Several Santa Cruz County transportation projects are getting a major financial boost from the state.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced more than $2.5 billion in funding for more than 150 projects throughout the state. Those include efforts to improve state highway systems and public transit, as well as create new jobs.
There are several Santa Cruz County projects receiving money from the major allocation, including just over $12.5 million for a new bridge at the San Lorenzo River in Castle Rock State Park, which will replace the Waterman Gap culvert with a bridge better suited for fish passage.
Also included is a site near Watsonville just south of Buena Vista Drive that will get nearly $1.5 million to replace a failed culvert due to a sinkhole and modify drainage systems and equipment. Another project in Watsonville, on Clifford Avenue, will receive $850,000. The work involves rehabilitating damaged roadway sections including new striping, installing Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps and new bike lanes, and upgrading traffic signage.
Locals who commute to Monterey County might see some changes, too. Just outside of Santa Cruz County, $60 million is going toward a new Highway 156 interchange at Castroville Boulevard, northeast of Castroville.
The funding includes about $547 million from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and $736 million from California Senate Bill 1, also known as the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017. The other $1.1 billion is from the State Highway Account, general fund and various other state and federal programs.
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