Highway 1 Auxiliary Lane and Bus-on-Shoulder Project Construction Updates
The RTC is currently constructing the second phase of the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lanes and Bus-on-Shoulder project. Phase II from Bay Avenue/Porter Street to State Park Drive, including a new bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing at Mar Vista Drive and a replacement of the Capitola Avenue overcrossing, began construction in early 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2026. Phase I from 41st Avenue to Soquel Drive, including a new bicycle and pedestrian overcrossing at Chanticleer Avenue was completed in spring 2025.
Construction updates, including any road or highway closures or other activities that may impact traffic, will be posted weekly.
Phase 1: 41st Avenue to Soquel Drive
New Auxiliary Lanes Between 41st Avenue and Soquel Avenue/Drive and Chanticleer Bicycle & Pedestrian Overcrossing are now open
Phase 2: Bay/Porter to State Park Drive
Full Closure of McGregor Drive to Take Place on Feb. 18 & 19
A project to construct northbound and southbound auxiliary lanes and bus-on-shoulder improvements on Highway 1 will result in the full closure of McGregor Drive between Park Avenue and State Park Drive on Wednesday, Feb. 18 and Thursday, Feb. 19 from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, weather permitting.
The upcoming closure is the first of a number of closure events that will be scheduled intermittently over the next eight months, equaling approximately 25 working days. Each closure event will be two to three days long and will be scheduled and announced in advance, coordinated with local agencies, and timed to minimize impacts.
The closures are required to safely accommodate critical overhead construction operations associated with the Mar Vista Bicycle and Pedestrian Overcrossing, including lifting operations, falsework removal, and other activities that cannot safely occur while live traffic is present.
Traffic Control and Detour Plan:
- During each closure, McGregor Drive will be closed to all through traffic.
- Travelers will be detoured via Highway 1 between the Park Avenue interchange and the State Park Drive interchange.
- Local access will be maintained up to the closure points where safe and feasible.
Multiple Portable Changeable Message Signs will be placed ahead of and during the closure periods to inform travelers and direct traffic to the detour routes. Travelers and residents are advised to plan ahead, allow additional travel time, and follow posted detour signs on Highway 1 during closure periods.
Long Term Full Closure Of Southbound Highway 1 State Park Drive Off-Ramp for Soundwall Construction
Travelers will encounter a long-term full closure of the southbound Highway 1 State Park Drive offramp beginning on Monday evening, January 26 beginning at 9:00 pm.
This closure is necessary for crews to make improvements with a focus on construction of the wood and metal framework, which will be built to support construction of the Soundwall along the southbound State Park Off-ramp.
The new soundwall along the southbound State Park Drive off‑ramp requires the ramp to be closed to allow for masonry block installation and concrete pours. This work is expected to take approximately three weeks. Once the operation is complete, the ramp will be reopened to traffic.
Monday evening, January 26 through February 10, 2026
Traffic Control:
During the full southbound State Park ramp closure, travelers will be directed to exit at Park Avenue off‑ramp interchange, turn left onto Park Avenue, then turn right onto southbound Soquel Drive before rejoining State Park Drive.
Capitola Avenue Overcrossing Now Open
The new Capitola Avenue Overcrossing replaces the aging former structure and provides significantly enhanced bicycle and pedestrian facilities, creating a safe and accessible crossing for people walking and biking while maintaining vehicle access across the highway. It improves connectivity between Soquel Drive to the north and the future Coastal Rail Trail to the south, linking neighborhoods, schools, parks, beaches, transit, and nearby commercial centers.
Ribbon Cutting Invitation
The community is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration for the Capitola Avenue Overcrossing on Feb. 26, from 4:00-5:00 p.m., at 911 Capitola Avenue. More information will be posted on the RTC website soon.
Other Closures
No other major closures at this time.
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