North Coast Rail Trail Project Construction Updates
The RTC is currently constructing the North Coast Rail Trail Project, a 7.5-mile multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trail proposed to extend along the railroad corridor from Wilder Ranch State Park in the south to Davenport in the north in unincorporated Santa Cruz County. The project comprises the majority of Segment 5 of the larger Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail (MBSST) Network.
Construction updates, including any road or highway closures or other activities that may impact traffic, will be posted weekly.
Panther/Yellowbank Beach Parking Area to Temporarily Close for North Coast Rail Trail Construction
The informal parking area at Panther/Yellowbank Beach on Santa Cruz County’s North Coast will temporarily close beginning on Aug. 19 for approximately six months as construction of the North Coast Rail Trail and associated parking lot improvements are completed. Vehicular and pedestrian access to Panther/Yellowbank Beach from Highway 1 at this location will not be available during the closure and access from alternative locations will be limited during this time. Visitors to the area should also expect changes to traffic operations on Highway 1 in the vicinity of Panther/Yellowbank Beach.
The North Coast Rail Trail is a 7.5 -mile multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trail extending along the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line corridor from Wilder Ranch State Park in the south to Davenport in the north in unincorporated Santa Cruz County. The project comprises the majority of Coastal Rail Trail Segment 5 of the larger Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail (MBSST) Network.
In addition to constructing the new bicycle and pedestrian trail, the project includes new paved parking lots and restrooms at Panther/Yellowbank Beach and in Davenport, improved access to the parking lot at Bonny Doon Beach, and a pedestrian crossing of Highway 1 in Davenport. Construction of the North Coast Rail Trail and associated parking lot improvements began in June 2024 and is expected to be completed in March 2026.
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, in coordination with Federal Highway Administration Central Federal Lands, is implementing the North Coast Rail Trail. Project partners include California State Parks and the County of Santa Cruz. The contractor on the project is Joseph J. Albanese Inc. based in Santa Clara, California.
The project is funded through state and federal grants, Measure D, and from the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and the California Coastal Conservancy.
For more information on the North Coast Rail Trail project and construction updates, click here.
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.
