WATCH: Caltrans Explains Readying for the Next Big Earthquake in California

Have you ever wondered how Caltrans maintains those enormous and magnificent freeway interchanges and overpasses? Well, what about ensuring that they don't crumble in the next big earthquake?

With more than 12,000 bridges integrated into California's state highway system, Caltrans officials say they have put a particular emphasis on seismic retrofitting since the 1971 Sylmar earthquake – a quake which claimed 65 lives, caused $505 million in damages and collapsed freeway overpasses, according to the U.S.G.S.

In their latest addition to a video series highlighting Caltrans’ activities, the agency released a 'News Flash' on Wednesday explaining how they are ready for the next major quake.

"In this Caltrans News Flash, learn what Caltrans has done to prepare for large scale earthquakes at major interchanges and bridge structures," the agency said Wednesday. "You will also see what Caltrans does when a quake of magnitude 5.0 or larger occurs."

Watch the video below or on YouTube here.

The current Seismic Retrofit Programs have been focused on identifying and retrofitting existing bridges statewide, bringing them up to the latest seismic safety retrofit standards established to prevent collapse during future earthquakes, Caltrans says.

Image via Caltrans