Section II. Key Issues Facing Transportation
4. Maintenance Needs for the Existing Transportation Network are Increasing - Potholes Getting Bigger
Heavy winter storms and aging pavement, as well as the lack of adequate funding in recent years, have contributed to a $150 million backlog of road maintenance needs on city and county roads in Santa Cruz County. There is a significant disparity between available funds and the funds needed each year to maintain local streets and roads, including bikeways and sidewalks.
Roadway, bikeway, sidewalk, bridge and other repairs must be addressed in concert with capacity and operational enhancements. If ongoing routine maintenance needs are not addressed, the cost of deferred maintenance will grow exponentially, leaving little funding for major improvements.
