A new traffic signal is nearing completion at the corner of Sydney Avenue at Freedom Boulevard in Watsonville.
Patrice Theriot, principal engineer for the City of Watsonville, said crews are awaiting the arrival of some parts for the electrical system. The lights and adjoining hardware are largely in place.
“There is a backlog of software controls and other parts since Covid,” Theriot said. “PG&E recently replaced some wood utility poles in that area.”
The work falls under the umbrella of a major upgrade on a section of Freedom Boulevard, between Alta Vista Avenue and Green Valley Road, which is largely done.
The job included fresh asphalt, multi-modal bike lanes, new curbs, sidewalks and gutters, new ADA ramps, a bus pullout at Atkinson Lane to align two new low-income housing projects there, as well as fresh lane and crosswalk striping.
New pedestrian push-button crossing aids are also being installed along the route that features audio pedestrian signals for greater safety.
Meanwhile, as part of an ongoing task to upgrade neighborhood intersections, city crews recently installed a four-way stop sign and made additional improvements at the intersection of Hushbeck and McKenzie avenues. Stop lines, center lines and crosswalk markings were also installed.
“These changes are designed to improve traffic flow and ensure the safety of both residents and drivers,” Watsonville Police said. “While adjusting may take a bit, let’s all drive cautiously and follow the new traffic signs.”
Looking ahead, Theriot said a similar upgrade and repaving project is set for summer on Green Valley Road between Carey Avenue and Corralitos Creek.
