On October 29th, 2013 Public Works & Utilities staff submitted applications for five projects to the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) for the 2014 Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Improvement Program.
On the week of November 11th, City staff heard that all five applications were recommended for funding.
Projects Recommended for Funding
Rail Trail - Lee RoadGrant Request: $1,040,000
Location: Along Rail line from Lee Road to Watsonville Slough Trail
Additional Information:
This part of the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail (MBSST) or Rail Trail and would benefit both bicyclists and pedestrians. It calls for construction of a 4,000-foot length of trail adjacent to the existing railroad tracks between Lee Road and a connection to the existing Watsonville Slough Trail. The Land Trust of Santa Cruz has generously committed to providing the local match for this project.
Map of location of the Lee Road Rail Trail
Rail Trail - Walker Street
Grant Request: $580,000
Location: Along Rail line from Watsonville Slough trail to Walker Street
Additional Information:
This is also part of the Rail Trail and would construct a 2,400-foot length of pedestrian and bicycle trail adjacent to the existing railroad tracks between the connection to the existing Watsonville Slough trail and Walker Street. The project cost is $750,000.
Map of location of Walker Street Rail Trail
Airport Boulevard Reconstruction Project
Grant Request: $1,450,000
Location: West of Neilson Street to Hangar Way
Additional Information:
This multi-modal project would serve motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Motorists and bicyclists would benefit from reconstruction of 1,300 feet of Airport Boulevard between the undeveloped driveway to Watsonville Community Hospital and Hangar Way.Pedestrian improvements include installation of over 3000 feet of sidewalk on the north side of Airport Boulevard between Larkin Valley Road and Aviation Way, installation of more than 1000 feet of sidewalk on the south side of Airport Boulevard and modification of the existing signals at Larkin Valley Road/Westgate Drive and Hangar Way to allow crosswalks across Airport Boulevard at these locations. Motorist, bicyclist and pedestrian safety would be improved by installation of median islands and a flashing beacon at Holm Road. The project cost is $1,500,000.
Map for location of Airport Blvd. Reconstruction Project
Sidewalk Infill Project
Grant Request: $154,000
Locations: a) Harkins Slough Road south of Ohlone Parkway
Locations: b) Main Street south of Pennsylvania Drive
Additional Information:
Installation of sidewalk at two locations where none currently exist. One would install 180 feet of sidewalk on the south side of Harkins Slough Road, east of Ohlone Parkway. The other would install 350 feet of sidewalk on the north side of Main Street between Pennsylvania Drive and Pacifica Boulevard. The project cost is $200,000
Map - location of Sidewalk Infill Project
South County Youth Bike Safety Training
Grant Request: $30,000
Location: Eight (8) Elementary & Middle Schools in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District
Additional Information:
This is a non-capitol project. It would provide "Bike Smart" school-based youth bicycle safety training and targets eight Pajaro Valley Unified School District elementary and middle schools. The program includes in-classroom and on-the bike training with a focus on teaching 5th and 6th grade students. The training would be conducted by Ecology Action. Since RTC funding agreements must be with a public agency, the City submitted the grant application on their behalf. The project cost is $35,000.
Map - School Sites for Youth Bike Safety Training
Support the addition of Rail Trails!
Find out what's happening in Watsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Contact your elected officials at 454-2200
or the Regional Transportation Comission at 460-3200 or info@sccrtc.org
Find out what's happening in Watsonvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Attend the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission Meeting where the final decision will be made on what projects they will fund
Regional Transportation Commission Meeting
Thursday, December 5, 2013
9:00 a.m.
Board of Supervisors Chambers
701 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz
Click here to download an informational flyer.
For more information, contact Nancy Lockwood, Environmental Projects Manager at 768-3103 or Principal Engineer Murray Fontes at 768-3117.
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