California Supplemental (CSE) Practice Exam

What does Caltrans primarily manage in California?

1. Water resources for agriculture

2. Air quality regulations

3. Highways and freeway lanes

4. Public health initiatives

The correct answer is: Highways and freeway lanes

Caltrans, or the California Department of Transportation, is primarily responsible for the planning, construction, and maintenance of the state's highway system. This includes managing both highways and freeway lanes, ensuring they are safe, efficient, and capable of handling the transportation needs of California's population. The agency also focuses on overall transportation infrastructure, which encompasses various aspects of roadway management, traffic control, and safety improvements. The other options pertain to areas outside Caltrans' primary focus. Water resources for agriculture are managed by agencies such as the Department of Water Resources. Air quality regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the California Air Resources Board. Public health initiatives are overseen by the California Department of Public Health. Each of these areas is critical to the state's operations but does not fall under Caltrans' main responsibilities.