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
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.
On Sunday, April 19, crews closed 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 have two detour options. One detour is heading south on Soquel Dr. and the other is 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.
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
Bridge Paving Projects in Santa Cruz County Set To Begin Tuesday May 26 With Overnight Closures
Projects to improve pavement quality on bridges and ramps on three state routes in Santa Cruz County are set to begin this Tuesday, May 26. Travelers can expect intermittent overnight work at these three locations over the next few months.
These pavement rehabilitation projects will take place on Hwy. 1 at the onramp to Hwy. 17 in Santa Cruz, on Hwy. 17 near Granite Creek Rd. in Scotts Valley, and on Hwy. 129 near Blackburn Street in Watsonville.
Travelers will encounter overnight ramp and lane closures at various locations within the project area during this pavement rehabilitation work.
The closure of a single lane on these state routes will take place intermittently Monday thru Friday from 8 pm to 6 am. No lane closures will be in effect between Friday at 6 am thru Monday at 8 pm.
Travelers may expect delays of up to 5 minutes. This project will result in a smoother safer drive for the traveling public.
The contractor for this $1 million project is Truesdell Corporation from Tempe, AZ. This project is expected to be completed by July 31, 2026.
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