Section III. Snapshots of the Existing System and Future Projects
2. The State Highway System in Santa Cruz County
Highway System Overview
Traffic Projections 2000-2030
- Daily trips per person are projected to increase by 42%
- For work trips, single-occupant auto travel is projected to increase by 33%
- Daily vehicle miles of travel are projected to increase by 28%
- The largest increase in vehicle miles traveled are projected on freeways
- Learn more by reading the 2001-2020 Highway 1 Traffic Volume Analysis Report.
SOURCE: AMBAG Baseline 2030 Traffic Model, 2005
Ongoing Highway Maintenance and Operations
Caltrans District 5, Maintenance and Operations
Caltrans is responsible for maintaining the existing state route (highway) system. Examples of Caltrans Maintenance and Operations Division responsibilities for our region include: maintaining the roadbed and roadside, maintaining/repairing electrical devices, traffic engineering, safety, signal operations, Adopt-A-Highway program, landscape maintenance, traffic operations, traffic and pavement management.
- Cost: Approximately $2 Billion/Year Statewide
- How Funded: State and federal funds
- Completion Date: ongoing
Learn more about local Caltrans maintenance and operations projects at their website.
Examples of Recently Completed Highway System Improvements
Highway 1/ Mission St. Widening Project
This Caltrans project widened Mission St. to two lanes in each
direction and added several left turn lanes.
- Total Cost: $8.5 Million
- How Funded: State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and some local funds
- Completion Date: Spring, 2002
- For more information on this project visit the City of Santa Cruz's Redevelopment website.
Examples of Projects Underway
Highway 1/17 Interchange Merge Lanes Project
Aimed at improving safety and traffic flow through
the Highway 1/17 interchange area. Add merge lanes on Highway 1 between La
Fonda Ave.and Highway 17; and on Highway 17 between the Hwy 1/17
interchange to Pasatiempo. Modify the merge between southbound Highway 17
and Highway 1 to maintain separate lanes. Project also includes soundwalls,
landscaping, and replacement bridges. This is the biggest upgrade of the
Highway 1/17 interchange since it was built over 40 years ago.
- Cost: $59 million (Construction=$48M)
- How Funded? State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)
- Construction Schedule: Spring 2006-2009
- For more information, go to the Caltrans project website or call 888-836-0866
Examples of Unfunded or Under Funded Highway Projects
Highway 1/HOV Lane Widening Project
Project aimed at reducing congestion, encouraging carpooling, expanding express bus service, and improving safety on Highway 1 by adding a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or Carpool) lane in each direction between Morrissey Blvd. and San Andreas/Larkin Valley Rd. The addition of three new pedestrian/bike overcrossings, ramp meters, soundwalls, and auxiliary lanes are also being considered.
- Cost: Environmental Phase: $8.5 M
- HOV Lane Construction: $300-350 M
- Ramp Meters/Aux. Lanes Only: $100M
- How Funded: Federal funds
- Construction Schedule: Dependent on New Funding
- For more information: 831-460-3200 or the SCCRTC project website
Hwy. 17 at Vinehill: Safety and Operational Improvements
Project will correct road angle, lengthen turn pocket, and eliminate left turns onto Route 17 from an adjacent driveway.
- Cost: $10 million
- How Funded: Unfunded at this time
- Completion Date: Pending funding availability
Learn more about local Caltrans maintenance and operations projects at the Caltrans website.