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When it comes to managing infrastructure, few agencies can match the scale and complexity of California's Department of Transportation, or Caltrans. Responsible for over 50,000 miles of highways and freeways, along with countless other transportation assets like airports and helipads, Caltrans plays a pivotal role in shaping America's transportation landscape. So when they make a tech move, it tends to send ripples across the industry.
Back in 2011, Caltrans took a bold step by replacing their aging Autodesk CAiCE software with AutoCAD Civil 3D. This wasn't just a simple upgrade; it was part of a broader global shift toward adopting Building Information Modeling (BIM) practices. By doing so, they hoped to streamline their design processes, improve collaboration, and ultimately deliver better infrastructure projects.
Fast forward to today, and Caltrans is well into its second year of rolling out AutoCAD Civil 3D. With close to 2,000 engineers and surveyors trained on the platform, the transition is gaining momentum. In fact, earlier this year, the Chief of the Division of Design signed off on a memo stating that all new projects beginning July 1, 2014, would be designed using Civil 3D. This effectively marks the end of CAiCE's era within Caltrans.
I’ve personally overseen similar transitions during my time at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, so I understand just how monumental this achievement is for Caltrans. Transitioning to new software isn’t easy—there are always hiccups along the way—but Caltrans has done an impressive job setting themselves up for success. They’ve developed custom software standards and workflows tailored specifically to their needs, ensuring compliance with unique Caltrans requirements while making life easier for both internal staff and external partners.
One standout example of what’s possible with AutoCAD Civil 3D is the 3D visualization of the Presidio Parkway in San Francisco, created by Parsons Brinckerhoff. Such visuals not only enhance communication but also allow stakeholders to better grasp complex designs before construction begins. Another great illustration comes from El Dorado County DOT’s roadway project, where Civil 3D helped optimize the design process while meeting rigorous specifications.
If you're interested in learning more about Caltrans' journey—or exploring how Autodesk solutions could benefit your own organization—I encourage you to dive deeper into these resources. Originally published on Autodesk’s BIM on the Rocks blog, this story highlights the transformative power of embracing cutting-edge tools in the world of civil engineering.
As someone who’s witnessed firsthand the challenges and rewards of modernizing transportation systems, I’m excited to see where this path takes Caltrans—and the rest of us along with them. Whether you’re involved in designing roads, bridges, or other critical infrastructure, there’s no denying the potential impact of integrating advanced technologies into everyday workflows.