“This important transportation project will benefit all motorists who travel on this busy coastal highway,” said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.
The new interchange will reduce delays for up to 43,000 vehicles daily by enabling traffic on Salinas Road to cross above SR-1 instead of waiting at the intersection that was level with the highway.
The project will also enhance safety by eliminating left-turn conflicts at SR-1 and Salinas Road. In addition, two new frontage roads were constructed, improving access to the coast and local businesses.
The $31 million project received $18.5 million from Proposition 1B, a transportation bond approved by voters in November 2006. In total, nearly $15 billion in Proposition 1B funds have been distributed statewide.