Construction work has been completed on a major sidewalk and road repair project along Main Street (Highway 152) in Watsonville, where a chunk of land collapsed at Struve Slough.
The rupture—between Clifford Avenue and Watsonville Square where Nob Hill is located—took out a length of sidewalk, curb and gutter on the north side of Main Street, forcing officials to close the sidewalk to pedestrians.
Sarah Christensen, executive director of the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, said that since the job fell under emergency status, it was completed in “record time.”
Watsonsville City Council member Casey Clark said he was urged by residents in his district to push for completion of the project.
“It feels wonderful,” he said Wednesday during a completion ceremony. “We just increased the safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Working with Caltrans and raising the funds was a win for Watsonville. We’re so pleased to get this done.”
The $5.09 million repair, performed by Caltrans with Graniterock as the contractor, included excavation, placement of lightweight fill, paving, new sidewalks, curbs, gutters and drainage improvements. Upgraded paved trails that lead into existing slough trails were also completed.
