Seeking to address congestion, safety, climate change and accessibility for pedestrians, transit users, bus riders and bicyclists along Highway 17, Caltrans is seeking input from Santa Cruz County residents.
transportation
Capitola City Council greenlights improvements to 41st Avenue
The Capitola City Council approved plans for pavement rehabilitation and various striping and multimodal improvements to 41st Avenue at its Thursday meeting. The work is expected to cost $1.6 to $2.1 million.
Road network considered in ‘fair’ condition, but Santa Cruz County needs a lot more money just to maintain that
Santa Cruz County’s road network is in “fair” condition, according to its public works department. However, there is a large funding gap between the current budget for paving and what is needed to simply maintain conditions as the county braces for another tight budget in the upcoming fiscal year.
Carmageddon: What is a common carrier and what changes for RTC if and when it takes on that role for rail line?
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission moved to boot the operator of part of the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line and take on the “common carrier” role itself. This is mostly an administrative and bureaucratic change, but has to happen for the passenger rail or a trail over the tracks to happen.
Carmageddon: Public works exploring options for latest West Cliff erosion; public hearing for 2050 regional transportation plan
While the latest erosion on West Cliff Drive isn’t endangering public access or infrastructure, the City of Santa Cruz is still looking at ways to handle the damage in both the short and long term. Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday for its 2050 regional transportation plan.
Soquel Drive improvements headed toward end-of-year completion
A major makeover for one of Santa Cruz County’s main east-to-west arteries is nearing completion after about two years of construction, with largely technical aspects moving into final testing. The county will hold a ribbon-cutting event for the project following the completion, but it has not yet chosen a date.
Santa Cruz City Council tosses plan to build temporary path along rail line next to Murray Street Bridge
The Santa Cruz City Council voted Tuesday to scrap plans for a temporary bicycle and pedestrian path over the rail line next to Murray Street Bridge, with councilmembers pointing to too many legal and engineering obstacles, along with a lack of available funding.
Santa Cruz County public works director goes to D.C. to lobby for local transportation
Matt Machado, Santa Cruz County’s deputy executive officer and public works director, traveled with other local government leaders from across the country to Washington, D.C., last month to push for federal funding for local roads, bridges and transportation safety.
Aptos Beach Drive closure continues for emergency sewer repairs
Emergency sanitation repairs are underway on Aptos Beach Drive to fix about 60 feet of damaged sewer line, prompting a road closure between Highland Drive and Martin Drive through Friday.
Section of Coastal Rail Trail in Santa Cruz to be closed starting next week
The City of Santa Cruz plans to temporarily close part of the trail from the California/Bay entrance to the Depot Park trestle from Oct. 13 to Oct. 20 for vegetation control.

