Rebuilt Bean Creek Road segment looking good. (Jack Dilles/Contributed)
Good news. Scotts Valley is making headway on some significant road projects across the city. These are all vital improvements which will allow travelers to drive, cycle and walk safely through our city. Here is a list of locations where you can expect to see construction happening soon.
Emergency repair projects
• Bean Creek Road storm damage slide repair: Further out on Bean Creek Road, significant storm damage last winter still has the road down to one lane inside the city limits. We are working to get repairs done before this winter. Work will include construction of a new retaining wall below the roadway and a debris catchment system on the uphill side. We are working with FEMA and the Federal Highway Administration to fund these repairs which could top $1 million.
• Green Hills Road storm damage slide repairs: Green Hills Road suffered two slides last winter in the same location. Permanent repair work will include construction of a soil nail wall to stabilize the slope. We are working to get as much of the repairs done as possible before winter. This project also qualifies for federal reimbursement and is expected to cost more than $1 million.
Major projects
• Bean Creek Road improvements: You have probably noticed that this project is 99% complete with new pavement, improved drainage, restriping, and the installation of a four-way stop at the intersection of Bean Creek Road and Bluebonnet Lane. This project cost $950,873 and is funded by Measure D & Regional Surface Transportation Program exchange grant funds.
• Scotts Valley Drive crack seal: Crack sealing is an important preventative measure to keep our streets from deteriorating. This fall, crack seal repairs will be done on Scotts Valley Drive from Mt. Hermon Road to Glenwood Drive. The cost is $75,000, using Measure D & SB1funding.
Glenwood Drive repairs: We are currently scoping and designing improvements to Glenwood Drive for work scheduled to start in 2024. The project will include crack sealing, type-2 slurry sealing, addition of bike lanes, and restriping of Glenwood Drive from Scotts Valley Drive to K Street. The budgeted cost of $100,000 is funded by Measure D and by $1,628 raised by Scotts Valley High School graduate Mia Goericke as her senior project in 2022. Thanks Mia.
Granite Creek Road overpass improvements: The Granite Creek Overpass is our only Highway 17 overcrossing for pedestrians. The project will include repaving the asphalt surface; restriping narrow travel lanes to provide a wider shoulder and/or bike lanes; adding green treatment to bike lanes at conflict points; upgrading both intersections to create high visibility crosswalks; and replacing a failing retaining wall which will allow asphalt concrete sidewalks to meet ADA standards. This project is in the design and permitting stage, and staff is working with Caltrans. It is budgeted at $600,000 of SB1 and Regional Surface Transportation Program Exchange Grant funds, but will likely need additional funding for completion.
Mount Hermon Road corridor improvements: You may know that Mt. Hermon Road is the second most traveled roadway (not highway) in all of Santa Cruz County. This project will include improvements for pedestrians, bicycles and vehicle access and flow which are described in the city’s Alternative Transportation Plan. Signal light timing is also being analyzed for improved traffic flow and reduced emissions from idling cars. This project is currently in the study phase. The study budget is $350,000 and is funded with Transportation Development Impact Fees.
Annual maintenance priorities
Street maintenance/resurfacing: The city recently executed a contract for on-call street resurfacing work with Johnson and Co.. A list of 15 repair locations has been identified for the start of work this fall to address potholes and failed street sections. Funds are allocated over multiple years at $250,000 annually using a mix of gas tax, SB1 and Measure D funding.
These exciting projects will make our city safer, and easier to get around whether on foot, bike or in a car. While we still have more work to be done to meet our pavement management goals, these projects will make a big difference on key streets in Scotts Valley. We look forward to seeing these improvements completed and appreciate your patience driving through construction zones.
Jack Dilles is the mayor of Scotts Valley.
