Santa Cruz County supervisors on Dec. 9 voted to accept a portion of Aptos Creek Road into the County Maintained Road System, giving the county long-term responsibility for the newly constructed segment.
The action fulfills a commitment made as part of the Aptos Village Project, which required the county to take over the stretch of roadway between Soquel Drive and 190 feet north of Aptos Village Way. The right of way for the segment was acquired in 2011.
According to county records, county staff determined the road, which serves as the primary entrance to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park as well as an access point to the Aptos Village development, has been improved to an acceptable standard.
The board’s approval triggers the process required under Section 941 of the California Streets and Highways Code for adding roads to the county’s maintained system. While accepting the road will eventually create ongoing maintenance costs, the county does not expect immediate expenses because the roadway is newly built.
Future costs will be covered through the County Road Operations Fund.
TOP PHOTO: The newly paved portion of Aptos Creek Road will now be the county’s responsibility to maintain.