City of Watsonville Breaks Ground on School Route Safety Project

WATSONVILLE — City officials broke ground Oct. 29 on an $11.7 million project to improve walking and bicycling routes to Pajaro Valley High School and other local schools.

The Safer Access to Pajaro Valley High School & Beyond Project will widen the Harkins Slough Road overpass above Highway 1 to add bicycle lanes and a wider sidewalk separated from vehicle traffic.

Other improvements include separated bike lanes along Green Valley Road, accessible curb ramps at seven schools, high-visibility crosswalks and relocation of a sewer line serving Pajaro Valley High School.

The project is funded by a state Active Transportation Program grant awarded in 2020 and follows years of planning and coordination with Caltrans and regional partners.

“Every student deserves a safe way to get to and from school, and this project is an important investment in their safety,” City Manager Tamara Vides said in a news release.

Granite Construction will lead construction, which is expected to continue over the next year. The city urged drivers and residents to use caution near the work zone.