The California Department of Transportation wants to know what Santa Cruz County residents want from changes to Highway 17.

Caltrans is developing a new plan for Highway 17 between Highway 1 in Santa Cruz and the Interstate 280/Interstate 880 interchange in San Jose.

The “comprehensive multimodal corridor plan” will address the corridor’s many challenges: congestion, safety, climate change and accessibility for pedestrians, transit users, bus riders and bicyclists.

The survey seeks input from those who live near and use the corridor through the Santa Cruz Mountains; it will be open through March 25.

Caltrans is also accepting comments via email at StateRoute17RA@dot.ca.gov and via voicemail at 855-925-2801, Ext. 4936.

Ashley Palma-Jimenez is a junior at UC Santa Cruz, where she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in literature. As a writer, she is passionate about telling stories that often go unrecognized, and her goal...