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
Closure of Southbound Highway 1 Onramp at Park Avenue Begins April 19
A project to construct north and southbound auxiliary lanes and bus-on-shoulder improvements on Highway 1 between the Bay Avenue/Porter Street and State Park Drive interchanges continues this week.
On Sunday, April 19, crews will close the southbound Highway 1 onramp at Park Ave. The southbound Park Ave. onramp is scheduled to be closed for approximately six months. This is because the southbound section involves a more extensive scope of work which includes a full roadway structural replacement.
Travelers will have two detour options. One detour will be heading south on Soquel Dr. and the other will be south on McGregor Dr. where both roads lead to the southbound Highway 1 State Park Dr. onramp.
During the closure, crews will be making necessary improvements to the onramp to accommodate the bus-on-shoulder facilities.
Message and directional signs will alert travelers in advance of the areas under traffic control. Please allow for extra time for your travels through the area.
Project Background:
The contractor for this $78 million project is Granite Construction of Watsonville, CA and the project is expected to be completed by Fall of 2026. Updated project information for the improvements on Highway 1 between the Bay Ave./Porter St. and State Park Drive interchanges can be found on the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission’s website at: https://sccrtc.org/projects/streets-highways/hwy1/bayporter-statepark/
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 off ramp 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.
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.
Other Closures
Southbound Highway 1 Onramp at Buena Vista Dr. Set for Daytime Closures Starting Wednesday, April 8
Travelers will encounter intermittent daytime closures of the southbound Highway 1 onramp at Buena Vista Drive in Watsonville beginning Wednesday, April 8.
The closure will be in place Monday through Friday from 7 am to 4 pm for approximately three weeks.
A detour will be available. Travelers attempting to merge on southbound Highway 1 will be directed from the Buena Vista Dr. onramp to proceed to Ranport Rd. where they will enter southbound Highway 1 using the Airport Blvd. onramp.
During the daytime closure, crews will perform testing and maintenance following recent construction in the area.
Travelers can expect 10-minute delays. Message and directional signs will alert travelers in advance of the onramp closure.
Safety Improvement Projects Along Highway 129 and 152 in Watsonville
Caltrans crews will perform safety improvement projects in Watsonville starting Monday, March 30, which will result in daytime and overnight closures of lanes along Highway 129 and 152.
Travelers will encounter the following closures:
- Highway 129, Highway 1 to Union Street: Daytime lane closures Monday through Friday from 9 am to 3 pm and overnight lane closures Sunday through Thursday from 8 pm to 6 am.
- Highway 129, Union Street to the Salsipuedes Creek Bridge: Overnight reversing lane closures Sunday through Thursday from 8 pm to 6 am.
- Highway 152, Main Street to Lincoln Street: Daytime lane closures Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 3 pm. Overnight lane closures Sunday through Thursday from 8 pm to 6 am.
- Highway 152, Lincoln Street to Manor Blvd.: Overnight reversing lane closures Sunday through Thursday from 8 pm to 6 am.
Caltrans crews will work on repaving the roads, upgrading sidewalks and curb ramps, enhancing crosswalks, and improving guardrails, signs, and signals.
Travelers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes.
The contractor for this $6.13 million project is Teichert Construction of Sacramento, CA. The project is expected to be completed by November 1, 2026.
Subscribe to our Mailing List
Latest news and up-to-date info delivered to your inbox
Report a Hazard
Notify us of obstacles or hazards that may inhibit travel.
