By Carisa Duran, Construction Manager, County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Works
The County is in the process of making long-requested pedestrian and traffic safety improvements at the corner of Aptos Creek Road and Soquel Drive.
We’ve put together a list of common questions we have been receiving on the project and welcome further questions:
What is the general overview of the project?
This project involves the construction of a new traffic signal at the Soquel Drive and Aptos Creek Road intersection, railroad crossing warning system, video detection system at the Spreckels Drive intersection, signal upgrades and new fiber optic improvements along Soquel Drive at the State Park Drive, Aptos Rancho Road, Spreckels Drive, Aptos Creek Road, and Trout Gulch Road intersections, as well as curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements, new storm drainage facilities, asphalt concrete overlay, thermoplastic striping, and railroad track work.
What pedestrian improvements will be made?
Rendering shows features of the Soquel Drive-Aptos Creek Road project in Aptos Village.
Curb, gutter, sidewalk, and crosswalk improvements will be constructed along Aptos Creek Road and Soquel Drive. This new sidewalk will provide a continuous pedestrian path between southern Aptos Village and northern Aptos Village (Safeway plaza).
Will the signals be timed or connected to other signals?
Five traffic signals within the Aptos Village corridor are to be interconnected by fiber optic cable improvements and synchronized for traffic optimization through the corridor. Signals included are along Soquel Drive at intersections with State Park Drive, Aptos Rancho Road, Spreckels Drive, Aptos Creek Road, and Trout Gulch Road.
Will there be dedicated left turn lanes?
New dedicated left turn lanes along Soquel Drive will be constructed at the Aptos Creek Road and Parade Street intersections. A new dedicated left turn lane on Aptos Creek Road will also be constructed for traffic onto Soquel Drive.
Are bike lanes part of the project?
Bike lanes will be constructed along Soquel Drive and Aptos Creek Road. A shared lane in the westbound direction of Soquel Drive will be designated from Aptos Creek Road to the Aptos Creek Bridge due to the width constraints of the Aptos Creek Bridge.
What is the timeline for construction?
Work started the week of June 15 and is expected to continue through early November 2020.
What kind of delays can we expect during construction?
With traffic control consisting of one lane, two-way traffic with flaggers during construction operations, delay times can be up to 15 minutes. For the safety of all, caution should be exercised while moving through the construction zone, adhering to signage, and sharing the road.
Why isn’t construction being done at night to minimize delays?
Due to considerably higher project costs for nighttime construction, work is taking place during daytime hours.
How will traffic be diverted during closures?
The Aptos Creek Road railroad crossing will be temporarily closed during removal of the existing railroad crossing and construction of the new railroad crossing. Aptos Creek Road traffic will be directed to Trout Gulch Road and Aptos Village Way as a detour route.
How was this funded?
The project is funded by developer impact fees, state and local funding sources.
How can I get up-to-date information?
Project information and updates can be obtained through issued press releases and the project blog, aptosvillageimprovement.blogspot.com. Both items can be found on the County of Santa Cruz Public Works webpage, www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us.
How will this project affect drainage in the area?
Surface drainage from Aptos Creek Road and Soquel Drive will be directed into the newly constructed storm drain system. Once in the system, runoff will flow into the “Continuous Deflective Separator” manhole to separate and trap debris, trash, sediment, and hydrocarbons, improving overall water quality before entering Aptos Creek.
Who are the best contacts if I have more questions?
Here are some of the key people to contact if you have more questions:
- Cristina Crocker, Project Resident Engineer, County of Santa Cruz – Public Works [email protected]
- Carisa Duran, Construction Manager, County of Santa Cruz – Public Works [email protected]
- Nick Jouras, Project Manager, Anderson Pacific Engineering Construction, Inc. (408) 316-0351
cityofsantacruz.com/public-works