Heading Back to School August 6? Plan Extra Time on Highway 9 in Felton
School starts Thursday, August 6 for students in the San Lorenzo Valley — and construction on the Felton Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project will continue on Highway 9 as families return to their morning routines.
What to Expect
A temporary concrete barrier currently closes one southbound lane of Highway 9 approaching Graham Hill Road/Felton Empire Road. The barrier protects crews working behind it and will remain in place through February 2027.
With back-to-school traffic returning to the corridor, drivers should plan for extra time during their commute, especially around school start and end times.
How Caltrans Is Minimizing Delays During the First Week
To keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible during the first week of school, Caltrans is taking the following steps:
- Real-time signal adjustments: Crews will be on site monitoring traffic flow and adjusting signal timing at Graham Hill/Felton Empire Road as needed.
- CHP traffic assistance: The California Highway Patrol will help guide traffic through the area.
- Advance warnings: Additional message boards will alert travelers to potential long delays and suggest alternate routes.
- Fewer competing closures: Permits for non-urgent work by maintenance crews and other parties will be temporarily postponed.
Caltrans also encourages residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary travel through the San Lorenzo Valley during school start and end hours while families settle into their routines over the first few weeks.
About the Project
Since San Lorenzo Valley High School opened in 1954, students walking to school have had to navigate the narrow shoulders of Highway 9. This project will build a sidewalk and bikeable shoulder on the southbound side of Highway 9 between the schools complex and downtown Felton — a transformative safety improvement for pedestrians and cyclists that will serve the community for generations to come.
Stay Informed
Follow Caltrans District 5 for road information and updates:
- Twitter/X: @CaltransD5
- Facebook: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5)
- Instagram/Threads: @Caltrans_D5
Photo: San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District
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