Transportation Commission Seeks Community Input for Rural Highway Safety Overhaul
By Mary Andersen
Santa Cruz County’s rural highways, critical arteries for residents and visitors alike, are poised for transformative safety upgrades led by the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC). The Highway 9/San Lorenzo Valley Complete Streets Plan (SLV Plan) from 2019 is being updated via the comprehensive Rural Highways Safety Plan (RHSP) which expands upon the previous efforts on Highway 9, to identify enhancements to make Highways 1, 9, 35, 236, 129, and 152 safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. With construction on Highway 9 set to begin this summer on many components of the SLV Plan, a pivotal public workshop is scheduled for May 20, 2025, with the SCCRTC calling on the community to help shape future critical projects.
The SLV Program to construct priority projects identified in the SLV Plan, focuses on Highway 9 and SCCRTC is currently collaborating with Caltrans to implement a range of safety enhancements, with construction starting in Felton and the SLV Schools Campus area over the next two years. This “complete streets” initiative aims to create a roadway that serves all users, incorporating pedestrian-friendly features like sidewalks and crosswalks, bicycle infrastructure such as bike lanes, and considering traffic calming measures like roundabouts and improved signage. These upgrades target high-risk areas, particularly around schools and downtown Felton, to reduce collisions and enhance accessibility for the San Lorenzo Valley community.
The RHSP, a broader effort, extends these safety goals to all non-divided rural highways in the county — Highways 1, 9, 35, 236, 129, and 152 outside city limits. Slated for completion by the end of 2025, the RHSP builds on the SLV Program by identifying and prioritizing safety improvements across these corridors, securing funding for their design and construction. The plan addresses the unique challenges of rural highways, which often lack the infrastructure of urban roads but serve as vital connectors for remote communities. By analyzing crash data and road conditions, the RHSP aims to curb fatalities and serious injuries, ensuring safer travel for all.
Brianna Goodman, Transportation Planner with the SCCRTC, manages both the SLV Program and RHSP and underscores the community’s role in these efforts. “We want to hear from folks if we have captured their lived experience of using these highways, as well as what types of enhancements they think will work best, and where and why,” she said.
This call for feedback is the focus of the upcoming Milestone 2 public workshops, with a key event on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Felton Community Hall (6191 Highway 9, Felton). This workshop will cover Highways 1, 9, 35, and 236 in North County, while a separate South County session on May 21 will address Highways 129 and 152. The Felton event is a critical opportunity for residents to engage with the RHSP’s findings and proposed solutions.
At the workshop, SCCRTC’s consultant team will present an analysis of crash patterns, highlighting trends in fatalities and serious injuries. They will also introduce potential safety enhancements, such as improved lighting, dedicated bike paths, or enhanced signage, tailored to address identified risks. The SCCRTC is eager to hear whether these proposals align with residents’ experiences and which solutions they believe will be most effective. Feedback on specific locations and additional safety factors will help refine the RHSP, ensuring it meets community needs.
With the RHSP enabling SCCRTC to access a wide range of transportation safety funding, the May 20 workshop offers a vital chance for San Lorenzo Valley and North County residents to influence prioritization of safer, more inclusive highways. Whether you navigate Highway 9 daily or cycle along Highway 35, your input can make a difference. Join the conversation at Felton Community Hall and help build a safer community here in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
For more details, including an upcoming online survey, visit the RHSP webpage at sccrtc.org/rhsp. You can also sign up for email updates at sccrtc.org/about/esubscriptions by selecting “Vision Zero” program update option.
Meeting Info
May 20, 2025
6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Felton Community Hall
6191 Highway 9, Felton
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(Photo and map courtesty of SCCRTC)
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