomplish the tasks at hand, and enhance the safety of the infrastructure and its operations.

With this investment in research, it is critical to systematically put into practice deployment-oriented research strategies . Consider that without a plan to deploy innovations or a marketing strategy, labor, equipment, materials and other physicals costs can multiply rapidly. Additionally, the costs are even greater for not realizing the full benefits of the innovations, and not having an efficient capability to share best practices.

Deployed Projects and Future Deployment

Below are links to projects that have been implemented or are currently being implemented for the traveling public, sorted by functional area.