Highway Construction Smooths Out a Bit

That head-rattling sensation when the car's tires hit the grinded-off asphalt may soon be over.

Caltrans is paving areas of Highway 1 between Watsonville and Aptos this week, part of the work on a 10-mile section of road that is being rehabilitated this summer.

The project, as you've likely noticed, involves both daytime and overnight work on the highway and the on and off ramps, but Caltrans workers have managed to keep traffic flowing without issue.

Crews are putting hot mix asphalt on the highway to improve rideabiity and traction. That means the entire sections of lanes that currently feel like king-sized rumble strips will be no more.

The contractor for this $12 million project is Pavex Construction, Inc. of Watsonville. The construction started in May and it's expected to finish up by the fall.