As the usual weekday rush-hour traffic began to build up on Highway 1 in Mid-County Wednesday afternoon, it appeared that commuters were facing yet another interminable slog on their way to their destinations.
But one thing was different.
The first pedestrians and bicyclists began to use the new overcrossing spanning Highway 1 at Chanticleer Avenue, an addition that will shorten travel time for people moving from one side of the busy highway to the other,
Erika Watson said she was “thrilled” to see the bridge open upon her first crossing, and several subsequent trips across.
“I live nearby and this is so exciting,” she said. “I can’t wait to tell my running group; we will definitely be running over this bridge from now on. This will help bring people together. As a runner, this is the perfect fit.It’s different and it’s fun.”
Watson was not alone. Joining her in maiden voyages across the bridge were parents pushing strollers, bicyclists and pedestrians walking hand-in-hand, dozens of people who previously were relegated to using the Soquel or 41st Avenue interchanges to cross over Highway 1.
The new crossing is the final component of the larger Highway 1 Auxiliary Lane and Bus-on-Shoulder Project between 41st Avenue and Soquel Drive.
According to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, the lighted, 14-foot-wide overcrossing provides a critical link between neighborhoods, schools, parks and community destinations for active transportation users.
“As RTC Chair, I am absolutely delighted with this new bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Highway 1,” said Watsonville City Councilman Eduardo Montesino. “This is an asset to all of our county, and I expect it to minimize highway traffic for South County drivers as well.”
RTC Executive Director Sarah Christensen said the bridge is a “major step forward in improving transportation safety, access, and equity in our community.”
“This bridge provides a vital connection between people, neighborhoods, and opportunities,” she said.
The overcrossing is the final component of the Highway 1 Auxiliary Lane and Bus-on-Shoulder Project between 41st Avenue and Soquel Drive to be completed.
The auxiliary lanes—which opened to vehicle traffic in April—connect the on-ramps with the next off-ramp, thereby extending the weaving and merging distance between the ramps, improving traffic operations and reducing cut-through traffic diverting to local streets and neighborhoods.
The $34 million construction component of the project was funded through a mix of local Measure D – Highway Corridor investments, RTC discretionary funds and competitive Senate Bill 1 grants.
Granite Construction of Watsonville served as the project’s contractor.
The community is invited to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration for the completion of the project on July 30 from 5:30-7pm., at West Marine Center, 2450 17th Ave. in Santa Cruz.
The event will take place in the upper parking lot next to the overcrossing. Parking is available at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, 5200 Soquel Ave. Free bike valet will also be available.
For information, visit sccrtc.org.
